Flu season is afoot and even the most frequent hand washers are in year-round danger from lurking airborne viruses and allergens. While internal medicine is the top priority for illness prevention and faster recoveries, the suffering of our largest organ is often overlooked. Being sick means dehydrated, flaky, irritated, inflamed, dull, sensitive skin that not only makes you look worse but makes you feel worse. Battling a cold or flu is strenuous enough, but after a bit of trial and effort, I've devised some useful tips for still looking alive while feeling six feet under.

Water, Green Tea, and Other Fluids

This is a given. You should already be drinking plenty of water when you're in good health but it's time to double up when you're sick. Green tea is great for reducing inflammation and calming the skin along with a healthy dose of antioxidants. Peppermint, chrysanthemum and chamomille teas can also give you a boost. Feel free to add honey, lemon, ginger, or turmeric to hot teas for added benefits. Turn to broths for a more savory option, especially if you're experiencing a lack of appetite. 

Multivitamins

Make sure to find natural/organic multivitamins that aren't made with fillers. No use in choking down a pill filled with useless dust. Gummy vitamins are made with sugar which can trigger acne in most people so yes, try to get the kind you have to swallow. These are available for vegetarians and vegans as well as for specific needs like women's health, digestion, clear skin, etc. 

Extra Moisturizer

No matter your skin type, your skin will become dry and flaky during illness due to your body's focus on attacking whatever virus or bacteria you've contracted with full force, depleting you of fluids and nutrients that normally keep skin plump and fresh. It might be a good idea to either slap on an extra layer of moisturizer, break out your thicker winter moisturizer, or use a sleeping mask each night until the sickness subsides. I personally like the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide one. 

Ginseng

Korean red ginseng especially can help reverse signs of aging and promote longevity so finding a supplement or drink pouch with this antioxidant-rich herb would be ideal.

Menthol

Rubbing menthol on your chest alleviates your ability to breathe through your nose which helps you blow your nose less.

Gentle Nose Blowing

And when you do need to blow your nose (which is suggested that you do as often as you need to) try not to harshly rub but instead softly squeeze your nostrils one at a time to lessen the impact.

Oats

Oats are highly moisturizing so pile up the oatmeal, cereals, and oat milk!

24/7 Lip Care

Chapped, cracked lips suck so keep your favorite lip balm handy and possibly invest in a lip mask like Laneige's popular Lip Sleeping Mask. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Having a hyaluronic acid serum/ampoule or essence aids your skin's own production of HA which works to retain hydration throughout the day and keep you glowing.

Every Bit of Rest You Can Get

For workaholics and anyone with commitments that drag them out of bed even when they're allowed time off, this can be the toughest part. Even if you can't be tied down to your bed for days on end, try your best to take as much time to at least sit back and drink plenty of liquids. 

Be sure to wash your hands, cover your mouths when you cough or sneeze, and stay healthy everyone! x