Cold and flu season has officially arrived, and unfortunately your skin usually doesn't get a free pass if you're feeling under the weather. Between constantly blowing your nose, getting less sleep, and spending your days curled up under a blanket, your complexion might start looking just as tired and run down as you feel. We're talking dryness, irritation, dullness, and the uncomfortable raw, flaky skin around your nose that makes being sick even more annoying.
Giving your skin a little extra TLC and taking a break from certain products while sick can make a big difference. Let's talk about how to care for your skin during cold and flu season, what you should probably avoid, and how to bring your glow back once you're finally feeling like yourself again.
Why Does Your Skin Look Worse When You're Sick?
Have you ever looked in the mirror after a few days of being sick and wondered why your skin suddenly looks so dull and lifeless? There's actually a reason for that, believe it or not.
When your body is fighting an illness, your immune system is working overtime. Inflammation, disrupted sleep, changes in hydration, and even certain medications can influence the way your skin looks and feels. If you've been dealing with a high fever, sweating, or simply haven't been drinking enough water, your skin may also feel more dehydrated than usual.
Sleep plays a pretty big role here, too. Your skin routinely relies on adequate rest to support its cell renewal processes, so a few nights of tossing, turning, and coughing can leave your complexion looking a bit less refreshed.
You might notice your skin feeling tighter, looking duller, or showing fine lines more prominently when you're dehydrated. This doesn't necessarily mean your skin has suddenly changed types or that your favorite products have stopped working. Sometimes, your skin just needs more support through the recovery process.
Why Does the Skin Around Your Nose Get So Dry and Irritated?
If there's one skincare struggle almost everyone can relate to during cold season, it's that painful dry, sometimes raw skin around the nose.
When you're constantly reaching for tissues, the repeated friction can disrupt your skin's protective barrier. That barrier helps your skin retain moisture and protects it against outside irritants. Meaning, when it becomes compromised, you're more likely to experience redness, flaking, tenderness, and sometimes even small cracks.
Add in a runny nose and it can make things worse because moisture, mucus, and frequent wiping will repeatedly irritate the same delicate area.
To help prevent sore skin around your nose from tissues, try switching to softer, fragrance free tissues and gently blotting instead of rough rubbing whenever possible.
After blowing your nose, apply a thin layer of a fragrance free barrier ointment, like plain petroleum jelly, to the irritated skin around your nostrils. This will help to reduce moisture loss and creates a protective layer against any additional friction.
And as tempting as it might be, try to avoid picking at those little flakes! Peeling them or removing them prematurely can leave that skin even more irritated and uncomfortable.
Skincare Steps You Should Pause While You're Feeling Unwell
When you're sick, your skincare routine should be the least stressful part of your day. This is also definitely not the time to try out that new exfoliating serum you've been curious about.
If your skin feels sensitive, dry, or irritated, consider temporarily stepping away from stronger active ingredients, including retinoids, exfoliating acids, and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can be super beneficial in your normal routine, but they could increase discomfort if your skin barrier is already struggling.
Physical exfoliation is another step that's worth skipping, especially around your nose and mouth. While exfoliation is great at removing dead skin cells and improving texture, scrubbing already irritated skin can make redness and flaking worse.
The same goes for intensive skincare treatments. If you're feeling exhausted, feverish, or generally unwell, there's really no need to push through your usual beauty routine.
Instead, focus on three simple steps: gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and daily sun protection when you're exposed to UV rays. (Yes, you still need SPF during the winter!)
Choose a mild, non stripping cleanser and avoid washing your face with hot water, which can contribute to dryness. Follow with a moisturizer that supports your skin barrier, and give yourself full permission to keep things simple.
How to Rehydrate Your Skin After a Fever or Illness
Once your fever has passed and you're starting to feel better, you might notice that your skin still feels unusually tight or dehydrated.
Fever, sweating, and reduced fluid intake can contribute to dehydration, while indoor heating and dry seasonal air may increase moisture loss from the skin's surface.
Start by focusing on hydration in your body from the inside out. Drinking enough fluids and returning to normal, healthy eating habits can help your body recover from illness-related fluid loss.
In your skincare routine, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol. These ingredients help attract and retain moisture within the skin, making them especially helpful when your complexion feels tight or uncomfortable.
Ceramides are another great ingredient to keep an eye out for. Ceramides are naturally found in the skin barrier and help support its ability to grab onto moisture.
One of my favorite tips for extra hydration is to apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp post cleansing. This extra boost can help reduce water loss and leave your skin feeling softer and more comfortable.
If your skin is particularly dry, you might want to consider switching to a slightly richer moisturizer at night. You don't need an entirely new routine, just a little more hydration and protection than usual!
Bringing Your Glow Back After Being Sick
You're finally feeling better, your energy is coming back, and now you're ready for your skin to catch up. We get it!
Skin appearing dull after being sick is common, especially if you've been sleeping poorly, experiencing dehydration, or skipping your usual skincare routine. And the first step to glowing again is giving your skin time to recover! Continue to use gentle, hydrating products until any redness, tenderness, or flaking has subsided.
Once your skin feels comfortable again, you can slowly start to reintroduce your usual active ingredients and exfoliating treatments. Remember to start gradually rather than jumping straight back into your entire routine.
You can also bring back your favorite skincare devices when you're feeling well enough and your skin feels no longer irritated, following each device's instructions and precautions! A gentle facial massage or your usual cleansing routine could be just what you need to feel a little more refreshed.
And don't underestimate the basics! Getting yourself back into a consistent sleep schedule, eating balanced meals, drinking enough water, and protecting your skin from the sun can all support a healthier looking complexion.
Give Your Skin a Little Grace This Season
Cold and flu season isn't exactly glamorous, and sometimes your skin might reflect that. But noticing a few days of dryness, irritation, or dullness doesn't mean you've lost all your skincare progress.
The best approach to skincare while unwell is keeping things gentle, focusing on hydration, and allowing your skin time to recover alongside the rest of your body.
So grab your soft tissues, keep your moisturizer nearby, and don't feel guilty about simplifying your routine for a few days. Your skin doesn't need a complicated 10-step routine while you're recovering. Sometimes, a little extra moisture, plenty of rest, and patience are exactly what it needs.
Your glow will be waiting for you when you're feeling better!
