Don't Let a Cold Wreak Havoc on Your Skin

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Cold and Flu season is approaching fast, and having a cold or the flu can wreak havoc on your lips and the skin around your nose.  Breathing through your mouth when you've got a blocked nose can leave your lips dry and chapped.  Constant wiping of a runny nose can leave the skin around your nostrils red and raw.

So what can you do to help minimise the damage?  Use a good lip balm.  The best lip balms provide a good balance between moisturisation and protection.  Some of the balm is absorbed into the skin to moisturise, soften and soothe, and enough of the balm remains on the surface to provide a barrier against the elements.    

But don't limit your lip balm to your lips.  Rub some into the skin around your nostrils to help soothe and repair rawness and damage caused by constant wiping.  Or better still, apply the balm at the first signs of a cold to help prevent any skin damage from the outset.

There are other ways to help your skin during a cold.  Try a steam bath - pour freshly boiled water into a large bowl and leave to cool for 2-3 minutes then position your face over the top of the bowl and cover your head with a towel.  The steam will have the dual benefit of helping to unblock a stuffy nose and easing congestion, and also softening and refreshing the skin by opening pores and increasing blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that can aid in the repair of damaged skin.  For extra skin benefits add a couple of teaspoons of herbs or a herbal teabag (e.g. peppermint, chamomile, rosemary or lavender). 

For a great selection of natural lip balms take a look at LoveLula or Sophia's Choice.