Written by Sami Blackford
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Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system mistakes a normal skin cell for a pathogen (a bad guy), and sends out faulty signals that cause over-production of new skin cells.
To put it plainly, psoriasis is caused by new skin cells being formed too quickly. The cells never mature completely as reproduction of the cells happens around a 1000 times faster than in normal cells. These push up to the skin surface and cause too many cells to crowd into the same space, leading to scaling and redness.
As with most skin problems, a cream, alone, probably won’t heal the condition completely. To do this, we need to take an holistic approach. Here are my tips…
- Know your triggers
Though the underlying cause of psoriasis stems from your body’s immune system, certain triggers can make symptoms worse or cause flare-ups. Whether it’s cold weather, stress, certain medications, alcohol, smoking, or something else, knowing your triggers means you can avoid them and reduce flare-ups.
- Love Your digestive system
Psoriasis occurs as a result of an imbalance of three crucial functions within your body – the digestive system, the liver, and the immune system. A poorly-functioning intestinal lining (caused by a build-up of toxins from food, lifestyle and environment) fails to optimally break-down proteins in food and make the building blocks of our bodies. As a result, bad bacteria thrive, which contribute to psoriasis and unhealthy cell regeneration.
- Check your diet
As we saw above, the health of your gut will be having an effect on the health of your skin. Do you have a food sensitivity/intolerance? Are you getting enough micronutrients? Are you getting enough essential fats? You could try a detox or cleanse to reset your system back to a healthy state, try following an anti-inflammatory diet, or add to your diet.
- Reduce stress
Though stress is thought of a an emotional condition, it also has physical effects. one of which is on our digestive system. This is for two reasons – stress can actually impair the proper functioning of our gut, plus, if we’re stressed we’ll crave unhealthy comfort foods.
- Get your Vitamin D
According to dermatologists, sunshine is one of the best treatments for psoriasis. The sun not only helps clear psoriasis symptoms in some cases, but it stimulates your body to produce more vitamin D which contributes to reducing inflammation throughout the body. Please be sensible when sunbathing and remember to wear sunscreen.
- Take a dip
The Dead Sea has a unique blend of potent natural mineral proven by multiple scientific research worldwide to be therapeutically effective for healing skin diseases, psoriasis being amongst them. Can’t make it to the Dead Sea? Try adding dead sea salt to your bath to get the benefits, or use our Lavender & Orange Bath Milk for extra Cleopatra-style luxury.
Need more help? For more in-depth information, take a look at our Guide to Psoriasis.
Until next time,
Sami Blackford is an Holistic Skincare Specialist, the force of passion behind Love Yourself Naturally, and founder of the Freyaluna natural skincare brand.
After battling acne for many years, Sami finally found the secret path to clear and healthy skin, and she has since made it her mission to reach out to women around the world and help them along the same journey. Using a unique blend of natural skincare, nutrition and lifestyle advice, and a caring nature, she guides women to the healthy skin they deserve to see reflected in the mirror.
