Changing Leaves, Changing Skin

My wife and I have been logging in as many hours as we can to try and get ready for the colder, rainier seasons. There has only been one day in the lower 70s, but that one day was a big enough push to snap us out of summer mode. We have been bringing outdoor toys inside, harvesting our garden and decluttering the house in preparation for the many hours we will spend inside in the coming months.

My house isn’t the only thing getting weatherized; my skin is getting the end-of-summer treatment too! When your skin is triggered by weather changes, it causes you to take extra precautions to hopefully minimize the impact changing seasons will make. I compiled a list of everything I do to get ready for the big change.

Unpack

Now is the time I start to bring out all of my long-sleeved shirts and pants. I am among the group of folks eager for cooler weather solely for the fact that I can easily hide any stubborn plaques without looking out of place. However, I can’t just pile on any clothing. When you cover your plaques, it also means that fabric will be rubbing on the lesions all day long, which is why it is critically important to find fabrics that don’t irritate them. This is why I have been wearing the same handful of warm clothes for years. I have found that 100% cotton and flannel materials are the kindest on my skin. Wool sweaters and scarves may make me look like a cooler, hip version of myself, but it isn’t worth the raw itching that always comes.

Stock up

I also use the end of Summer as my time to stock up on all my favorite moisturizers. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated all year round, but it is especially important in the cold weather months if you are like me. My skin feels the first blow of cold wind and immediately cracks. That is why I like to have a lot of my go-to products on hand to last until Spring. There is nothing worse that being out of my much needed lotions and creams when there is snow and ice piled up outside.

Dig Out the D

Without as much sun exposure, my vitamin D levels tend to drop. Living in the pacific northwest, I am more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Although there is not a lot of research behind vitamin D and psoriasis, there has been a correlation to skin health and vitamin D levels, so it is worthwhile to talk to your doctor about it. Sometimes I find that a few UV treatments in my doctor’s office also helps to keep my skin happy in winter.

Keep Cool

I have found that hot water sucks all the moisture from my skin. I also know that it is chilly winter mornings that I most want to sit under a hot steamy shower head for as long as I can. I have to use some real self discipline to keep my showers cooler and shorter during this time. I keep my house around 70 degrees to lower the temptation to warm up in the shower.

Schedule Routine Visits

My dermatologist books months out, so I like to schedule some routine visits during the fall and winter times as a precautionary move. If my skin does start going haywire, I know that I have a fall back if I need some extra support. If I don’t end up needing them, I just cancel within 48 hours. Knowing I have some planned time ahead lowers my stress and makes me feel better prepared for flare season.