Grooming Advice for People With Sensitive Skin Conditions, Including Psoriasis
If you suffer from a chronic skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, then you've likely searched high and low for ways to keep the discomfort at bay. And it means you need to both vigilant and proactive, otherwise you’ll spend even more time trying to treat deeply unhappy skin (e.g., in the case of psoriasis, skin that's dry, red, and scaly). One obvious place to make some adjustments is...what you let touch your skin.
That's more than just the creams and gels and colognes you put on—though it's rethinking those things, too. For instance: you'll want to reconsider how long you shower, and how hot you let the water get. For advice on the grooming habits anyone with chronic skin issues should adopt—and avoid—GQ spoke with board certified dermatologist James Collyer, of Modern Dermatology in Seattle.
Adjust Your Daily Skincare Regimen
For patients with psoriasis and other similar conditions, Collyer advises that they overhaul their bathroom cabinet with only the gentlest, skin-sensitive products. Literally, look for products emblazoned with the word ‘gentle’, like creamy cleansers, lightweight exfoliators, cooling shave creams, and dry-skin moisturizers. And then when you're using them, apply only light pressure to your skin.
However, if you’re actively experiencing a flare up, then be especially cautious. “Avoid the temptation to try and exfoliate [it] off,” Collyer warns. “It won’t help and will probably make matters worse.” Those of you who shave daily, consider switching to an electric shaver which is radically less likely than a bladed razor to break the surface of the skin. What you lose in settling for a less-smooth shave, you gain in keeping your skin happy, which seems worth the tradeoff.
Use Targeted Shampoos
Plenty of shampoos treat issues like scalp psoriasis Look for shampoos that advertise treatment for scalp psoriasis. Typically they contain ingredients like salicylic acid or coal tar (it’s a byproduct of coal gas, and it’s best avoided if you’re a pregnant woman). Even if you suffer from chronic skin issues but your scalp isn’t affected, try one—it'll be gentler on the rest of your body when you're rinsing it away. On the other hand, you shouldn’t let some highly-drying shampoo run down your face. These shampoos won't actively treat psoriasis or other skin conditions, but they'll prevent flare-ups—and often double as treatment for scalp dandruff and itch.
Kick Habits that Kick Up Psoriasis
The habits that worsen these skin conditions are all the ones you know you need to quit anyways: cigarette smoking, eating trash food, and drinking too much will cause flare ups, says Collyer. They're also more likely if you're deeply stressed or extremely overweight.
Cool Your (Shower) Jets
Chill with the sauna-hot showers. They over-dry your skin, and fast. Stick with mild-to-warm temps, advises Collyer, and keep your showers short. If you’re opting for a warm bath, then load it up with gentle, skin-soothing oils so your skin doesn't get leeched of moisture.
How to Handle a Flare Up
The bad news, if you're new to chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis: no matter how well you eat, how quick and tepid your showers, how diligently you check the ingredients on your moisturizers, you can—and probably will—still get hit with a flare up. In that case, there is one obvious solution, says Collyer: Visit your board certified dermatologist. “Generally speaking, these conditions require prescription medications,” he adds. “So you should see your doctor. Luckily, in the case of psoriasis, it’s a very controllable condition.”
That being said, do not treat psoriasis and similar dry, inflammatory conditions while using heavy acne and anti-aging medications. Collyer warns that these might further aggravate the condition. First, treat the psoriasis, and then resume any other treatments—but only under the close supervision and approval of your trusted dermatologist.
Originally Appeared on GQ
