Believe it or not, the viruses that threaten us this time of year have a significant impact on your skin. We'll reveal how to identify them and how to remedy them.
Since mid-December, with a clear peak around Christmas, viruses have been stalking us. It's not uncommon to hear cousins, neighbors, friends, and coworkers commenting on how ill they feel. There are so many common symptoms that few can identify whether they have the flu or another virus. In addition to the discomfort this situation causes, all of this has a significant impact on your skin. Much more than you thought. According to experts, it's common to find your skin somewhat unbalanced. What are the most common symptoms, how can we identify them, and, most importantly, how can we alleviate them?
More pimples
When you're experiencing a cold, it's common to experience breakouts of pimples. "The toxins present in the body and excessive sweating due to fever promote the presence of oil and bacteria on the skin's surface, which is the perfect breeding ground for infectious dermal processes like pimple outbreaks," explains Daniel JimĂ©nez, cosmetologist and technical director of Skin Generics and CEO of BeLab Services .Â
That's why, even if we feel unwell, when we go to shower, "it's a good idea to cleanse our face well and we'll benefit greatly from applying cosmetics rich in hydroxy acids such as glycolic or salicylic acids, which will help exfoliate and regulate sebum and help us avoid those dreaded pimples ," says the expert.
More sensitive skin
When you're feeling unwell, your body is in full alert mode, and this can cause certain imbalances at the skin level. “All this discomfort and the focus on recovery causes the body to focus its efforts where they are most needed, and this often affects the skin, because it is not a priority for our immune system,” says Daniel Jiménez. “It is common to see more sensitive, reddened, and even peeling skin,” he adds. This occurs for two main reasons. “First, due to the alteration occurring in the body itself and the proliferation of bacteria internally, but also externally, for example, due to sweating. Second, due to the constant rubbing of scarves, which can weaken the skin's barrier function and irritate, especially, the lips and nose,” the expert maintains.
The solutions
The solution involves three different steps: "We must exfoliate, moisturize well, and repair the barrier function. This will help regulate sebum production, maintain moisture levels, and allow the skin to remain hydrated, but without excess oil and with a more even appearance." Similarly, "pre- or probiotic-type formulas will promote the skin's good bacteria to prevent blemishes," suggests the expert. What are the best formulas for this?
Exfoliating formulas
- Skin Generics Anti-Blemish Cleanser with Glycolic Acid. $9.95 at Skingenerics.com
- ID Skin Identity 2% PHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliating Serum.. €9.95 at Skingenerics.com
Moisturizing cosmetics
- Skin Generics Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum. €22.95 at Skingenerics.com
- Skin Generics Hyaluronic Acid Lip Treatment. €7.99 at Skingenerics.com
Repair products
- Bifida Ferment Serum 3% from ID Skin Identity. €9.95 at Skingenerics.com
- Cellular Regeneration Cream with Vitamin F + Retinol by Skin Generics. $32.95 at Skingenerics.com