Sun and Sea

If You Have Psoriasis, Spend a Few Minutes In The Sun

The sun and sea are important elements when it comes to healing your skin. Since psoriasis appears to improve with ultra-violet light, some dermatologists think this is one skin condition that merits a soak in the sun. In the summer, I tell patients to go out into the sun and to stay just long enough to get the benefit of the ultra-violet light, but not long enough to burn – no more than 15 minutes or so. I also caution people to protect the skin in places where they don’t have psoriasis.

You may well be aware that ultraviolet light is great for healing psoriasis, and I tend to see more benefit more the ultraviolet light that comes from the sun rather than from artificial sources. It is not a good idea however to be exposed to the sunlight at the expense of becoming sunburned, and for that reason I always recommend that patients who want to get the benefit from sunlight to avoid being in the sun between the hours of 11. A.M. and 3.00 P.M.

Common sense prevails, you will most probably know your own skin and know your tolerance when it comes to the sun and getting your skin burned. Sunburned skin is damaged skin and I certainly don’t recommend it to anyone. Exposure to natural, full-spectrum sunlight is the optimal way to get your intake of Vitamin D as well, and you cannot utilize calcium properly in your body unless you have adequate Vitamin D.

The benefits of sunlight on your skin are numerous; sunbathing stimulates your blood circulation, reduces cholesterol levels and blood viscosity (thickness) and even helps t improve the oxygen levels in your blood.

Sunlight helps to stimulate the production of the important hormone called melatonin, produced by the pineal gland. This response is activated through the response of ultraviolet light on the retina, at the back of the eye. The pituitary gland’s production of several other hormones is also dependent to a degree on sunlight entering the eye.

I want you to be careful about thinking that tanning beds are OK with psoriasis, because they are not, the dangers in tanning beds is now clearly recognized. I never encourage the use of this artificial way of getting your share of ultraviolet light. Be aware also that too much sun exposure has now been linked to an increased incidence of the deadly skin cancer melanoma, so by all means get some sunshine in your life, but stay vigilant about over-exposure, especially between the hours of 11 and 3.

Sun And Sea – The Best Combination

One of the most effective combinations to heal your psoriasis is to take a vacation near the beach. I have seen patients with very bad psoriasis achieve almost miraculous results after a few weeks were spent at the seaside. Saltwater and sunshine are two of the most powerful healing agents when it comes to recovery from psoriasis, have you ever tried this? Swimming, especially in salt water, sloughs off any dead skin and definitely improves the appearance of your psoriasis. But on the other hand, both salt water and chlorinated water can potentially leave your skin dry and flaky. To be on the safe side, after swimming, rinse your skin well and then put on a gentle moisturizer.