How do I care for my skin with psoriasis?
At Hypogeen.nl we regularly receive questions from customers with sensitive or troubled skin. A frequently asked question is: “Can I use your products if I have psoriasis?” A very understandable concern, because if your skin is already vulnerable, you want to be sure that what you put on it does not cause new complaints. In general, people with psoriasis report benefiting from mild, moisturizing products. But it is important to know how best to approach this and what to pay attention to. In this article you can read what to do against psoriasis when it comes to skin care, and how to keep your skin as comfortable as possible.
What exactly is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which the immune system reacts overactively. As a result, skin cells are produced much faster than normal. Instead of in a few weeks, the skin renews itself in a few days. The result: an accumulation of skin cells that leads to thick, flaky patches on the skin. The symptoms of psoriasis differ per person, but common complaints are:
- Red or pink spots on the skin
- Schilfering
- Jeuk of branderig gevoel
- Dry, cracked skin
- Sore or sensitive areas
The most common form is psoriasis vulgaris, which usually appears on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. But there are also other forms, such as drip psoriasis or nail psoriasis, that behave differently. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can have a major impact on someone's daily life, comfort and self-confidence. Good skin care is therefore not a luxury, but often an important support in dealing with the condition.
Why is moisturizing important for psoriasis?
One of the biggest triggers of itching, flaking and tightness in psoriasis is dry skin. When the skin cracks or loses its natural oil layer, the inflamed areas often become even more irritated. Therefore, hydration is an important basic concern with this condition. A nourishing, moisturizing body lotion can make the skin more supple, help reduce flakes and temporarily relieve itching. Especially after showering or bathing, it is wise to apply a lotion to the skin immediately, because water temporarily dries out the skin. Regular application helps to restore and protect the natural skin barrier.
But, and this is important, not all lotions are suitable. Some products contain perfume, alcohol or synthetic additives that can irritate the skin. With psoriasis, the skin is often extra sensitive, so it is wise to choose products that have been specially developed for fragile or sensitive skin.
Why choose hypoallergenic skin care?
Hypoallergenic products are formulated in such a way that the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritation is minimized. In 9 out of 10 cases, they do not contain perfume, dyes or aggressive preservatives, precisely those substances that people with sensitive skin sometimes react badly to. At Hypogeen we develop our products with that in mind. Our lotions are free from fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate the skin. This makes them a safer choice for people with delicate skin, including many of our customers with psoriasis.
Let wel: hypoallergenic does not mean that you can never have a reaction. Every skin is different. But it does minimize the risk, and that makes a big difference.
How often can you use body lotion for psoriasis?
A frequently asked question is: “How often can I apply sunscreen to my skin?” Our advice: listen to your skin. There is no fixed number of times per day that is 'right' or 'wrong'. If your skin remains supple and comfortable with application twice a day, that's fine. Do you have a lot of itching or does your skin feel very dry? Then it is also a good idea to apply more often, even several times a day.
For example, some people notice that the skin on their legs dries more quickly than on their arms. Or that the psoriasis spots on the back are more difficult to penetrate than those on the elbows. That is normal because every piece of skin is different. The most important thing is that you are consistent in your care and continue to observe your skin closely.
Are you in doubt? Do a small test on your skin
It is very logical that you can be reluctant to use a new product, especially if your skin is already sensitive or damaged. That is why we always recommend first creating a so-called patchtest to do. Apply a small amount of the product to a sensitive area, such as the inside of your elbow. Let it sit for 24 hours without further skin products or friction. If your skin isn't red, itchy or irritated after that time, you can feel more confident applying it to other areas. Afterwards, keep a close eye on how your skin reacts.
If in doubt, always consult a doctor
No matter how well you take care of your skin, psoriasis is a medical condition. And while good care can go a long way, it is no substitute for a professional treatment plan. Are you unsure about what you can apply, or are your complaints worsening despite careful use? Then it is always wise to contact your doctor or dermatologist. They can assess whether your skin is responding well, or whether something else is going on. Sometimes a lotion can be perfectly suitable, but additional medication is still needed to control the psoriasis.
TrueOr false
