When June rolls around, the humid, hot weather of the summer months is upon us. With that comes countless fun activities like swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and exploring.
However, if you have psoriasis, you know that this sunny season comes with certain challenges. Things can’t get too sweaty because it can trigger a flare. And that’s not all… if you live in a dry climate or turn on the AC, this is bad news, too!
But before you freak out, don’t worry! There’s a way to manage your psoriasis symptoms during Sumner. When dealing with an autoimmune disease, finding that perfect balance is key. So, here are some tips on protecting your skin during summer irritants while having fun!
And, before we dive in…
How does summer affect psoriasis?
While summer seems to bring along a feeling of comfort compared to winter, this does not mean it’s much better for those with psoriasis. Heat and humidity can make psoriasis even worse. So, it can also be common to flare-up during the summertime.
As the days get longer and warmer, we spend more time outdoors — which can be challenging for people with psoriasis. And while sunlight has many benefits for overall health, including the synthesis of vitamin D, too much exposure can be harmful to those with psoriasis, triggering flare-ups and worsening psoriasis symptoms by drying out skin cells and causing them to flake off more easily.
Another common issue includes too much exposure to chlorine from swimming pools. Chlorine is very harmful to those with psoriasis, as it irritates and dries out the skin, which can cause a flare-up or worsen your symptoms.
On top of that, in many areas, summer can be extremely humid. To make matters worse, humidity also affects your skin, making it harder to breathe and increasing sweat. And if you have psoriasis, you know what sweating does to your condition. Too much sweat can make the redness and flaking much worse.
The good news is that there are ways to control these effects so that you can still enjoy this summer without worrying about a thing!
What is your skin exposed to during this time of year?
Summer is a time for respite and fun, but can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Your skin is exposed to several irritants specific to this time of year. We know how important it is to relax during these months— but it’s also vital to protect your skin. While being outdoors is an enjoyable experience; it comes with its challenges:
- UV rays: UV rays can cause skin damage, including dryness and dry patches. To keep your skin in perfect shape —and to avoid flare-ups—you may want to limit your exposure to sunlight whenever possible.
- Chlorine: Swimming is a pleasant way to enjoy summer. Unfortunately, most pools are loaded with chlorine, which can dry out your skin and irritate it. Chlorine can also cause psoriasis symptoms to flare up and increase itching. So, if you like to swim, try not to spend too much time in the pool, and rinse off the chlorinated water after getting out.
- Dry or humid weather: Humidity is likely to make your skin feel itchy and worsen symptoms of psoriasis. The increased moisture in the air can increase sweat, causing itchiness and flare-ups.
On the other hand, dryness can also affect psoriasis, causing the skin to crack, and worsening the symptoms. You don’t have to live in dry areas to experience this. Air conditioners can also dry your skin. So, if you need to turn on the AC, try using it as little as possible or use a humidifier.
All these characteristics can irritate our skin or lead to flare-ups. But, by taking precautions, you can minimize the effects of summer and manage your psoriasis with the following tips!
5 Ways to Manage Psoriasis Symptoms During Summer:
Enjoy the outdoors summer vibes this season while protecting your skin with these tips to protect your skin throughout the summer:
1. Use a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Too much sun can lead to sunburn. So, enjoy the sun, but do so wisely while protecting your skin with a good full-spectrum SPF. If you’re spending long hours outside, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Remember that when it comes to sunscreen—you should avoid anything less than SPF 30! And finally, don’t forget to apply sunscreen all over your body for at least 30 minutes before heading out the door.
- Wear Sun Protection Clothing
When you aren’t wearing sunscreen, it’s easy to forget how much time you spend in the sun. If you don’t apply sunscreen for about half an hour before going outside and reapply every two hours, you can get yourself into trouble. However, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, an umbrella, sun-protective shirts, or rash guards can go a long way!
3. Limit Your Time Outdoors and Avoid Peak Sun Hours
One of the most damaging things you can do to your skin during a flare is to stay out in the sun. Too much sunlight increases inflammation and can aggravate psoriasis symptoms.
To protect yourself from UV rays, spend as much time as possible indoors, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you’re going to be out during those times, consider staying in the shadows as much as possible.
4. Protect Your Skin Before You Get in the Water
While it’s important to protect your skin from the sun, it’s equally important to protect it from salt and chlorine. If you enjoy swimming in the ocean, this can be a wonderful way to soothe itchiness. Still, despite being soothing for some people, the minerals present in ocean water are also drying, especially for folks with psoriasis. So, whether you swim in a pool or the ocean, make sure you shower immediately after coming out of the water and apply your favorite moisturizers thoroughly afterward!
5. Pay Attention to Your After-Sun Skincare
When you’re sunbathing or simply going out, be mindful of your after-sun care. Most people don’t spend much time taking care of their skin once they come inside—but this step is just as necessary as protecting it from the sun in the first place! After-sun care can help prevent sunburns and flare-ups. Additionally, it can also prevent premature skin aging by keeping your skin moisturized and healthy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right clothing, sunscreen, and after-sun care products can be a bit confusing. So, hopefully, these tips help clear up the confusion and provide you with some guidance on your psoriasis health and wellness journey. Everyone’s experience is different, so if you have any questions, you can always reach out to me!
And finally, I want to offer you a free Guide on How to Live an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle that includes everything you need to start healing today. In this guide, you’ll learn tips and tricks to keep your skin looking great from the inside out, and key steps that will help you achieve long-term psoriasis remission and improved overall health. Click here to get your free guide.