Most of us with skin conditions know that summer presents one of the most challenging situations. The heat and humidity can worsen our symptoms, and exposure to the sun can be challenging to manage, not just in terms of practicality, but emotionally as we expose our skin to the world. However, just because you're dealing with psoriasis, it shouldn't mean you must dread the summer months!
Here are ten natural tips to help you get through this summer with your psoriasis:
- Stay cool and comfortable
When it's hot outside, keep inside as cool and comfortable as possible. Use air conditioning or fans to help circulate the air and keep your skin from getting too hot and sweaty. Try to wear loose clothing that won't cause your skin to rub in the heat and stay well hydrated.
- Protect your skin from the sun
Although UV light can be beneficial to those suffering from psoriasis, intense sun exposure can sometimes worsen psoriasis symptoms so it's essential to take steps to protect your skin when outdoors in harsh sunlight. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible without being tight and rubbing your skin to aggravate symptoms on the surface of the skin further. A wide-brimmed hat can also help keep the sun off your face and neck.
- Keep your skin hydrated
Moisturised, hydrated skin is less likely to flare up, so drink plenty of fluids during the summer months. In addition to water, coconut water and herbal teas can help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Our Soothing Spray is ideal for warm, summer days as it can help to reduce the itchiness and irritation associated with psoriasis, whilst locking in moisture.
- Avoid your triggers
Swimming in chlorinated pools is often a trigger for psoriasis flares. Instead, consider brine pools or cold water swimming in your local lake or the Sea if you live near the coast. The salt in the sea can be highly beneficial for those with psoriasis. Moisturisers such as our Soothing Spray can help to trap external triggers like pollen and dust and can be particularly important during the summer months when pollen levels are higher.
- Be mindful of your diet
Our bodies are extremely sensitive to what we consume. This is especially true for those who have compromised immune systems. It’s therefore important to be mindful of what we put into our bodies during the summer months. Support your gut and immune system with our multi-strain probiotic, which can help reduce inflammation from the inside out. Dosed at 15ml a day, the Biotic is integral to Hanna’s natural healing protocol of healing skin from within.
- Exercise and relax
Exercise is vital for our overall health, but it can also help to relieve stress and tension - two things that can often exasperate psoriasis symptoms. Taking some time out for relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation can help to reduce stress levels.
- Check your vitamin D intake
Vitamin D is important for our overall health, but it can also help to reduce inflammation and potentially soothe symptoms on the surface of the skin. The best way to get vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight, so try to get outdoors for at least 20 minutes in the morning or evening when the sun is less strong. This will allow your body to produce its own vitamin D.
Our Vitamin D cream can also give your skin that much-needed boost of hydration while helping to clear up existing psoriasis symptoms. Take a moment to read our wonderful reviews on the website and hear from customers in similar situations.
- Use a humidifier at home
If the air in your home is dry, it can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Dry air can lead to dry, cracked skin, which can make you more susceptible to infection. A humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air, making it more comfortable for your skin during the drier summer months. You can pick these up online relatively inexpensively and we know a lot of customers have great results when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation, which can be truly beneficial for people with psoriasis. Other natural oils, such as Oregon Grape can help to soothe and moisturise the skin when applied topically. You can find Omega-3 fatty acids in a wide range of our skincare brand.
- Keep your skin clean
It's important to keep your skin clean to help prevent infection. However, be careful not to over-wash or scrub the skin, as this can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Gently cleansing the skin with our hydrating cleanser can help to remove impurities without stripping away the skin's natural oils. This can be used on the face, or added to a bath and used as a soothing milk.
Delicate areas of the skin such as our faces are especially prone to irritation. Ensure you look for natural cleansers, which can help to soothe and protect the skin without drying it out.