Here Comes Winter! Skincare Tips for the Months Ahead

Winter takes a toll on everyone’s skin, but dry indoor heated rooms, cold, wind and heavy clothing can pose special challenges when you have psoriasis. A combination of dry air, decreased sunlight exposure, colder temperatures and holiday stress can all contribute to winter psoriasis flares.

In additional to seasonal environmental and emotional factors, people who have psoriasis need to be especially cautious about contracting strep throat, which usually strikes in winter months. A strep infection will cause psoriasis to flare badly, so it is wise to pay attention for any symptoms of strep and see your dermatologist if you are experiencing any symptoms.

But instead of yearning for summer, those with psoriasis should view winter as a chance to pamper yourself and control psoriasis at the same time. Try these psoriasis care tips as the weather turns colder:

Smooth on Moisturizer: The drier your skin gets, due to less humidity in the outside and inside air, the worse the psoriasis patches can look and feel. Keep your skin moist to reduce redness and itching to help heal psoriasis patches. The thicker the cream or ointment, the better it is at locking moisture into your skin. Use moisturizing soap and a creamy lotion after you shower, bathe or wash your hands. Choose fragrance-free products to avoid allergic reactions.

Choose Soothing Baths over Hot Showers: Long showers in hot water remove moisture from your skin. Shower in warm water just long enough to soap up and rinse off. Or relax in the tub. Add bath oil, oilated oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts in a warm bath. Soak for about 15 minutes to slough off psoriasis scales, soothe itching and unwind. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing.

Use a Humidifier: To wake up with moist and smooth skin, use a humidifier. Run it in your bedroom at night to counter the drying effects of indoor heating.

Wear Soft Layers: Frosty temperatures and wind can irritate your skin, triggering psoriasis flare-ups. They can also make psoriatic arthritis more painful. Dress in layers that you can peel off to avoid getting overheated as sweating can make psoriasis worse. Avoid wool, denim and other fabrics which are more likely to irritate your skin than cotton.

Drink Water: To pump up moisture, drink plenty of water.

Ease Stress: The winter holidays are full of cheer, but they also bring stress, which can make psoriasis flare. Plan time to relax during the holidays. Try a massage or moisturizing spa treatment. Exercise is a terrific stress reliever and may help protect you from flare-ups. Anything that helps you relax―including meditative yoga, listening to music or reading a book―can help keep your stress and your psoriasis under control.

Lighten Your Mood: Psoriasis increases your risk of depression. If you also have seasonal affective disorder―depression linked to less sunlight in winter and fall―these months are an extra challenge. If you’re consistently sad or depressed, talk to your dermatologist. He or she may suggest phototherapy to lift your mood.