It's that time of the year again. If you're feeling under the weather with a cold or flu, taking care of your overall health is paramount. But while you focus on rest and recovery, it's important not to neglect your skin (we know, it's so easy to let your skincare routine slip!). But, being unwell can take a toll on your complexion, with signs of dull, dehydrated and sensitive skin showing up. So, let's look at some easy and effective ways to keep your skin looking its best, no matter how you're feeling on the inside.
Hydrate inside and out
This should go without saying, but here's your reminder! Staying hydrated is crucial for both your overall health, and your skin. Drink plenty of fluids like water with electrolytes, herbal tea and clear soups to keep your body and your skin hydrated. Don't forget to use a hydrating moisturiser morning and evening to replenish moisture in your skin, especially to combat any dryness or redness you may be experiencing. We're imagining red noses from tissues here!
Keep your routine simple
Less is more and we know you don’t have the energy for a 10-step skincare routine, especially while you’re unwell. Because your skin is likely dry and dehydrated, keep potent actives like AHAs, BHAs, retinol or vitamin C at bay until you recover, and avoid using exfoliating products too. Focus on nourishing your skin so you can restore it to its balanced, hydrated self! We recommend a super easy routine including a cleanser, toner and moisturiser.
We recommend Clarity: Nourishing Dual-Phase Cleanser, Harmony: Radiance Boosting Toner and either Sol: Hydrating Gel Moisturiser, The Limelight: Brightening Probiotic Lotion, or, Luna Vitality: Restoring Moisture Cream, depending on your skin type.
Protect your lips
Having a cold or flu often leads to chapped and dry lips. And chapped lips are the worst! Combat chapped and dry lips by regularly applying a nourishing lip treatment. Look for humectant ingredients like macadamia butter and coconut oil to actually maintain moisture in your lips. We recommend Luscious: Conditioning Lip Treatment
Heal a red or chapped nose
If you’re looking at a large pile of used tissues on your floor, the skin on your nose is probably paying the price with the likes of redness, dry and flaky skin (chapping). You’ll want to slather a nourishing moisturiser that’s infused with lipid-rich oils such as jojoba oil that is both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial too. We recommend Luna Vitality: Restoring Moisture Cream
Try a soothing face mask
If you're feeling up to it, treat yourself to a soothing face mask. A mask like Luminosity: Brightening Probiotic Mask can help to brighten up a dull-looking complexion, while soothing redness and irritation too. We recommend popping it in the fridge quickly to cool it down before applying - you'll be in heaven!
Rest and recover
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your skin's health while you're feeling unwell, is to prioritise rest and sleep. Forget work emails, skip the heavy workouts, and allow your body time to rest and recover. The sooner you embrace recovery mode, the better!
And there you have it. Taking care of your skin while you're unwell doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it involves a whole lot less effort than before! Embrace simplicity, pop on a mask if you're feeling up to it, nourish your lips and nose, and put simply; relax. You know the drill – drink plenty of fluids and loads of soothing tea, eat nourishing fruits and veggies and get some vitamin and mineral supplements into you as needed. Feel better soon!
