When we think about herpes triggers, we often think of stress, diet, or hormones — but what about the weather? Can cold temperatures, winter winds, and snow actually trigger an outbreak? If you’ve ever noticed your lips tingling after a windy walk or your body feeling extra sensitive in the winter, you’re not imagining it.
💨 The Cold, Harsh Truth About Wind and Winter
Cold air and wind can be tough on your skin, especially the delicate areas around the lips or genitals. When your skin becomes dry, cracked, or irritated, it creates the perfect environment for herpes to flare up. That’s because:
- Dry skin = weaker barrier. The virus can travel more easily through tiny breaks in the skin.
- Cold + wind = stress on your immune system. When your body works overtime to stay warm, your immune defenses can dip just enough to allow a dormant virus to wake up.
- Less sunlight = less vitamin D. Shorter winter days mean lower vitamin D levels — and vitamin D plays a huge role in immune function. To supplement the vitamin deficiency that can happen during winter months, use Immune Support supplements.
🌬️ What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Winter doesn’t have to mean more outbreaks — you just need to give your skin (and body) a little extra love.
- Dry, chapped skin is more vulnerable to irritation and outbreaks. If you get cold sores, our LPF Lifesaver Lip Balm is made to soothe, protect, and deeply hydrate lips prone to herpes. Even for people without herpes, the balm is so nourishing and protective, we're sure you'll love it (and the label doesn't say 'herpes lip balm or anything like that... it's just plainly awesome!)
- Stay consistent with supplements that help your immune response, like our Immune Support blend or Everyday Wellness Oil. Keep your body nourished, hydrated, and rested — especially during cold, dark months.
- Dress warm and dry. Wet, cold clothes can stress your body and lower its ability to fight off the virus. Always change out of damp clothes and layer up to keep your body warm.
- Hydrate from the inside out. The dry air from heating systems and cold weather can dehydrate you without you realizing it. Drinking enough water and eating hydrating foods helps your skin stay healthy and resilient.
🌨️
Yes, wind, cold, and snow can contribute to herpes outbreaks — but only indirectly. It’s not the weather itself, but how your body reacts to it. Take care of your skin, protect your immune system, and stay warm — you’ll not only reduce your chances of outbreaks but also feel better all winter long.