World Psoriasis Day: What It Is and How to Support Your Skin

Every October 29, the world comes together to raise awareness for psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects more than 125 million people globally. While the red, scaly patches on the skin are often the most visible symptom, the impact of psoriasis goes far deeper. From physical discomfort to emotional stress, the condition affects daily life in profound ways.

World Psoriasis Day is not only about advocacy. It’s also a reminder to slow down, care for your skin intentionally, and build daily rituals that support both your body and your peace of mind. Whether you’re living with psoriasis or supporting someone who is, this guide is here to help you understand the condition and practice compassionate body care.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply faster than normal. This rapid turnover results in a buildup of skin cells on the surface, forming thick, raised plaques that can be red, silvery, scaly, and itchy.

The most common form is plaque psoriasis, but there are other types as well:

• Guttate psoriasis

• Inverse psoriasis

• Pustular psoriasis

• Erythrodermic psoriasis (a rare, severe form)

It’s not contagious and often runs in families. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. This means the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and an overproduction of new skin cells.

Common triggers include:

• Cold, dry weather

• Stress or emotional tension

• Infections or illness

• Certain medications

• Skin injuries (cuts, sunburn, bug bites)

• Hormonal shifts

• Smoking or alcohol

Because it’s a systemic condition, managing psoriasis requires more than just topical care. Still, a good body care routine plays a major role in easing symptoms and preventing flare-ups.

Key Symptoms to Recognize

• Raised, red patches with silvery-white scales

• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed

• Burning, itching, or soreness

• Flaking or peeling skin, especially on the scalp

• Thickened or ridged nails (in nail psoriasis)

Psoriasis is often mistaken for dry skin or eczema in early stages, but the scaly, well-defined plaques and associated joint pain (in psoriatic arthritis) set it apart.

Everyday Body Care Tips for Psoriasis-Prone Skin

A calming, consistent skincare routine can help reduce flare-ups and keep your skin as comfortable as possible. Here’s how to build one:

1. Choose Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products

Avoid products with alcohol, artificial fragrance, or harsh preservatives. Instead, look for nourishing body care made with:

• Colloidal oatmeal

• Aloe vera

• Ceramides

• Shea butter

• Sunflower seed oil

• Squalane

• Coconut oil (if tolerated)

Products like rich body butters and barrier creams can soothe inflammation while locking in moisture. Manjeri Skincare’s Sweet Almond Body Butter, for example, is packed with softening plant oils and calming botanicals ideal for dry, irritated skin.

2. Moisturize Multiple Times Per Day

Moisturizer is your first line of defense against flaking, cracking, and itching. Apply immediately after bathing and reapply throughout the day to keep plaques soft and reduce buildup.

For targeted areas like elbows, knees, or scalp, use thicker ointments or oils as needed.

3. Keep Showers Short and Warm (Not Hot)

Long, hot showers can strip the skin and worsen inflammation. Stick to warm water and limit showers to 10 minutes or less. Use your hands or a soft cloth instead of loofahs or scrubs.

4. Exfoliate Gently — and Infrequently

Avoid physical scrubs. If you do exfoliate, use mild enzyme-based products or soft acids like lactic acid once a week to remove scales without damaging the skin barrier.

Avoid during flare-ups or if skin is cracked or bleeding.

5. Try Soothing Soaks

Add colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salt to a lukewarm bath to reduce itching and soften plaques. Follow up with moisturizer while skin is still damp.

Calming Ingredients to Look For

If you're curating a psoriasis-friendly body care routine, prioritize ingredients that soothe and strengthen:

• Aloe vera: Reduces redness and cools inflammation

• Sunflower seed oil: Rich in linoleic acid and gentle on damaged skin

• Niacinamide: Strengthens the skin barrier and helps reduce flaking

• Shea butter: Nourishes and seals in moisture

• Ceramides: Replenish the skin’s protective barrier

• Coconut oil: Antibacterial and deeply moisturizing (patch test first)

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Soothes and accelerates skin healing

Avoid essential oils during flare-ups, unless tested and tolerated. Always patch test new products.

Beyond the Skin: Emotional Support Matters

Psoriasis doesn’t just affect the skin. It can also impact mental health, confidence, and self-image. Many people with psoriasis experience anxiety, isolation, or depression, especially during visible flare-ups.

Creating moments of calm and self-connection through ritual can make a difference. Try:

• Applying body butter as part of a mindful evening routine

• Using a warm compress to soothe tension on sore spots

• Practicing breathwork or journaling to reduce stress

• Speaking gently to your skin, especially on flare-up days

• Wearing soft clothing that feels good against your skin

These small moments of care help you reconnect with your body as something worth honoring, not hiding.

Psoriasis vs. Eczema: What’s the Difference?

While both conditions cause dry, irritated skin, there are key differences:

Both require gentle care, barrier support, and awareness of triggers.

When to See a Dermatologist

If over-the-counter moisturizers and lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough, a dermatologist can help. Medical treatments for psoriasis may include:

• Topical steroids

• Prescription vitamin D creams

• Phototherapy (light treatment)

• Biologic injections

• Oral immune-modulating medications

Your dermatologist can help build a personalized plan that complements your at-home body care routine.

How to Honor World Psoriasis Day

This October 29, consider these ways to show support:

• Share educational resources or personal stories

• Wear purple or blue to raise awareness

• Support small businesses that create sensitive-skin products

• Donate to organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation

• Post a message of encouragement to someone managing chronic skin conditions

• Make time for your own body care ritual and treat it as a celebration of self

Small acts of care create ripples. By talking openly and compassionately about psoriasis, we help reduce stigma and support healing.

World Psoriasis Day is more than a date. It’s a call to reconnect with your skin — not through frustration, but through care. Whether you are living with psoriasis or supporting someone who is, every drop of moisturizer, every pause for self-kindness, and every soft layer you apply matters.

Let this be a reminder that your skin deserves nourishment, your story deserves space, and your rituals deserve intention. Even in the face of chronic conditions, there is power in the way you care for yourself — from the inside out.