We know how challenging it can be to manage psoriasis symptoms in your day-to-day life. That's why we want to assure you that you're not alone and explore some natural treatments to help you deal with your personal symptoms. One of these treatments is light therapy, also known as phototherapy, and we'll discuss more about this below.
Light therapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light on a regular basis. Using artificial light sources, such as UV lamps, or spending time in natural sunlight is one way to achieve this.
It’s widely thought that UV light can play a role in collagen production, which in turn can help to reduce inflammation and some of the overproduced skin cells in psoriasis.
There are two main types of light therapy, ultraviolet B (UVB) and PUVA therapy. Let's examine the differences:
Ultraviolet B (UVB) Therapy
UVB therapy is when ultraviolet B rays come into contact with the skin. These rays are a type of ultraviolet radiation similar to those found naturally in sunlight. Skin exposure to UVB occurs via an artificial light source, such as a specialised lamp. Doing this can, in some cases, improve psoriasis symptoms by slowing skin cell growth and lessening inflammation. It can also help to improve the skin's appearance by reducing the typical redness and scaling produced by psoriasis.
Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A (PUVA) Therapy
PUVA therapy is another light therapy that uses UVA light and a photosensitising medication to treat psoriasis. Psoralen is a natural substance found in certain plants and botanicals, such as celery and limes. When taken orally or applied to the skin, psoralen makes your skin cells more sensitive to UV light. So it's often used in combination with UVA light to assist in bringing down psoriasis-related inflammation.
Light therapy can be effective because it reduces the growth rate of affected skin cells. In people with psoriasis, new skin cells grow faster than old ones are shed, causing a build-up of skin cells that lead to patches of psoriasis. However, UV light therapy can help minimise the number of new skin cells being produced and keep psoriasis patches under control.
The frequency and duration of light therapy treatments will vary depending on the severity of psoriasis. Treatments are generally given 2-3 times per week for several weeks. UV light exposure is carefully controlled to minimise the risk of skin damage.
Sunlight is a wonderful way to get free light therapy, as it contains both UVA and UVB rays. However, steer clear of intense sun exposure and wear loose protective clothing to avoid skin irritation or burning. Sunlight can be truly beneficial because it helps produce vitamin D in the skin, which is involved in regulating the immune system. In some cases, controlled sunlight exposure may help improve psoriasis by suppressing the overactive immune system.
Our vitamin D face cream is another effective way to boost your vitamin D intake and soothe skin psoriasis. We've designed it to protect sensitive skin and calm irritation, helping you manage your symptoms naturally.
Sunlight is one way to nourish the skin and to potentially improve the immune system, but there are other ways to do this as well. A healthy diet is another part of skincare, as what we eat shows on our skin. Our multi-strain biotic supplement is made with this in mind, as it works to replenish the gut and digestive system with good bacteria. This is important as a healthy gut has been linked with better immunity, which in turn can soothe and improve the skin.
Light therapy, whether from the sun or artificial sources, can help to improve psoriasis. Hanna's natural protocol involves looking at all the different ways we can help our skin, including how we nourish our bodies from the inside. So, when managing psoriasis, keep in mind that light therapies work well alongside a nutritional diet and balanced lifestyle.
If you are considering light therapy for your psoriasis, be sure to talk to your doctor first. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits to determine if this treatment is proper for you.
If you've tried light therapy for your psoriasis, we'd love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to get in touch with us via hello@hannasillitoe.com.