Fight the cold, Carmex style

Based in Wisconsin since 1937, we at Carmex® are intimately familiar with the many turnings of winter. We know the good (the first snowman of the year), the bad (6 A.M. shoveling) and most importantly, how easy it is to find yourself fighting chapped lips. And while we can’t do much about the surprise foot of snow you were hit with last night, we can make sure your lips feel comfortable all winter long.

Prepare for the conditions

You wouldn’t leave the house in sandals — no matter how cute they are — when it’s below 30- degrees, right? Your lips require the same coverage. Apply your preferred Carmex Daily CareTM lip balm with SPF 15 before you strap on the skis or engineer a snow-fort and keep insulated from the elements.

Don’t lick your lips

We get it. When they dry out a bit, it feels like the natural solution. But licking lips can actually dry them out further. Instead, keep a jar or tube of Carmex® handy and reapply whenever you get the urge.

Apply your favorite Carmex® right before bed

Breathing through your mouth — which many of us unconsciously do while sleeping — can lead to dry lips and an unpleasant morning. Keep some Carmex® in the bedside drawer for a soothing slumber.

Beware of cranking up the heat

Sure it feels great to step out of the icy wind and into a toasty family room. But the higher the heat, the drier the air. Consider an extra blanket instead of an extra notch on the thermostat, or run a humidifier to help balance the air’s moisture.

Hydrate

All you want is to curl up by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa? We hear you. But make sure to keep drinking water too. Dehydration makes it more likely your lips will dry and crack, so keep that water bottle handy.

Why are cold sores more common in winter? Read here: https://www.mycarmex.com/everyday-lip-care/cold-sores-common-winter/

There are few moments more frustrating than feeling the tingle that signals a cold sore outbreak.

Unfortunately right now, studies have demonstrated that the cold sore virus — which about 80% of adults carry — is more easily triggered in winter. This stems from a variety of reasons, including heightened stress levels, cold, dry weather and an increase in the flu. And while there is no concrete method to prevent a cold sore, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood.

First, as much as you can, try and lessen your stress. Driving on icy roads, holiday shopping, early darkness — all of these can raise stress levels which, in turn, weakens the immune system. Give your preferred stress relievers — be it yoga, a roaring fire or your favorite book — extra attention in the winter months for that boost your body might need.

Further, run a humidifier inside to stave off the dry air. Then make sure to wrap up with your coziest scarf and apply Carmex Classic lip balm before you brave the elements. Dry air makes a more inviting environment for the cold sore virus, so make sure to keep those lips properly hydrated.

Finally, take the basic precautions to guard yourself against a cold or flu. These viruses weaken the immune system — making a cold sore outbreak more likely — so wash your hands, drink plenty of water and clean your phone screen and keyboard regularly.