If you have psoriasis, your skin’s needs will typically change with the seasons. Learn more about how you can prepare for this and avoid flare-ups.

It is common for your skin care routine to change with the seasons. People generally have drier skin in the fall and winter and experience more oil on their skin in the spring and summer months.

But if you have psoriasis, taking care of yourself means more than just contending with dry skin or oily skin. Even though the spring and summer months are generally more beneficial for psoriasis, you may have some challenges to prepare for in all seasons.

Consider the following tips to prepare for the changing seasons if you have psoriasis. It’s best to speak with a doctor if you experience any flare-ups that won’t go away.

Winter can be the most challenging season for psoriasis management. Because the air is so cold and dry, your skin is more prone to dehydration. Lesions may have more flakes, and your skin may be itchier, too.

You can help relieve dry skin and keep your psoriasis symptoms at bay by:

  • Keeping your skin moisturized: A heavy, creamy moisturizer works best during the winter. Petroleum jelly works as a good barrier, too. Just make sure that any moisturizer you wear is free of dyes and fragrances, as these can further irritate your skin.
  • Wearing warm clothing: Cold temperatures also call for warmer clothing. With psoriasis, it can be beneficial to wear several layers of cotton clothing. Wool, rayon, and polyester fabrics can irritate your skin, making it dry and itchy.
  • Using a humidifier: You might want to consider using a humidifier to help keep moisture in the air and prevent dryness. This can be especially helpful if you have heat running in your home.
  • Taking lukewarm showers: It can be helpful to take quick showers with lukewarm (not hot) water and make sure you use a basic cleanser instead of soap.

Springtime may bring some relief to your skin because humidity starts to rise along with the temperature. It may be warm enough for you to spend some time outside, which can help clear up your skin, too.

At this time of year, you’ll still want to wear cotton layers as needed. You may not need the heavy moisturizer anymore, but you should always have a good body lotion on hand. At minimum, you’ll need to apply lotion after bathing.

Another consideration is springtime allergies. Tree pollen is at its highest this time of year, so you may need to take an antihistamine to keep symptoms at bay. In addition to sneezing and congestion, tree pollen can cause itchy skin and eczema in some people. This can be an uncomfortable combination with psoriasis.

For some people, summer air can feel easier on the skin. The combination of heat and humidity may decrease the dryness and itchiness of your skin. You’ll also likely have fewer lesions.

However, for other people, hot weather may trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

As summertime tends to call for more outdoor activities, it can be helpful to follow these tips to take care of your skin during hot weather:

  • Wear sunscreen: Even if you aren’t planning on going outside, it’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. Getting sunburn can worsen your psoriasis symptoms.
  • Use bug repellant: When you’re outdoors, remember that you’re sharing space with insects. Bug bites can worsen psoriasis symptoms. But make sure you wear bug repellant without DEET, as this active ingredient can also make psoriasis symptoms worse.
  • Wear loose clothing: Tight clothing can irritate the skin if you have psoriasis. Instead, it’s better to opt for loose-fitting clothing that can allow your skin to breathe easier.
  • Consider activities like swimming: Swimming can also bring relief to your skin. Salt water is less irritating than chlorine, but you can still swim in chlorinated water if you rinse your skin off with non-chlorinated water right after. Salt water can also improve the scales associated with psoriasis. But be wary of hot tubs and heated pools, since they can increase skin irritation.

Depending on where you live, fall weather may signify a slight or significant drop in temperature. Yet, there’s still going to be a decrease in the humidity your skin loves so much.

You can prepare by:

  • avoiding hot showers
  • having a heavy lotion on hand
  • not wearing thick and tight clothing

Stress is one of the main triggers of psoriasis flare-ups. Make sure you save some time each day for yourself, even if it’s just 5 or 10 minutes to meditate. Reducing your stress levels can help decrease inflammation in your body and may result in fewer psoriasis flare-ups.

As the seasons change, so do your skin’s needs. By taking precautions and using the tips above, you can avoid psoriasis flare-ups and get back to living your best life.

It’s important to regard these tips as complements to your current medical treatment. Talk with your doctor before trying anything new.