Psoriasis and Stress
Life is slowly returning to the ‘new’ normal, but do you ever find that when intense stress starts to calm down, your skin seems to react?
Many people with psoriasis find that stressful periods can coincide with changes in their skin. While there is no cure for psoriasis, keeping your skincare routine gentle and finding ways to manage stress can help you feel more comfortable.
Here are ten simple self-care tips for supporting psoriasis-prone skin during stressful periods.
1. Try a Gentle Aalgo Seaweed Application
For particularly dry or flaky areas on the body, Aalgo can be mixed with water into a cream-like paste and applied as a targeted body treatment.
This can help soften and condition dry surface skin without aggressive exfoliation.
Avoid applying seaweed paste to broken, bleeding or very irritated skin, and do not forcefully remove psoriasis scales.
You can learn more about caring for psoriasis-prone skin.
2. Soak in a Lukewarm Seaweed Bath
A lukewarm seaweed bath can help soften dry skin while also creating some quiet time to relax.
Add approximately 2 tablespoons of Aalgo Organic Atlantic Seaweed Skincare to the bath and soak for around 15–20 minutes.
Keep the water lukewarm rather than hot, as very hot water can leave dry, psoriasis-prone skin feeling more uncomfortable.
3. Care for a Dry, Flaky Scalp
Psoriasis can also affect the scalp, where it may cause visible flaking, dryness and discomfort.
Mix Aalgo with water into a light cream, wet the hair and gently apply the mixture across the scalp. Leave it briefly before rinsing thoroughly.
Avoid scratching or aggressively rubbing flaky areas.
4. Keep Showers Gentle
Long, very hot showers can leave already dry skin feeling tighter and more uncomfortable.
You do not necessarily need to avoid showering completely, but keep the water lukewarm, avoid harsh cleansers and try not to spend longer under the water than necessary.
After bathing or showering, gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it.
5. Take Five Minutes to Focus on Your Breathing
Stress can affect both emotional wellbeing and how we experience physical symptoms.
Taking five minutes each day to slow your breathing and focus on the present moment can create a useful pause during stressful periods.
Sit somewhere comfortable, breathe slowly and give yourself permission to switch off for a few minutes.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is important for general health and wellbeing.
Rather than thinking of water as a way to remove toxins or treat psoriasis, aim simply to stay comfortably hydrated throughout the day, particularly during warmer weather or after exercise.
7. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Your environment can make a difference to how stressed or overwhelmed you feel.
For some people, decluttering a room, spending time outdoors or simply creating a calmer space at home can make it easier to switch off.
Spending time with supportive people can also make difficult periods feel more manageable.
8. Do One Thing Each Day for Yourself
Self-care doesn’t have to mean doing something big.
It might be taking five extra minutes with the morning paper, going for a short walk, listening to a comedian who makes you laugh or enjoying a long bath.
The important thing is making a little space in the day for something you enjoy.
9. Eat in a Way That Makes You Feel Good
A balanced diet can support general health and wellbeing.
There is no single diet that cures psoriasis, and different people may notice different relationships between food and their symptoms.
Rather than following restrictive rules, focus on a varied diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and foods that make you feel nourished and energised.
10. Practise Self-Care & Skin Positivity
Saving the best until last: remember that psoriasis does not define your beauty.
Throughout our lives, we are continually told what beauty should look like and how we are supposed to achieve it. But skin does not have to be completely clear or flawless for you to feel confident in it.
During flare-ups, be kind to yourself and your skin. Choose gentle routines, avoid aggressive treatments and remember that a difficult skin day does not change who you are.
Supporting Psoriasis-Prone Skin During Stressful Times
Stressful periods can be difficult enough without adding pressure to achieve perfect skin.
Focus on the things that help you feel more comfortable: gentle skincare, lukewarm bathing, rest, hydration, supportive people and moments of relaxation.
Most importantly, remember that psoriasis is a medical condition. Aalgo can form part of a gentle skincare and bathing routine, but it is not a cure or replacement for prescribed treatment.
If your psoriasis becomes severe, painful, infected or difficult to manage, speak to your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist for advice.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all things Aalgo.
Published September 2020
DISCLAIMER
The information on this website is not a substitute for medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you have concerns about psoriasis or other skin conditions. Before applying a new product to your skin, consider carrying out a patch test first.
COPYRIGHT
© 2019 aalgo.com All Rights Reserved. The material on this site, including images, is copyrighted and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used without the prior written permission and consent of aalgo.com.