Chang says. “It is a great option for those looking to soften psoriasis plaques and improve the skin’s ability to absorb other topicals.”
When choosing a moisturizer, it’s important to look for products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic to avoid irritating the skin further.
3. Get some sunlight
Starting your day with a healthy breakfast is important for everyone, but it can be especially beneficial for individuals with psoriasis. “Nutrition plays a role in inflammation and disease,” Dr. Chang says. “A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially improve psoriasis symptoms.”
Some foods that may be beneficial for people with psoriasis include:
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids
- Colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, spinach, and kale, which are rich in antioxidants
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal, which are high in fiber
- Healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil
On the other hand, some foods may trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms. These include processed foods, sugary snacks, and alcohol. It’s important to pay attention to how different foods affect your body and skin.
5. Take your medications
If you have prescription medications or topical treatments for psoriasis, it’s important to take them as directed by your doctor. Consistency is key in managing psoriasis symptoms and preventing flares.
“Topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, retinoids, and calcineurin inhibitors are common prescription medications used to treat psoriasis,” Dr. Chang says. “Depending on the severity of your psoriasis, your doctor may recommend using one or more of these medications.”
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to apply these medications, how often to use them, and for how long. If you have any questions or concerns about your medications, be sure to talk to your dermatologist.
6. Practice stress-relief techniques
Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flares. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life with psoriasis.
Some stress-relief techniques you can try include:
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Deep breathing exercises
- Yoga or tai chi
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Journaling
Find what works best for you and incorporate stress-relief techniques into your morning routine to start your day on a calm and positive note.
7. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health and can also benefit your skin. “Hydration is key for maintaining healthy skin,” Dr. Chang says. “Drinking enough water can help maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.”
It’s recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, but individual hydration needs may vary depending on factors like age, weight, activity level, and climate. Pay attention to your body’s thirst cues and drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
8. Wear comfortable clothing
The clothes you wear can have an impact on your psoriasis symptoms. “Wearing soft, breathable fabrics can help prevent skin irritation and itching,” Dr. Chang says. “Avoid tight clothing that can rub against psoriatic plaques and cause discomfort.”
Opt for loose-fitting, cotton clothing that won’t irritate your skin. If you have psoriasis on your scalp, consider wearing a soft hat or head covering to protect your skin from the sun and prevent irritation.
By incorporating these healthy morning habits into your routine, you can help manage your psoriasis symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Remember to stay consistent with your self-care practices and talk to your dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns about your psoriasis treatment plan.
For more tips on managing psoriasis and other skin conditions, be sure to check out Well+Good for expert advice and resources.
RELATED: 8 Things to Do Every Morning for Psoriasis Relief (That Can Be Added to Any Routine)
Dr. Chang, a dermatologist, recently shared some valuable insights on managing psoriasis as part of a morning routine. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin, and it can be challenging to manage. Dr. Chang recommends a few key products and practices to incorporate into your morning routine to help alleviate symptoms and improve skin health.
One product Dr. Chang recommends is Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo, which contains 3 percent salicylic acid to help clear crusty scalp scales associated with scalp psoriasis. By removing thicker scales, other topical treatments may absorb more effectively into the skin. The fragrance-free formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and all hair types.
Another product Dr. Chang suggests is Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream, an intensely nourishing body cream infused with shea butter to hydrate and replenish the skin. This cream can be applied after a shower, before bed, or anytime the skin feels dry or flaky.
For moisturizing the skin, Dr. Chang recommends La Roche Posay Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, which contains ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide to repair the skin barrier and moisturize the skin. The lightweight formula is suitable for all skin types and comes in travel and full-size bottles.
To lock in moisture and hydrate dry, flaky patches, Dr. Chang suggests using CeraVe Healing Ointment, which combines ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and occlusive ingredients. This ointment is great for applying to damp skin to trap in moisture and promote skin repair.
In addition to skincare products, Dr. Chang emphasizes the importance of applying SPF daily to protect the skin from sun damage. People with psoriasis are at greater risk of sun damage due to compromised skin barriers and certain psoriasis treatments that may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Dr. Chang also recommends getting a daily dose of sunlight, as controlled exposure to UVB rays can reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis and slow down the rapid proliferation of skin cells. However, it’s essential to wear broadband SPF and go out during less intense sunlight hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
In terms of diet, Dr. Chang suggests incorporating omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids into your meals, as research suggests that diets rich in omega-3s, fruits, and vegetables can help manage psoriasis severity. Foods like walnuts, salmon, and flaxseed oil are good sources of omega-3s and can be included in breakfast options like a yogurt bowl or a bagel with lox and avocado.
Lastly, Dr. Chang recommends wearing breathable clothes made from gentle fabrics to help manage psoriasis-affected areas of the skin, which are sensitive and prone to irritation. By following these skincare recommendations and incorporating healthy habits into your morning routine, you can better manage psoriasis and promote overall skin health. Skin irritation and itching are common problems for people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. These symptoms can be exacerbated by tight or rough clothing that causes friction against the skin. To minimize irritation and reduce sweat buildup, it is recommended to wear breathable, light fabrics such as cotton or linen.
Dr. Chang, a dermatologist, explains that tight or rough clothing can worsen skin irritation and itching by causing friction against the skin. This friction can inflame the skin even more, leading to discomfort and increased symptoms of psoriasis. By opting for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, you can reduce the risk of irritation and improve overall skin health.
In addition to choosing the right clothing, managing stress is also important for reducing the risk of psoriasis flare-ups. Stress is a known risk factor for psoriasis and can trigger inflammatory responses in the body. To keep stress in check, it is recommended to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Additionally, leaning on support groups, keeping a daily gratitude journal, and incorporating regular exercise into your routine can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Another important factor to consider is smoking, as studies suggest that smoking may worsen the severity of psoriasis. Smoking can increase certain molecules in the body that regulate the immune system, leading to inflammation and exacerbating psoriasis symptoms. To reduce the risk of flare-ups from smoking, it is important to quit smoking and seek support from healthcare providers.
Overall, establishing a morning routine that focuses on skin health and stress management can help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and improve overall quality of life. It is important to regularly check in with your dermatologist and primary care doctor to monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. By taking care of your skin, managing stress, and quitting smoking, you can improve your skin health and reduce the risk of psoriasis flare-ups. It is essential to ensure that the original HTML tags, HTML headings, and key points are used as a reference when rewriting a new article. By doing so, the content will remain unique and seamlessly integrate into a WordPress platform.
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