The arrival of winter is often accompanied by dry skin, redness, tightness… but for people with psoriasis, it is much more than a simple cosmetic inconvenience.
Cold weather, dry air, lack of light, or heating systems can promote the flare-up of psoriatic plaques.
In this article, we'll explore the effect of winter on psoriasis and, more importantly, the small steps you can take to limit its impact!
1. Understanding your psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, local inflammation, and impaired skin barrier function.
In summary, the epidermal renewal cycle is accelerated (in just a few days), which leads to the accumulation of scales (which form the plaques).
The interaction between your genetic, immune, and environmental factors triggers or modulates flare-ups. In other words, psoriasis is sensitive to the surrounding environment, and winter is a particularly “aggressive” time.
2. Why do psoriasis symptoms often worsen in winter?
Decreased humidity and dry skin
Cold air naturally contains less water vapor, leading to reduced ambient humidity. This dryness is felt on the skin's surface, which loses more moisture, and the skin barrier weakens.
When the skin barrier is compromised, irritants and allergens can penetrate more easily. As a result, inflammation is triggered and psoriasis flare-ups occur.
The interior heat
Indoor heating (radiators, forced air, stoves) exacerbates the drying effect of the environment. The air goes from "dry outside" to "very dry inside," and this double effect further weakens your skin.
Less UV light & reduced vitamin D
Sunlight, and in particular UV (moderate UVB), has a beneficial effect on psoriasis via immunomodulatory action (reduction of T cell activation) and stimulation of cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, which plays a role in local immune regulation.
In winter, there is less sunshine, shorter days, and more "oblique" rays: all of this reduces natural exposure to useful UV rays.
As a result, our skin suffers, at least as much as our mood!
3. Habits to avoid in winter if you have psoriasis
In winter, certain natural habits should be avoided to prevent aggravating psoriasis! We know, taking a hot bath is tempting, but very risky…
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Showers or baths that are too hot
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Harsh cleaners (perfumed soaps, unsuitable pH)
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Irritating clothing (raw wool, rough synthetic fabrics)
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Excessive heating, lack of humidification
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Neglecting or insufficiently moisturizing your skin
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Stress, lack of natural light
4. How to take care of your skin in winter?
Choosing the right skincare products
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Choose creams like our Mother-of-Pearl Cream enriched with BIONACRE, promoting deep skin hydration and renewal.
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Apply your skincare products immediately after showering, while your skin is still slightly damp.
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Reapply hydration several times a day if needed.
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For very thick/scaly areas, targeted treatments such as our Kerato-Reducing Emollient Treatment can be incorporated .
Limit physical and mechanical aggression
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Opt for lukewarm (not hot) showers of moderate duration (less than 10 minutes).
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Use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers with a pH close to the skin, such as our Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil .
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Do not rub with towels: pat gently
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Avoid rough clothing and direct contact with wool against the skin (use a cotton or silk layer underneath).
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Cover up (gloves, scarf) to limit direct exposure to wind or freezing cold
Winter should not be the “psoriasis season”, but rather a time to anticipate, strengthen the skin barrier, and adapt skincare routines so that you no longer fear it.
Cold weather acts as a catalyst for skin stress: dryness, lack of light, heating, and mechanical aggressions. But with a consistent strategy and appropriate skincare, it's possible to no longer dread winter and its impact on psoriasis!
