What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis can also affect the very thin and fragile skin of the face and the hairline, especially the sides of the nose and the small folds known as marionette lines at the corners of the lips.
Normally, the skin's renewal cycle is 21 to 28 days. But in the case of psoriasis, the skin renews itself much faster, every 4 to 6 days, which leads to itching, scaling, and inflammation. Constant scratching and peeling make the skin very dry, leaving the epidermis exposed and uncomfortable. This is why psoriasis is said to be autoimmune in origin: the immune system is unbalanced and attacks itself, triggering inflammatory processes and the proliferation of keratinocytes, the superficial cells of the epidermis.
Psoriasis can be associated with other conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or arthritis. A weakened immune system following a virus, a wound, an insect bite, or a vaccination can also trigger psoriasis.
While genetics plays a significant role in the development of psoriasis, lifestyle is crucial, so it's not inevitable! Your parents may very well have developed this condition while you remain unaffected. It even seems that it can skip generations.
Most people who develop psoriasis are very sensitive. This is why it's important to address the emotional aspect from the very beginning of the diagnosis, or if you have a family history of the condition.
Other potential triggers, less known a few years ago, are now being highlighted, including digestive issues such as intestinal permeability or leaky gut, as well as the crucial role of the liver.
Finally, from a symbolic point of view, psoriasis often marks the loss of a loved one, a feeling of rejection or abandonment, a feeling of fear, or even the desire to change one's skin; psoriasis then acts as armor to protect oneself from the outside world.
Certain factors can worsen psoriasis flare-ups. These include scratching, alcohol, tobacco, being overweight, certain medications, and also chronic stress.
Adopt a suitable skincare routine
In the morning, opt for a very gentle facial ritual, starting with our Soothing Toner . Then apply the Moisturizing Gel-Emulsion Cream . In the evening, choose a suitable protocol to gently cleanse and soothe your skin, beginning with our Cleansing Oil- Removing Cleanser, followed by the Soothing Hydrosol Toner, and then the Regenerating Emulsion Cream . Once a week, the Soothing Suspension Mask will help calm the skin and reduce irritation.
Our Venotonic Emulsion Body Cream addresses the needs of sensitive skin thanks to its formula containing coffee extract and arnica. This body treatment reduces the feeling of heavy legs (-58%), hydrates (+50%), and tones (+24%).
Learning to manage stress and emotions helps to regulate crises
While stress is an aggravating factor, learning to manage it in the long term can also help prevent flare-ups. Furthermore, stress can compromise the skin's barrier function, making it more sensitive and prone to irritation.
To do this, everyone has their own method: cardiac coherence, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, sophrology… All these techniques will allow you to reduce the level of cortisol, the stress hormone, and thus avoid an inflammatory flare-up.
The diagnosis can be difficult for some and add to already significant stress. The announcement of an incurable illness can leave a feeling of helplessness and incomprehension, disrupting life plans, the daily routine of an entire family, and leading to changes in relationships with others, as well as withdrawal. This may require a process of acceptance that isn't always easy but is always beneficial. Indeed, it's important to continue to love and pamper yourself. Give yourself time, take breaks to relax and take care of yourself each week. Try relaxing herbal teas like chamomile, well-known for its calming properties.
