Does your skin really look better when you're ill?
HLN, 1 September 2023
Does 'sick skin' really exist? Dr Griet Voet and Dr Thomas Maselis explain in HLN how illness and medication affect your skin.
On TikTok, women report that their skin actually looks better when they are ill. In HLN, Dr Griet Voet and Dr Thomas Maselis explain the phenomenon.
According to Dr Voet, it mainly depends on the medication: drugs such as antibiotics or cortisone, as well as zinc, curb inflammation and can temporarily clear up the skin. Dr Maselis adds that fever dilates the blood vessels and so gives a flush. But illness is also stress for the body, which can cause eczema, psoriasis or hives to flare up, and some medicines can themselves cause a skin rash.
When you are ill, it is best to treat your skin gently: moisturise well, drink enough and cleanse gently. Put strong products aside for a while, and if you have skin problems, it makes sense to see a doctor.
Key advice
Moisturise your skin well and drink enough water when you are ill.
Cleanse gently, for example with an oil.
Avoid fruit acids, scrubs and peels while you are ill.
If you develop skin problems due to illness or medication, see a doctor.
“While you are ill, it is also best not to use strong products on your skin, such as fruit acids, scrubs and peels.” — Dr Griet Voet and Dr Thomas Maselis