So, let me start this (very short, I promise) post with a disclaimer that I’m not a doctor, and if you’re dealing with constant cold sore breakouts, it’s a good idea to visit your dermatologist.
Now, that said -
I have been getting more cold sore breakouts than usual this year, likely due to stress, and it’s forced me to come up with a gentle, effective skincare routine to deal with it.
Here’s a short list of what I’ve been using morning, night, or as needed to deal with the breakouts:
Start off by washing your face with a gentle cleanser
Gentle pat your face dry with a clean towel
Apply Abreva or another cold sore treatment to the affected areas (I just use the generic 10% docanasol treatment from CVS)
Apply a copper peptide serum: speeds up wound healing and, as a bonus, is incredible for anti-aging. You can get 10% off this one with code FAWN.
Apply a generous layer of peptide moisturizer (again, speeds up wound healing). I like Stratia’s Interface, and Naturium’s is good too.
Apply an occlusive over the affected area. I’ve been using Grace & Stella’s Lip Mask with BloomEffect’s Royal Tulip Nectar under it (a true 10/10 product), but plain petroleum jelly works too.
And that’s it.
I get these massive cracks in the corners of my mouth after cold sores that take forever to heal, and this routine coupled with red light therapy helps speed up the healing process significantly.
You may also find that supplementing with lysine and zinc as soon as you feel that first itchy, tingly sensation shortens the healing period.
Try this out and let me know if it helps you!
Cheers,