Handshakes, hugs, kisses... All of these harmless everyday gestures can transmit diseases, including the common cold. Between repeated nose blowing, irritating nasal secretions, and dry winter air, your skin can quickly become red, sensitive, and painful. But with the proper beauty treatments, you can remedy that!
The common cold is a very common viral infection that affects not only your upper respiratory tract (nose, nasal passages, throat, and trachea), but also the health of your skin, particularly the skin on your face. Colds have a wide range of symptoms, many of which can cause a great deal of discomfort to your skin.
Colds can cause a variety of symptoms. They can sometimes be confused with the symptoms of the flu, or even COVID-19. Here are the main ones:
The Brunet team has put together a handy table with symptoms and treatments for the flu and COVID-19. You can use it to identify which virus you’re likely to have and find the appropriate treatments.
Did you know? According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, adults in Canada catch an average of 2 to 5 colds a year, while children can have up to 6 a year.
When you have a cold, your skin is subjected to multiple different factors that can damage its protective barrier. Each factor requires a targeted solution.
Frequent nose-blowing creates mechanical friction that gradually damages the surface layer of the epidermis. Nasal secretions, which are rich in enzymes and inflammatory substances, have an acidic pH that can eat away at the delicate skin around the nose.
Cold outdoor temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing the skin’s natural hydration. At the same time, warm indoor air can cause your already fragile skin to lose even more moisture. This combination of factors creates the perfect conditions for redness, tightness, and chapping.
Tip: We recommend keeping the humidity level above 50% in your home. Humidifiers can prevent dry skin and ease cold symptoms.
When you’re ill, your immune system mobilizes its resources to fight the infection, which can temporarily prevent your skin from repairing itself effectively. This is why it’s important to apply hydrating and repairing products.
Certain areas of your face are particularly vulnerable during a cold. The contour of the nose is the area most affected by constant contact with tissues. The skin becomes red and sensitive to the touch, and may even develop small, painful cracks.
Lips also suffer, as they naturally lack sebaceous glands and quickly become dehydrated. Breathing through the mouth when the nose is congested accentuates this dryness. To remedy this, use a moisturizing lip balm.
Puffiness and dark circles may appear under your eyes as a result of the general inflammation and lack of sleep often associated with colds.
In short, when you have a cold, your entire face feels the consequences. That’s why it’s essential to keep your skin well moisturized. By the way, do you know the difference between dry and dehydrated skin? They’re two different problems that require two different solutions. Learn more in our article.
Tip: If your skin suddenly becomes sensitive for no apparent reason, it’s important to consult your pharmacist or health care professional to identify the cause and receive the appropriate care.
An irritated nose requires a gentle touch. Here’s how to effectively prevent and relieve irritation.
Choose soft tissues enriched with moisturizers such as aloe or vitamin E. These tissues limit friction and bring a little comfort to your skin.
Blow your nose gently, one nostril at a time, without rubbing vigorously. After each blow, gently dab rather than wiping your nose. Nasal hydration with saline solution can also reduce the production of irritating secretions while clearing your airways.
Remember to humidify the air in your bedroom with a humidifier, especially at night. A humidity level of 40% to 50% helps keep your mucous membranes and skin hydrated.
When you have a cold, it’s not just the skin on your nose that’s irritated. Other areas are also sensitive to nose blowing and cold air. Here are a few tips on how to treat these equally important areas of the skin.
Our lips lack sebaceous glands, which means they can quickly become dehydrated when we’re sick. Regularly apply a nourishing lip balm with shea butter, beeswax, or vegetable oils to protect your lips. Reapply after each meal, before bedtime and especially before going outdoors in winter. But even in the summer, it’s important to moisturize your lips!
Tip: Avoid wetting your lips with your tongue, as saliva aggravates dryness. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body—including your lips—from the inside out.
The undereye is a particularly delicate area that reacts quickly to lack of sleep and inflammation caused by colds. To reduce puffiness and dark circles, apply cool (not icy) compresses to your closed eyelids for a few minutes. You can also apply them just before going to bed to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Tip: Apply a product formulated for the undereye, patting gently with fingertips to stimulate microcirculation.
Your Brunet cosmetician can help you find everything you need to protect your complexion from the effects of a cold.
Once your cold has passed, your skin needs to regain its natural balance and radiance.
While most cold-related irritation resolves with at-home care, some issues require professional attention.
You can count on your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist to take care of your irritated skin. Our specialists can recommend products suited to your skin type and the severity of irritation (taking into account any allergies or sensitivities you may have), as well as assess your symptoms to determine whether they require medical consultation. Don’t hesitate to ask us for advice—that’s why we’re here!
The Brunet newsletter is beauty tips and promotions just for you, all year round.
You may change the store at any time.