Consider petroleum jelly your new BFF
A runny nose can definitely cause sore raw skin, which makes it extra important to prevent damage by providing a protective layer to the skin barrier, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD.
"The best thing is to prevent damage to your skin in the first place by providing a skin barrier (protective layer) to protect your vulnerable skin during your cold," Dr. Murphy-Rose tells TotalBeauty. "Petroleum jelly or Aquaphor are excellent emollients to apply." She advises using your fingers to dab a small drop of ointment under the nose, and inside the nostrils to lightly protect your skin. Also, for more severe cases, she recommends using topical hydrocortisone cream to alleviate irritation.
Increase your fluid intake
Since any illness — including a cold — can leave your skin dehydrated, you've got to drink your water. "Hydrating from the inside and outside is the best way to recover," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "Increase your fluid intake by drinking plenty of fluids during and after a cold virus."
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Don't rub your skin
Be gentle on your poor, stuffy nose! "Each time we rub a tissue on that redness-prone zone, we increase the damage," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep, MD. "With that said, try not to rub that skin too hard, and use softer tissues (with lotion embedded inside) if this cold is going to go on for a while."
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Treat acne with caution
While it may be tempting to use high-strength acne products when you are battling pimples, and recovering a cold, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tsippoora Shainhouse, MD, says it's important to treat acne with caution during this period of time, as the skin may be fragile and inflamed.
"Use your regular acne wash and topical acne meds on the affected areas, but try to baby the rest of your dehydrated, inflamed skin with some gentle products and non-comedogenic moisturizers," says Shainhouse. "As you get back into your regular skin care routine, your skin should bounce back to business as usual, so try to be patient in the meantime."
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Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and ceramides are your friends
Look For Products That Contain Hyaluronic Acid, Dimethicone, and Ceramides
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD, says getting your skin back from a nasty cold starts with providing the skin with moisturizing ingredients — like, for example, hyaluronic acid.
"Hyaluronic acid is probably one of the most hydrating skincare ingredients out there, as it holds up to one thousand times its weight in water," Dr. Pierre explains. "This ingredient also contains a light consistency, and actually helps restore moisture to the skin, rather than just trapping the amount you currently have."
If the hyaluronic acid isn't enough, he also suggests adding ingredients such as dimethicone and ceramides. Ceramides, which he describes as lipids that can help repair the skin barrier, are especially key, since they help the skin to retain moisture, while also protecting against irritants.
