How to Enjoy the festive period without Eczema + Psoriasis Flare-Ups

It’s less than a month until Christmas. And whilst we could all do with some festive cheer, the Christmas period can bring a whole host of problems for our skin. The food, the drink, and perhaps for some of us, the stress, can all lead to eczema or psoriasis flare-ups. 

Here are our tips for a skin-condition-friendly Christmas:

• Stick to your routines. It’s tempting with time off work and a busy social schedule to let your good habits slip. Try to stick to whatever routines you have that you know to benefit your skin. This may include your supplement routine, moisturising, exercising, or use of prescribed treatments.

• Use a humidifier- Running a humidifier in your home can be beneficial all year round, but especially during winter when humidity levels tend to be lower outside and air temperatures inside are often higher. Additionally, humidifiers help lessen itchiness caused by eczema and psoriasis. Choose one with a filter to keep dust mites at bay – these can make conditions worse if present in your living space.

• Go for a walk + get some exercise- It might be freezing, but you can still get your dose of Vitamin D. Remember to wrap up warm but avoid irritating fabric such as wool, and opt for cotton where possible. A walk can help boost your mood, improve digestion and burn some of those Christmas calories. Exercising outdoors is great for anyone during Christmas: being in nature promotes feelings of calmness while also providing some restorative doses of sunlight too (just remember to use SPF!). Additionally, 30 minutes per week helps reduce stress hormones which again reduces inflammation associated with both psoriasis and eczema – what better excuse do you have not to get active?

• Include healthy foods- Ofcourse you will want some Christmas treats, but try and aim for your 5 portions of fruit + veg a day still. Brussel sprouts are packed with Vitamin B, which can improve your mood.

• Drink plenty of water- Alcohol + central heating can completely dry out our skin, exasperating the symptoms of eczema + psoriasis. It’s more important than ever to stay hydrated.

• Limit Alcohol- Try to have a few alcohol-free days over the festive period to allow your liver to recover. Your liver will thank you for it! The preservatives in alcohol can increase the redness of skin conditions, as the blood rushes to our skin. Try making your own Christmas mocktails.

• Avoid Christmas Jumpers- Christmas jumpers are often made of synthetic fibres, which can lead to itching. If you can't resist, look for a cotton version. Designs featuring tinsel are a no-no, as again, this could irritate your skin.

• Toiletries as Gifts- Gift sets full of natural beauty products are perfect for loved ones struggling with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis over Christmas: not only does using natural ingredients give better results, but they’ll look forward to trying all sorts of goodies! Look for items such as body wash, hand cream, lip balm or shower gel which contain ingredients such as shea butter and manuka honey that soothe and hydrate dry skin effectively without causing irritation.

• Get a Fake Tree- Eczema sufferers may find a real Christmas tree problematic, as the needles can irritate sensitive skin. Go for a fake option, but make sure it is thoroughly cleaned if it has been kept in storage gathering dust all year. If you are going to another household which has a real tree, take an antihistamine in advance. Wear gloves and/or long sleeves whilst decorating your tree.

• Avoid Scented Candles and Potpourri- These classic Christmas decorations can cause a reaction in very sensitive skin.

• Manage Food Allergies- Skin condition sufferers, particularly eczema sufferers, can be more likely to have food sensitivity or intolerance. If you are visiting friends or family, make sure they are aware of any intolerances you have in advance.

• Moisturise- If you’re dealing with eczema or psoriasis during the holidays, your skin is likely to be feeling even drier than usual due to the colder weather. Make sure to keep it nourished by stocking up on lots of moisturisers and using them regularly. Opt for products that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic so as not to worsen any existing flare-ups and give your skin the extra hydration it needs this time of year.

• And most importantly… enjoy yourself. Decreasing stress is always good news for your skin.