Psoriasis-Friendly Gift Guide

'Tis the season! Cue the unwrapping of overpriced, overpowering skin creams, and gadgets that sit in your junk drawer all year. Why not give a gift that they'll actually use and possibly enjoy? It can be tough shopping for gifts, let alone shopping for gifts geared toward people with sensitive skin. These are some of my favorites.

Hair scalp massager

Scratching your head trying to figure out what to get your hair-healthy friend? A scalp massager/shampoo brush makes a great stocking stuffer for anyone with locks. The brush, which typically comes with an easy-to-hold handle, helps exfoliate the scalp of dead skin cells and product build-up. Feeling flaky? It can also brush away skin build-up caused by pesky plaque psoriasis.

The circular motions of a scalp brush also help to improve blood circulation. And since blood carries nutrients around the body, circulation directs nutrients to the head, helping hair to grow stronger and healthier. Just hop in the shower, apply a little shampoo to the brush, and move it in circular motions around the scalp. Or, if you prefer, stroke your scalp from the front of your head to the nape of your neck.

If your psoriasis has left your scalp a little raw, take a break from the brush so you don't cause further damage to the skin.

Exfoliating salt body scrub

This is a product that you can literally use from head to toe. Though there’s a large selection of Himalayan salt scrubs out there.

Salt scrubs are gentle enough not to irritate my sensitive skin but strong enough to remove stubborn plaques. Being very conscious of what I put on my skin, salt scrubs are often packed with natural ingredients including jojoba seed oil, aloe vera, collagen, and sweet almond oil, to name a few. A great gift for the skin-conscious or anyone looking for an at-home spa experience. Of note, I do not use on any open wounds as the salt stings me.

Weighted blankets

The holidays can be stressful. Speaking for myself, stress and psoriasis flares go hand-in-hand. For me, this time of year requires a little more self-care than usual. Maybe even a few reassuring hugs. This is where the weighted blanket comes in. Weighted blankets are basically readily available hugs.

Using pressure therapy, a calm-inducing amount of pressure on your body, a weighted blanket can feel like being hugged, swaddled, or held. Weighted blankets, much like hugs, can also release oxytocin, the hormone that gives you the warm and fuzzy feels, into your body. The general rule of thumb in choosing the weight of your blanket is to pick one that is 10% of your body weight. You may also want to choose one that is made of cotton, which is gentle on your skin. If the holidays feel heavy, this is the gift for you.

Light therapy lamp

The holidays aren’t always a happy time for everyone. For some, they can even be downright depressing. Couple the holidays with the cold, sunless weather, and you start feeling a little more than down in the dumps. That’s why I love light therapy lamps.