Having a Psoriasis Plan For Season Changes
I cannot tell a lie, the spring and summer have historically been the best for me. My skin absolutely loves any and every ounce of natural vitamin D. I safely spend a lot of time outside during those seasons, and get my fair share of sun. I rarely have any flares during these months, and when I do, my psoriasis does well with me catching a few rays. Although the sun can make psoriasis worse for some folks, my experience is the opposite. Not only does it help with my flares, but I truly do feel a burst of energy and increased happiness when the weather is gorgeous. This instantly helps my mood, which in turns helps with my psoriasis that is often flared up by stress.
Although I'd love to say that I live in a region that has spring/summer weather all year round, I don't. This Jersey girl gets all of the seasons, and the worst one for my skin will be here before we all know it. The winters are pretty rough on my skin. I typically get plaques on my legs that are super itchy and uncomfortable. Knowing that this is something I experience every year, I've gotten into planning ahead. These days I prepare myself for the season changes to help eliminate or manage any potential flares coming along the way.
Shower essentials
Would you believe my psoriasis routine starts in the shower? It's often recommended to shower less with psoriasis. This is probably where I go rogue, my days are often super busy and I tend to sweat a lot. I shower in the mornings and each night to refresh and simply decompress. Keeping the water tepid or warm versus being extremely hot can cut down on any dryness especially during the winter months.
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View all responsesMy essentials in the shower are Dove sensitive bar and Method Body simply nourish coconut, rice milk and shea butter body wash. Dove sensitive is unscented and moisturizes your body throughout use. I know that I don't have to worry about anything harsh going onto my skin causing a flare. It is my day to day soap of choice and since it has moisturizers in it, my skin does not feel dried out. When I am going out or want something not harsh for me but with an amazing scent I go for Method Body. I love this brand because it gives me spa vibes without causing any irritation on my skin. These two soaps with my mild temperature showers in the winters are heaven for me.
Moisturizer mania
As the weather gets colder up here in the northeast, I tend to prepare by shopping for my favorite moisturizers. I absolutely love Palmer's Cocoa Butter, it seems to be one of the best ones for me. Cocoa butter helps lighten hyperpigmentation marks I have from my plaques. It also happens to smell absolutely divine if you love chocolate. I always keep cocoa butter stocked especially as the fall and winter approaches, it's an absolute staple for me.
CeraVe psoriasis moisturizing cream is another one I truly believe helps in the winter months. I really like using moisturizing creams instead of oils that can tend to ruin or make stains in my clothes. I enjoy using CeraVe after I take my shower before bed. When I wake up my skin doesn't feel or look dry. This is great for me since most mornings in my older home can sometimes be pretty cold.
Preparation is key
If you're anything like me, and you know the weather can impact your psoriasis, it's always best to prepare. Having a routine helps, but adding to it especially during the winter months can make a difference for you. The key is finding what products work for you and building them into your routine.
Sometimes you may be able to get samples of different psoriasis creams from your dermatologist or you may want to even ask others in the community product recommendations. Always remember that everyone is different, and results will vary. Regardless, if you are proactive by the time the season changes you will have plenty of options to try out.
Do you have specific products you use during certain seasons in the year to help with your symptoms? What are some of your go-to favorites?
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