Living with psoriasis is about more than identifying triggers and limiting your exposure. Learning to embrace the skin you’re in throughout all its stages is a worthwhile step toward lasting self-confidence.
Living with psoriasis can make it challenging to feel comfortable in your skin, especially during flare-ups.
Symptoms such as dryness and blotchiness can be painful. Sometimes, you might even feel like you should stay home instead of being social.
But psoriasis doesn’t have to control your life. These tips and tricks can help soothe some of your symptoms and restore your confidence.
Keeping your skin moisturized is a simple yet effective way to manage psoriasis.
Countless moisturizing creams, lotions, and ointments on the market can help treat dry or itchy skin. Talk with your healthcare professional about which one might work best for you.
The best time to apply moisturizer is immediately after stepping out of the bath or shower when your skin is soft and moist.
In colder weather, you may need to apply moisturizer several times daily. And during the summer months, you might not need to moisturize your skin as much.
Warm baths are a great way to hydrate and exfoliate your skin, which can help relieve psoriasis symptoms such as dry skin and itchiness.
You should always use a mild soap to avoid irritation. Adding bath oil, oatmeal, or Epsom salts is OK.
Avoid hot showers since they can often dry out your skin. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry (rather than rubbing the towel all over your body) to avoid chafing.
To prevent skin irritation, always cleanse lightly when bathing or removing your makeup. Use a soft washcloth instead of a more abrasive option such as a loofah, which can worsen your psoriasis symptoms.
Try to use gentle or hypoallergenic beauty products whenever possible. And don’t scratch, pick, or rub the sensitive patches of psoriasis on your skin, no matter how good it might feel.
Skin with psoriasis can benefit significantly from exposure to UV light from the sun. Try to spend up to 15 minutes outdoors daily. But don’t overdo it — sunburns can sometimes trigger flare-ups. And be sure to wear sunscreen!
Regular, controlled periods of sunlight exposure may help manage your symptoms and improve your general well-being.
In the winter months, when there are fewer hours of sunlight, your healthcare professional may be able to provide phototherapy treatments that can act as a UV light substitute.
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The best foods to reduce inflammation are foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as walnuts, olive oil, and pumpkin seeds) and colorful fruits and vegetables like spinach, carrots, blueberries, and mangos.
Limit or avoid foods that cause inflammation, including red meat, dairy products, and nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.
If you can manage to keep your stress levels under control, your skin symptoms may lessen.
Excessive stress is related to psoriasis flare-ups. Since flare-ups are a significant source of stress, this can be a vicious cycle if not properly managed.
There are several ways you might be able to reduce your stress levels in the comfort of your home, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing techniques.
Getting outside for some exercise can also help you de-stress, with the bonus of some beneficial time in the sun. But you don’t have to overexert yourself. Even a brisk walk around your neighborhood may help relieve some stress and foster a sense of calmness and tranquility.
The key to a functional and fashionable wardrobe that doesn’t irritate your psoriasis might be wearing layers.
Heavier fabrics such as wool and polyester can be scratchy and cause uncomfortable friction against sensitive patches of skin. Try to dress in layers with a smooth, soft fabric like cotton or bamboo on the bottom.
It’s also a good idea to choose looser clothes.
Don’t feel like you need to make any huge changes to your style, but remember that your favorite skinny jeans or spandex shorts might not be the best option if you’re experiencing a flare-up.
Finally, an essential beauty tip for managing psoriasis is to try to be confident and comfortable in your skin.
Sure, you’ll sometimes experience flare-ups that might make you feel self-conscious. But you can show the world you’re in control of owning who you are. Don’t let your psoriasis determine your self-worth.
Also, be open to talking about your condition if people in your social circle have questions. The more informed your friends and family are about psoriasis, the less likely you are to feel like hiding out or covering up.