The hotter months provide a golden opportunity to get out in the sunshine: its Vitamin D is a key ingredient to natural healing of the skin. There are still many hurdles for a psoriasis warrior to contend with during this time in order to prevent flare-ups and maximise skin rehabilitation. I’m here to guide you through them!
SUNLIGHT
As mentioned, the sun is nature’s best source of Vitamin D. Our bodies convert sunlight into this vitamin which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even neuroprotective properties. However, overexposure to the sun’s UV rays damages our skin. Not only can sunburn trigger and aggravate psoriasis, but it can also increase the risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
The NHS advises those who ‘have skin problems relating to a medical condition’ to take extra care in the sun. Limit time spent in direct sunlight by staying in the shade, particularly between the hours when the sun is at its strongest.
SUNSCREEN
Of course, in order to make the most of the sun’s health benefits, we need to spend a bit of time in it!
After researching sun lotion, I discovered that
psoriasis folk should look for mineral products (which are made from naturally-occurring minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) since they are less
likely to cause irritation. The sun protection factor (SPF) ought to be at
least 30; when on holiday, I begin with SPF 50 and move down to 30 after a
couple of days.
The purpose of aftersun is to rehydrate and moisturise
the skin, reducing the negative impacts of the sun’s ultraviolet rays post-exposure.
It can also prevent peeling and therefore prolong one’s tan! However, aftersun
lotions themselves are packed with generally undesirable ingredients.
After a cooling, skin-cleansing shower, apply a layer of Aloe Vera gel instead. This is a far more natural alternative, but just as moisturising. Aloe Vera also boasts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Opt for pure, organic gels with Aloe Vera as the first ingredient.
TAKING A DIP
On holiday, not a lot can be done about chlorinated swimming pools. Chlorine is
added to the water to kill germs, but also serves as a skin irritant. Mitigate its
effects by showering after spending time in the pool. Balmonds have written several useful articles
on chlorine.
Seas and oceans across the world have varying degrees of salinity. Swimming in saltwater is widely believed to help improve psoriasis. On the advice of a staff member working at the hotel I was staying in, I spent a lot of time in the Atlantic Ocean during my 2022 holiday to Gran Canaria. I know that this gave my natural healing a boost.
HYDRATION
Warmer temperatures lead to more perspiration. This as well as increased alcohol consumption that comes with relaxing outside or all-inclusive holiday packages can lead to dehydration. Replenish additional fluids lost during hot weather by drinking plenty of water; skin needs to be kept hydrated in order for it to maintain moisture.
PERSPIRATION
Sweating is known to aggravate psoriasis. On one hand, the advice may be to take a shower after any period of excessive sweat production so that it isn’t sitting on the skin. Conversely, we are told to look after our skin microbiome: showering too frequently could be detrimental. So perhaps keep it to a quick in-and-out! While aircon keeps us from being sweaty, it removes moisture from the air and will therefore dry our skin out- counter this with regular moisturising.
As for keeping body-odour under control, ditch the
damaging aerosol deodorants and use a natural roll-on instead.
I used to have big patches under my armpits that stung so much whenever I sprayed them. Even though they’ve cleared, I never plan on going back to aerosols!
CLOTHING
Understandably, summer can be a difficult time when scaly
psoriasis marks are spread all over. The desire to cover up is frustrated by
the nice weather. Light-coloured clothing is better for disguising any flakes,
but my main piece of advice is to expose any problem skin as much as possible. Sunlight
aids the healing process.
BBQs (AND OTHER TEMPTATIONS)
Picnics, weddings, BBQs and all other summertime events bring with them plenty of gorgeous food. Make dairy and red meat substitutions where possible, but don’t worry about yielding to a sausage roll or beef burger. In my experience, some indulgence will not reverse all of the hard work that has already been put in.
There are many non-alcoholic drinks that are wonderfully refreshing, such as kombucha, coconut water, or- a recent new favourite for me- iced tea.
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Have a superb, skin-saving
summer!
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