Sun And Psoriasis: Is Sunlight Helpful Or Harmful?

Psoriasis can cause irritation and an uncomfortable feeling. It can have an emotional and psychological impact, making you feel a bit ashamed to go out without hiding the affected area. But did you know that a good amount of sunlight may help improve your psoriasis? 

As a psoriasis patient, what do you need to do? In this blog post, we’ll explore how sunlight can help (or hurt) your psoriasis and what you can do to find the middle ground.

How Sunlight Helps Improve Psoriasis Symptoms

Fig. 1. Sunlight can help improve psoriasis
(Source: Unsplash)

There are two main ways that natural sunlight can help improve psoriasis symptoms: by reducing inflammation and by increasing vitamin D production.

Reducing inflammation is important because chronic inflammation is thought to be one of the main drivers of psoriasis. And while there are many different medications that can help reduce inflammation, sometimes nothing works better than good old-fashioned sunshine.

Increasing vitamin D production is also important for people with psoriasis because vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing the condition. Furthermore, adequate vitamin D levels are necessary for optimal health, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough whether you have psoriasis or not. 

The Different Types of UV Light and How They Help With Psoriasis

There are two types of UV light that can help improve your psoriasis symptoms: UVA and UVB.

UVA Rays

UVA rays help slow down the production of skin cells. This is important because people with psoriasis tend to produce skin cells at a much faster rate than normal, which leads to the formation of scaly patches on the skin. UVA rays also help reduce inflammation, which is another common symptom of psoriasis. 

However, UVA rays alone are not enough to treat psoriasis—they must be used in conjunction with UVB rays or another form of treatment. Otherwise, your symptoms may actually worsen.

UVB Rays

UVB rays help slow down the overproduction of skin cells, just like UVA rays. But they also have the added benefit of reducing inflammation and helping the skin retain moisture. This is important because people with psoriasis often have dry, cracked skin that is extremely sensitive to irritation. By keeping your skin hydrated, UVB rays can help reduce itching, redness, and soreness. 

UVB rays work best for psoriasis treatment according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. UVB is also used in phototherapy treatment and excimer lasers.

Are There Any Benefits to Getting Sun Exposure if You Have Psoriasis?

Fig. 2. Pros and cons of getting sunlight exposure
(Source: Unsplash)

Sunlight And Psoriasis: The Pros

One of the main benefits of sunlight for people with psoriasis is that it can help to clear up flare-ups. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can help to slow down the growth of skin cells, which is one of the main causes of psoriasis flare-ups. In addition, UV light helps to reduce inflammation and can improve the overall appearance of your skin. 

If you are thinking about using sunlight to help treat your psoriasis, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. They will be able to advise you about how much sun exposure is safe for your individual situation and can also provide advice about other treatments that may be more effective for you. 

Sunlight And Psoriasis: The Cons 

While there are some benefits to getting sun exposure if you have psoriasis, there are also some risks that you should be aware of. One of the main risks is that too much light exposure can cause your skin to become dry, red, and cracked. This can lead to an increase in pain and itching and can make your psoriasis flare-ups worse. 

In addition, spending too much time in the sun can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. This is why it’s so important to wear sunscreen when you are outdoors, even if you don’t have psoriasis. Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF rating will help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and will also help to keep your skin hydrated. 

Tips for Protecting Your Psoriasis-Prone Skin From the Sun’s Harmful Rays

Fig. 3. Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays
(Source: Unsplash)

For people with psoriasis, the sun can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, a little sun can help to improve the appearance of psoriasis by reducing redness and scaling. On the other hand, too much sun can actually make psoriasis worse and lead to painful sunburns. 

So what’s a person with psoriasis to do? Here are a few tips for getting the most out of the sun without putting your skin at risk.

Pick the right time of day

The worst time to be in the sun if you have psoriasis is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. If possible, plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon/early evening. And be sure to take regular breaks in the shade to give your skin a rest.

Cover up

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to cover as much skin as possible. Be sure to choose clothes made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Avoid tight-fitting clothes that could irritate your skin. 

Apply sunscreen liberally

Look for psoriasis-friendly sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to apply sun protection generously to all exposed skin, including your scalp, ears, and hands—areas that are often overlooked but can be especially sensitive in people with psoriasis. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours or as many as needed, especially if you’re sweating a lot. 

Take breaks

Whenever possible, take breaks indoors or in the shade to give your skin a rest from the sun’s rays. This will help prevent overexposure and minimise your risk of developing a serious burn—which could trigger a psoriasis flare-up. 

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) to avoid becoming dehydrated, which can make your skin more susceptible to burning. 

Monitor your skin closely

Pay close attention to how your skin looks and feels after being in the sun. If you notice any redness, swelling, itching, or burning, get out of the sun immediately and apply cool compresses to the affected area. These could be signs of a serious sunburn that will require medical attention. 

Finding Alternatives – Medovie Skin Products

Sunlight for psoriasis may not work for everyone, since our bodies have different reactions to sunlight. You may have tried natural UVB treatment, but your chronic skin problem stays the same. In that case, what you need is an effective and natural alternative for managing psoriasis symptoms. 

Medovie products are designed to provide relief for those with chronic skin problems like psoriasis. Our products are safe, effective, natural, and proven by science to have lasting soothing effects on sensitive skin. By mixing the wisdom of traditional Chinese Medicine with advanced research, we provide long-lasting, holistic comfort to those with restless skin problems.

What makes Medovie different from other over-the-counter products is the 3HX™ Formula.

Our ground-breaking 3HX™ formula has proven astounding benefits to the skin by supporting healthy cell production inside and out. The complex process, which took a decade to perfect, results in a powerful and effective product that can help improve the lives of those suffering from psoriasis.

Check out our scalp and body solutions or schedule a free consultation to help you get started.