Most of us succumb to a nasty bout of the flu at least once a year and it can take a huge toll on your body – and skin – if you fail to look after yourself properly. Here are easy ways to make sure your skin stays in good condition.
Showering
Steam is great for clearing congestion, so a hot shower can make you feel a lot better. But this heat can also dry out your skin, so it’s important to moisturise well once you hop out. Try to shower no more than once a day and skip soaps that are designed to strip the skin of grease, making it even drier.
Stay hydrated
We should be drinking plenty of water all the time, but when you’re ill, it’s even more crucial that you stay hydrated. If the idea of drinking cold water when you aren’t well leaves you, well, cold, drink boiled water that has cooled down a bit, with a slice of lemon (and maybe even some fresh ginger), to make sure that you get enough fluids.
Be bland
Sometimes when we feel sick we overcompensate by trying to smell better than we feel, at least. But this is not a good idea. Fragrances can irritate a sensitive nose, so avoid wearing heavy scents until you’ve recovered. Also avoid perfumed lotions and face creams, and stick to fragrance-free products instead.
No retinoids
Colds and flu have a tendency to leave our skin feeling parched so, while it’s important to moisturise often, rather lay off the anti-ageing products for a while. These formulas often contain retinoids, which are known to help fight the clock but are also quite drying – not what your skin needs at this time.
Be nosy
Our noses probably suffer the most when we’re ill. So something you should have at your disposal, whether you are in bed or out and about, is a rich, fragrance-free moisturiser to dab on often throughout the day. Also opt for tissues that contain lotion, as they’re more gentle on your nostrils.
Get well soon!