Cold, Flus & Allergies – You don’t have to LOOK under the weather too

Winter weather already takes a toll on our skin, and having a bright red nose from a cold is not the glow I’m after. You may luck out and survive this season without falling victim to the flu, but if you do catch a bug or allergies are getting the best of you, there are a few things you can do to feel and look your best when you are under the weather.

The most important thing you can do is to stay hydrated! Winter is already a dry time for your skin and lips, but cold symptoms make that even worse. Drink more liquids than usual. Water is best, but juices are good too and contain vitamins that help your body recover.

Also, cut back on exfoliating products. You are already dry, so you should be more gentle with your skin.

Red Nose Relief

Here’s how to minimize the redness:

• Use unscented facial tissue. Choosing a brand with added moisturizer or aloe may help, but avoid those that have a scent. Fragrance can irritate skin that may already be inflamed. Old-school cloth handkerchiefs are great for fighting red, chapped noses, as long as you don’t mind washing them frequently.
• Moisturize. Make sure you use a mild, hydrating facial cleanser followed by a moisturizer or cream, depending on how dry your skin is, during cold and flu season. Pay special attention to the areas that get the most irritated from cold symptoms and a runny nose, especially the delicate skin between your nose and upper lip.
• Ease nostril irritation. You can use a clean cotton swab to gently and lightly apply a petroleum-based product, such as Vaseline, to the inside rim of your nostrils if they are very irritated.
• Use a liquid foundation. I think avoiding makeup is best when your skin is irritated, but if you must wear it, use a liquid or cream foundation over your moisturizer. Powder is drying. Green-toned concealer can be dabbed on red areas before your regular foundation to neutralize redness.

Dry, chapped lips

• Again, drink lots of fluids. Water should be your staple, but any fluid will do,
• Do not lick your lips. Licking them just dries them out more, so try to avoid that.
• Use a lip balm. Apply lip balm generously and often. The brand is up to you —Vaseline Intensive Care , Carmex in the tube are good. I like Burt’s Bees also, as some come tinted. See below for a couple of my other favorites.
• Use a moisturizing lipstick. Once you have lip balm in place, double the soothing with a lipstick that offers moisturizing properties.

A little pampering is all any of us wants when we are sniffling through a runny nose and drying cold symptoms — so remember to give your skin a little pampering, too. You’ll look and feel better.