7 Ways to Avoid Triggering Psoriasis (+ Nurture Your Skin Too)

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where your body creates antibodies that attack your own healthy tissues. With psoriasis, certain areas of your skin are replaced every 3-5 days instead of the usual 28-30 days. This accelerated skin production starts to pile up on the surface of the skin, forming itchy plaques that eventually become scaly and flaky (1).

Common triggers of psoriasis range from streptococcus infection and dry weather to skin injuries such as a scratch, burn, or insect bite, though it can also be caused by certain medications such as antibiotics.

Lifestyle changes to reduce stress, taking the right supplements, avoiding potential triggers, and taking proper skin care can help prevent psoriasis flare-ups. Read on to learn more.



1. Keep Your Skin Healthy With Natural Remedies

Since psoriasis is an auto-immune and inflammatory disorder, natural remedies like CBD oil and functional mushrooms may suppress the autoimmune reaction and help ease the inflammation.

CBD oil, or cannabidiol oil, is a cannabinoid with therapeutic functional properties that evidence suggests may be effective in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis (2)

Functional mushrooms such as Chaga, Cordyceps, and Reishi, on the other hand, have beta-glucans, sterols, and phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and may also contain immunomodulating properties.

» Learn more: Best functional mushrooms for skin health

Our unique M2CBD formula combines the benefits of these two powerful components, as well as various other therapeutic ingredients, to bring relief from a number of skin conditions.

» Need relief from psoriasis? Take a look at our skincare products with CBD and functional mushrooms



2. Practice Active Skincare

A warm bath (that's not too hot, to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils) is excellent for your skin. Not only does it clean the skin but also offers soothing benefits. If you already have dry and inflamed skin, try adding baking soda or Epsom salt to your water and bathe. An oatmeal bath with colloidal oats is highly effective too.

If you have psoriasis, do not pick the dry skin or scales. Bathe or shower once a day and use a good moisturizing soap, but limit your bath time to 5-15 minutes. Do not rub yourself too much while drying your body.

If you practice such active skincare, you can enjoy these additional skin benefits:

• Reduced visible pores
• Prevention of acne
• Reduced wrinkles

» Discover the best ways to stop wrinkles: natural anti-aging tips and products

3. Use Thick, Oil-Based Moisturizers

Dermatologists recommend oil-based moisturizers to avoid triggering psoriasis as they help remove dead skin and restore essential moisture. By providing a protective layer on the skin, moisturizers help prevent psoriasis recurrence.

Aside from combating psoriasis, these kinds of moisturizers benefit your skin in many other ways:

• Salicylic acid, ceramides, and vitamins that may inhibit inflammation and provide speedy healing of the skin
• Emollient ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil may improve overall skin health
• Reduced blemishes and added protection against blackheads and breakouts, leading to glowing skin

» Looking for a great CBD- and functional mushroom-infused moisturizer? Try our anti-ageing formulas

4. Eat Right & Exercise Regularly

A balanced diet with ample quantities of fruits and vegetables is essential to overall health, including your skin. Plant-based proteins such as tofu, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are especially good as they are high in essential nutrients that help prevent psoriasis flare.

On the other hand, foods such as alcohol, red meat, dairy products, gluten, and junk food can aggravate psoriasis. People who exercise regularly are less prone to psoriasis flare-ups as exercise is associated with reduced bodily inflammation.

A healthy diet and routine exercise benefit your skin in many ways:

• Improved blood flow and nourishes cells
• Reduced toxins from the skin
• Slowed signs of aging

5. Use a Humidifier in Your Home

In psoriasis, the skin becomes particularly sensitive to dry weather. Humidifiers release steam that increases moisture levels in the air, giving some respite.

There are other significant benefits of using humidifiers:

• Allergies, cracked lips, limp hair, and itchy skin are all alleviated by using a humidifier at home
• Humidifiers are also effective for dry sinuses, bloody noses, nose congestion, and other respiratory conditions

6. Ensure You Get Enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps strengthen the immune system through its effects on the T cells. Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, extra Vitamin D may alleviate symptoms. Incidentally, a significant association has been shown between low serum vitamin D and psoriasis (2).

There are different ways to ensure you get the vitamin D needed for battling psoriasis, such as by exposing yourself to extra natural sunlight or taking vitamin D supplements. Additionally, topical vitamin D may also bring some relief for localized skin problems.

7. Wrap Up in Cold, Dry Weather

Psoriasis can get severe in cold and dry weather (3). This can result in cracked, bleeding skin and even infections. Cold weather also means low levels of sun exposure and vitamin D, which further aggravates skin conditions.

If you live in climate that experiences dry winters, be sure to do the following:

• Wear a hat, shawls, gloves, waterproof boots, and winter jackets to protect your skin and stay warm
• When warming yourself at fireplaces or using a heater, stay far enough to prevent your skin from heating and drying out
• Use warm (not hot) water to bath and immediately apply moisturizer to your skin



Always Consult a Doctor

Nutritious food, exercise, deep moisturizing, vitamin D, active skin care, functional mushrooms, and CBD oils are some of the best ways to avoid psoriasis flare-ups. Adaptogenic mushrooms such as Chaga, Shiitake, and Cordyceps support your immune system and prevent inflammation, as well as potentially reducing stress (4). Though these methods may bring much-needed relief, you should always consult your doctor when dealing with dangerous and detrimental conditions, especially if you experience chronic symptoms.

» Still not convinced? Take a look at the benefits of treating psoriasis with CBD and functional mushrooms