The colder, drier months of fall and winter often exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Reduced humidity and less sunlight exposure are known triggers for flare-ups. Adjusting your skin care routine is essential to manage your condition effectively. Here’s how to prepare for the seasonal shift.
Shorten Your Showers and Baths
Long, hot showers and baths strip moisture from the skin, worsening dryness and irritation. Dermatologists recommend limiting shower and bath time to avoid compromising the skin barrier.
- Time Limit: Aim for showers under 5 minutes and baths under 15 minutes.
- Water Temperature: Use warm, not hot, water.
- Gentle Cleansing: Wash with your hands instead of harsh washcloths or loofahs.
- Soap Choice: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps formulated for sensitive skin.
Moisturize Immediately After Washing
To prevent dryness, apply moisturizer immediately after every wash, not just after bathing. Thicker formulations are best for colder months to repair and protect the skin barrier.
- Ingredients to Look For: Ceramides, salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, or coal tar (consult a doctor before using coal tar).
- National Psoriasis Foundation Seal: Choose products with this seal to ensure safety and non-irritation.
- Topical Steroid Pairing: Moisturizing after using topical steroids may help prevent relapses.
Sun Protection Year-Round
While sunlight can be beneficial for psoriasis, the winter months offer less therapeutic UVB exposure while still delivering potentially aging UVA rays. Sun protection remains crucial.
- Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Use a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.
- High-Altitude Caution: Sunburn risk increases at higher altitudes during winter activities.
Proactive Seasonal Check-Ups
Late summer and early fall are ideal times to consult your dermatologist. Ensure you have the necessary medications and tools to manage your psoriasis through the colder months.
- Phototherapy: Consider narrow-band UVB light therapy, potentially covered by insurance.
- Medication Review: Discuss adjustments to your treatment plan with your doctor.
In summary: Adapt your skin care routine to the seasonal shift by shortening showers, moisturizing immediately, protecting against sun exposure, and consulting your dermatologist proactively. These adjustments can help minimize flare-ups and maintain healthy skin throughout fall and winter.
Editorial Sources:
This article follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure accuracy, relying on peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, and information from top institutions.
Resources:
- American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/
- National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org/
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Jane Yoo, MD, MPP
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Quinn Phillips
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