Winter & Psoriasis: Seasonal Skincare

Holidays are coming- but so is a potentially tricky time for those of us with problem skin. On the Psoriasis Association forums, I noticed many people dreading this time of the year as their skin becomes more prone to flare-ups.

I'm fortunate enough to not have experienced a reversal in my overall healing process other than a curious, tiny new red patch on the end of my nose. However, it does seem to have slowed down.

My tiny new nose patch. Psoriasis? Cold related? Who knows.

As temperatures drop and festive celebrations get underway, I've briefly considered the various factors that could lead to the pausing or worsening of skin-clearing progress during the Winter months:

COLDER WEATHER

Starting with the most obvious one, being exposed to cold temperatures outside- where the moisture in the air is low- results in dry skin. That's why it's important to moisturise frequently: apply the right products to your face and don't forget the lip balm. Though it contains petrolatum, I'm using up a pot of Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter that keeps mine wonderfully soft.

I'll be looking for a paraffin-free lip balm when this one runs out.

The grey skies and darker nights also mean that our bodies are getting less Vitamin D from the sun. Take a supplement to keep your levels up.

DRINKING LESS WATER

Whether it's 1.5L or 2L, our recommended daily water intake is a tough target to meet! I managed it during summer, but that's a time when the heat is making us feel thirstier; drinking water also serves a secondary purpose of keeping cool. The same can't quite be said when it's below freezing temperatures: regularly drinking cold water has been the last thing on my mind! Keeping hydrated is important for skin health, so perhaps the best way to achieve this would be to drink more (healthy) hot drinks- such as a cup of green tea with a generous spoonful of Manuka honey.

STRUGGLING TO KEEP WARM

With energy bills at cataclysmic levels, putting the heating on is something of a luxury. By wearing multiple layers, using hot water bottles and hibernating under a weighted blanket, I have still been finding it hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. This has a knock-on effect on motivation: there are times when I can barely think about taking my clothes off to moisturise or making a fruit juice, and so it just doesn't happen. Again, these are both much more appealing activities in the summer when they'll help to cool down.

This mole on my stomach is helping to monitor the healing process: it was once surrounded by psoriasis, but the skin around is gradually clearing.

This is also a time when longer, hotter showers are preferred, but they can also dry out skin.

EATING LESS HEALTHILY

Takeaway nights in, Christmas parties/meals out and the general festive period where all sorts of delicious treats are on the table...when it comes to the end of the year, daily opportunities to indulge present themselves. While I've been avoiding nightshades, there's no way my Christmas dinner isn't involving pigs in blankets (though I will substitute my roast potatoes for extra parsnips). It's only human to let loose every now and again. I won't be saying no to Bucks Fizz, milk chocolate and cheese, but I have seen and sampled some very good alternatives!

STRESS

Christmas shopping and end of year work targets may cause stress levels to rise. Many link this to psoriasis flare-ups. Take time out to unwind, relax and do what you enjoy.

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If the skincare routine has been taking a bit of a back seat recently, don't feel like you're alone. Try to keep it up, and eat all of the foods that are high in antioxidants where you can: asparagus, avocado, tender stem broccoli (and all the other greens), blueberries, beetroot and sweet potatoes. Happy Holidays!