Have you ever wondered why your skin feels sore when you’re sick? It’s bad enough that you’re miserable and barely functioning, but when the time comes to do your skincare, you’re faced with skin that’s dry, irritated, and sensitive to even the slightest touch. Not only that, but your usual products fail to work their magic. This situation can make your skin look and feel dull, blotchy, and reactive, and leave you wondering, “What’s going on?”
When we’re sick, skin sensitivity can arise from various factors, including body aches, dehydration, and an activated immune system. When your body fights an infection, it triggers the release of small proteins called cytokines. These proteins trigger inflammation, which acts as a defense mechanism by isolating the infection, preventing its spread, and activating white blood cells.
Inflammation can extend to your skin, making it more sensitive and prone to irritation. Moreover, during illness, your body prioritizes combating the infection over maintaining skin health, potentially weakening your skin’s natural barrier. This can lead to increased sensitivity to environmental factors, dehydration, and irritation from everyday products. Dehydration can cause skin to feel dry and irritable, while body aches resulting from inflammation and muscle tension can increase sensitivity to touch.
Skincare Tips for When You’re Sick
So, what can you do to help your skin recover when you’re under the weather?
Stay Hydrated: You already know that staying hydrated is essential when you’re feeling unwell. Drinking extra fluids helps your body fight off illness and helps you recover faster. But that extra hydration can help your skin feel better, too. Hydration strengthens your skin’s natural barrier and improves its resilience, which is especially important at a time when your body is in battle mode. Help your body’s natural defenses by giving it the extra attention it needs to keep fighting the good fight.
Minimize Your Routine: When you’re sick, you may feel inclined to elevate your self-care routine and enjoy some extra pampering. While that’s typically a great idea, try not to deviate too far from your usual skincare regimen. You might feel compelled to layer on more products, but an overly complex or aggressive routine can hinder your skin’s recovery. Stick to the essentials: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, and a quality moisturizer.
Protect Your Skin: When your skin is particularly sensitive, you want to do everything possible to shield it. This means using products that contain barrier-boosting ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Avoid intense exfoliation and strong actives (like AHAs and retinol), and be sure to protect your skin during the day with sunscreen. In addition, be sure that the products you’re using are fragrance-free to avoid further irritation.