Psoriasis in Summer: Sun, Sun Protection and the Right Skincare
Sun, warmth, holidays: for many people with psoriasis, summer is the most pleasant time of the year, because the skin often calms down. At the same time, the warm season brings its own challenges: sunburn, sweat, chlorinated and salt water. Here you will find out why the sun often does psoriasis good, what to look out for when it comes to sun protection and how to care for your skin properly in summer.
In a nutshell: psoriasis in summer
For many people with psoriasis, the skin improves in summer because UV light can slow down the overactive inflammatory processes in the skin. The dose is what matters: sunburn can trigger new patches. So the rule is: sun in small doses, avoid sunburn at all costs, a well-tolerated sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, light skincare and airy clothing.
Does psoriasis get better or worse in summer?
Most people with psoriasis find that their skin calms down in summer. There are several reasons for this: the sun's UV light can dampen the excessive immune response in the skin, the air is more humid than in winter, and many people are more relaxed. You can read about the effects of cold and heated indoor air in the counterpart article Psoriasis in winter.
For a smaller group of people it is the other way round: their skin reacts sensitively to the sun, and their psoriasis gets worse in summer. Sweat, friction in skin folds, sunburn or medication that makes you sensitive to light can also encourage flare-ups in summer. So keep an eye on how your skin reacts.
Sun and psoriasis: why UV light can help
With psoriasis, skin cells renew themselves at a greatly accelerated rate, driven by an overactive immune response. Instead of taking around four weeks, the cells travel to the surface in just a few days, and the typical scaly patches form. UVB radiation can slow down this immune response in the skin. That is exactly what light therapy makes use of, too.
In addition, the skin produces vitamin D under UVB light, which is important for bones and muscles. In summer, short periods in the sun with bare arms and face are enough for this. Your doctor's practice can check with a blood test whether you are lacking vitamin D. You should not take high doses on your own initiative.
The right dose: sun yes, sunburn no
UV radiation also has its downsides: it makes the skin age faster and is the most important avoidable risk factor for skin cancer. With psoriasis there is something else: sunburn is an injury to the skin, and new psoriasis patches can develop at injured sites. This is called the Koebner phenomenon.
- Start with short periods in the sun, around 10 to 15 minutes, and increase slowly.
- Avoid the midday sun between 11 am and 3 pm.
- Always protect healthy skin with sunscreen. The patches themselves need protection too, because they can also burn.
- Remember your scalp: with psoriasis on the scalp, a hat or scarf protects your parting.
- Warning signs are burning, tightness or redness. If you notice them, get into the shade straight away.
Light therapy: controlled rather than sunbathing
In light therapy, dermatologists irradiate the skin with UV light in a targeted way, usually with narrowband UVB. The dose and duration are precisely adjusted to your skin type and increased step by step. That is something different from sunbathing or a sunbed: sunbeds mainly emit UVA, are not intended for treatment and increase the risk of skin cancer. That is why experts advise against using sunbeds if you have psoriasis.
Which sunscreen for psoriasis?
The best sunscreen is the one your skin tolerates and that you use regularly. With psoriasis, these points have proven themselves:
- SPF 30 or higher with UVA protection, SPF 50 for fair skin or strong sun
- mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, if your skin reacts to other filters
- without fragrances, essential oils and lots of alcohol, as they can put additional strain on irritated skin
- Texture to suit the area: lotion or cream for dry skin, gel or fluid for the scalp and hairy areas
Apply generously, around 30 to 40 millilitres for the whole body, and reapply every two hours and after swimming. What natural sun protection can and cannot do is explained in our guide Natural sun protection for sensitive skin.
Medication and sun
Some psoriasis medications make the skin more sensitive to light, for example acitretin or methotrexate, but also some topical treatments. Your skin then burns faster than usual. Ask your dermatologist's practice or pharmacy whether this applies to your treatment, and if so, protect yourself particularly well. Never stop taking medication on your own initiative, not even on holiday.
Skincare for psoriasis in summer
Skin with psoriasis needs regular care in summer too, because the patches stay dry. What changes is the texture: rich creams that feel good in winter quickly feel heavy and greasy in the heat. In summer, lighter textures that absorb quickly are more pleasant. For particularly dry, scaly patches, something richer is still fine, ideally in the evening.
Moisture is bound by, for example, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, urea or lactic acid. In your skincare, too, avoid fragrances and silicones if your skin is sensitive to them.
Showering and cooling
Many people shower more often in summer. Keep showers short and lukewarm, use a mild, lipid-replenishing cleanser and gently pat your skin dry afterwards. Apply cream straight away while your skin is still slightly damp. For itching, cool compresses or skincare from the fridge help. You should avoid scratching, because that can also trigger new patches.
Sea, pool and lake
Many people with psoriasis swear by holidays by the sea. Salt water can soften scales, and the combination of salt and sun is also used in climate therapy, for example at the Dead Sea. But salt and chlorinated water also dry out the skin. So after swimming, rinse off with clear water, pat yourself dry and apply cream before you top up your sunscreen. You will find more travel tips in the article Holidays with psoriasis.
Clothing, sweat and friction
Sweat and friction irritate the skin, especially in skin folds such as the armpits, groin or under the breasts, where psoriasis often occurs as what is known as inverse psoriasis. This is how to prevent it:
- Wear light, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen or viscose.
- Choose loose-fitting cuts so that air can circulate and nothing chafes.
- Avoid tight clothing made of synthetic fibres, which does not absorb sweat well.
- Change out of sweaty clothes quickly and pat skin folds dry.
Showing your skin in summer
Short sleeves, swimsuit, outdoor pool: for many people with psoriasis, summer also takes some courage. Looks or questions can hurt. It helps to have a short answer ready, such as “It's psoriasis, it's not contagious.” And remember: you don't have to explain anything to anyone. You can read about how closely skin and mind are connected in the article The psyche and psoriasis.
Our tip for summer
Our skincare with NEEMAVERA® has been specially developed for skin prone to psoriasis.
- Cream: light basic care, absorbs quickly, fragrance-free, ideal for warm days
- Cream forte: rich care for particularly dry, scaly patches, ideally in the evening, fragrance-free
- Scalp Tonic: light daily care for the scalp, no need to rinse out
- After Sun Gel: cools and moisturises after sun exposure, with a light fragrance
Important: our skincare does not replace sunscreen. The article Psoriasis care from head to toe gives you an overview of all our products.
Frequently asked questions
Is sun good for psoriasis?
For many people, yes: UV light can slow down the overactive immune response in the skin, and the skin often calms down. The dose is what matters, because sunburn can trigger new patches.
Which sunscreen is suitable for psoriasis?
A well-tolerated sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and UVA protection, without fragrances and lots of alcohol. If your skin reacts to other filters, mineral filters such as zinc oxide are often a good choice.
Why does psoriasis sometimes get worse in summer?
Possible reasons are sunburn, sweat and friction in skin folds, medication that makes you sensitive to light, or an innate sensitivity to light that affects a smaller group of people.
Can I go in the sea or the pool if I have psoriasis?
Yes. Rinse off with clear water afterwards, pat your skin dry and apply cream, because salt and chlorine dry the skin out.
Does a sunbed help with psoriasis?
No. Sunbeds mainly emit UVA, are not intended for treatment and increase the risk of skin cancer. Light therapy at a dermatologist's practice is the safe alternative.