Eczema, Psoriasis and the Sun: How to Reduce Flare-ups

Discover how psoriasis, eczema and sun exposure impact your skin plus tips to help.

Many people enjoy soaking up some sunshine during the summer months. However, if you have eczema or psoriasis, it's important to be mindful of sun exposure. Too much sun can worsen your skin condition symptoms.

However, there are ways to protect yourself and still enjoy the summer season. You can have a fun and safe summer without worrying about a flare-up by following some simple steps. Let's take a look at eczema and sun exposure, and how to manage psoriasis and the sun to discover what you can do to stay protected while taking in some UV rays.

Sun Exposure with Psoriasis or Eczema

You’ve heard Vitamin D is a handy vitamin for helping your body absorb calcium along with building healthy bones. But did you know just 10 minutes of spring and summer sun exposure is enough to get your daily Vitamin D needs? Any more than that, your skin becomes at risk of damage, which is exacerbated in people with eczema and psoriasis.

Here’s why:

Sun exposure dries out eczema and psoriasis-prone skin

When your skin is exposed to too much sun, it becomes dehydrated. You know one of the hallmarks of eczema and psoriasis is dry skin and flaking. So the last thing you need to add is an environmental factor worsening your dryness.

UV causes inflammation, which is already occurring in eczema and psoriasis-prone skin

UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that trigger an inflammatory response in your skin. This inflammation can show up as redness, swelling and discomfort. If you have eczema or psoriasis, your skin is already prone to redness and inflammation. After UV exposure, you’ll likely experience this redness far worse than those who don’t have a skin condition.

Exposure to UV radiation can also cause oxidative stress. This occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of harmful free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. Oxidative stress can damage cells, including skin cells, triggering inflammation and quickening ageing.

UV exposure can trigger your immune response

UV radiation can over-activate your immune system, causing it to release inflammatory chemicals such as cytokines and histamines. These chemicals cause blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, leading to redness, swelling and heat in the exposed area. Your skin is already red, and your skin’s barrier is already more permeable if you have eczema or psoriasis. So this enhanced immune response can set off a huge flare-up.

Psoriasis and the sun & eczema and sun protection

Choose the right sunscreen for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin

Protecting your skin from the sun is important, but for those with psoriasis or eczema, it's crucial to choose the right sunscreen. Applying just any product can lead to further irritation. Layering and selecting suitable products for your skin condition is key. Zinc oxide is a recommended ingredient due to its ability to act as a barrier against UV while being gentle on the skin.

Apply medical-grade skincare before and after sun exposure

Use a condition-specific moisturizing cream designed for eczema or psoriasis to ensure your skin is in great condition before you head out into the sun. After using the cream, apply hypoallergenic sunscreen to your skin. Then, wash it off after your time in the sun. Follow your cleanse with another layer of eczema or psoriasis moisturizing cream.

Choose the right moisturizer when considering eczema, psoriasis and the sun

It’s not enough to apply any old moisturizer before and after your time in the sun. To enhance your skin’s natural barrier and fight any sun-induced inflammation, you need a skin condition-specific cream. Look for medical-grade skincare with specific ingredients that help your skin condition manage external and environmental challenges.

Nourish your skin before and after sun exposure with these ingredients:

• Active ingredients for your eczema or psoriasis:

Colloidal oatmeal helps to restore your skin’s natural barrier, a vital element of eczema protection. It also reduces inflammation that worsens after sun exposure. Glycolic Acid is an AHA (Alpha-hydroxy acid) helps eczema-prone skin withhold moisture plus helps it shed dead and dry skin cells. Last but not least: Salicylic acid for psoriasis: This powerful skincare ingredient is clinically proven to provide relief of psoriasis-related symptoms such as itching, irritation, redness, flaking, and scaling.

• Nourishing vitamins:

Vitamin A helps your skin heal throughout an eczema or psoriasis flare-up. And, vitamin B protects vulnerable skin against dry, hot environments during summer. Best of all, vitamin C works on your skin the same way it works on your internal health. It makes skin healthier as it helps skin cells rebuild and repair.

• Botanicals and essential oils to protect your skin

Jojoba Oil nourishes eczema-prone skin by adding moisturizing properties and simultaneously soothes the skin due to its calming effects. Thanks to its powerful antioxidants, Vitamin E oil actively helps in healing your skin during and after an eczema-flare up. Japanese Honeysuckle, a botanical, naturally contains useful ingredients that actively soothe red, inflamed skin.

• Glycolipid technology such as HYDROSURF™

Found only in ARCTIVA skincare products, HYDROSURF™ improves moisture retention, water mobility, absorption, and exfoliation. Best of all, ARCTIVA’s HYDROSURF™ glycolipid ingredients deliver rapid relief to the source of irritations, perfect for helping keep your skin summer-ready.

It can be difficult to find a medical-grade skincare product designed for eczema or psoriasis with all the ingredients above. That’s where ARCTIVA Eczema Cream and ARCTIVA Psoriasis Cream come in. These science-backed skincare products work to protect your skin and nourish it beyond the surface. Plus, they’re dermatologist and pediatrician-approved, making them ideal for use on your whole family.

Taking care of your skin and protecting it from the sun is really important, especially if you're dealing with psoriasis or eczema. Just make sure you keep track of how much time you spend in the sun and use a moisturizing cream and sunscreen every day. Don't let your skin condition stop you from enjoying summertime fun - with the right products, your skin can look better than ever.

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