Although some exposure to sunlight may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms, too much can lead to sun damage and potentially skin cancer, says dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, of Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York. “Excess sun exposure can cause increased irritation and discomfort on the skin of someone with psoriasis,” she adds. Another reason to be diligent about sunscreen if you have psoriasis: It can be a challenge for doctors to diagnose certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, because they can often look very similar to psoriasis, says Orit Markowitz, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and founder of OptiSkin in New York City. What’s more, Dr. Markowitz says, “Many psoriasis patients are already at a higher risk for developing melanoma because they undergo light treatment therapies, making it important that they do their best to protect their skin from UV damage from the sun.” And people with psoriasis who receive light therapy also have an increased risk of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, according to a review article published in October 2019 in JAMA Dermatology. If you’re using certain topical medications like steroids, you likely have increased photosensitivity, meaning you sunburn more easily, Markowitz adds. She recommends asking your doctor if any of your medications make you more sensitive to sunlight. RELATED: What to Do if Topical Treatments Aren’t Enough for Your Psoriasis
What to Look for When Picking Out a Sunscreen
When shopping for sunblock, it’s best to start with an SPF of at least 30. Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic in New York City, recommends looking for broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Opt for mineral, or physical, sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium oxide, Dr. Engelman says. She recommends fragrance-free formulations for sensitive skin, like La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50 or Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, which is also available as a spray and a face stick. Markowitz’s go-to spray is Coola’s Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. “I love this sunscreen because it is a mineral sunscreen, which I find to be more protective than the traditional aerosol sunscreens. It is a thick formula, but it has the same allure [as spray formulas] — easy to apply and reapply, no messy lotions,” she says. Another fan favorite among people with psoriasis is the Glow Oil SPF 50 from Supergoop, says Dr. Murphy-Rose, adding that she loves the formula for psoriatic patients because the oil allows for smoother application. For the face, her top picks are Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 and EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. Before buying any sunscreen, be sure to check the label and make sure the product doesn’t contain formaldehyde, parabens, or other strong preservatives, as these can irritate and damage skin, says Engelman. RELATED: How to Manage Psoriasis as You Age
How to Apply Sunscreen to Skin with Psoriasis Plaques
If you have very active psoriasis, rubbing lotions or creams into your skin can be tricky. Markowitz recommends applying Aquaphor beforehand because it can make sunscreen go on more smoothly. “Apply sunscreen gently by patting it on, rather than rubbing,” Engelman suggests. “If you are especially concerned about your symptoms, spray sunscreen is a contact-free option — just be sure to apply very liberally, as you need to use much more than you think in order to reach the SPF protection on the bottle.” Be sure to reapply every two hours and right after breaking a sweat or getting your skin wet, she adds. RELATED: 10 Celebrities With Psoriasis
What About Tanning Beds and Self-Tanners for Psoriasis?
If you’re curious about tanning beds, forget it, says Engelman. “Although tanning beds seem like a good idea because they expose you to UVB rays — which can be helpful in alleviating psoriasis symptoms — they do more harm than good, since the quantity of dangerous UVA rays is much higher. I would recommend avoiding tanning beds entirely,” she warns. The only safe tan is one that comes from a bottle, but thanks to self-tanners, you can still get glowing. Products that are both a moisturizer and self-tanner are best for psoriasis, says Murphy-Rose, adding that those designed for sensitive skin are ideal. She says the best types are those that are formulated with rich moisturizers and a light shade, since they gradually develop a tan without sudden, deep darkening of some areas compared with others. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is a great choice, says Murphy-Rose. Some areas of skin, like active psoriatic plaques, can darken quicker, so she suggests avoiding those areas the next time you self-tan to help it look more even. SOL by Jergens Deeper by the Drop Serum can be added to any moisturizer you already use and know works well with your skin, Murphy-Rose says. When going the self-tanner route, it’s important to prepare your skin first. “Prep skin the day before by exfoliating with a chemical exfoliator containing hydroxy acids, for example,” Murphy-Rose says. “Always moisturize skin after exfoliating.” RELATED: 7 Makeup Tips All Women Who Have Psoriasis Should Know Before adding any self-tanner to your shopping cart, be sure to do a careful check of the ingredients on the label, Engelman suggests, noting many self-tanners contain ingredients that can irritate your already sensitive skin, such as fragrances and alcohol. She recommends opting for spray-on tanners or lightweight mousses, to avoid rubbing and irritating your psoriasis, and applying gently, just as you would with lotion or sunscreen. Desireé Delia, a New York City–based makeup artist and licensed esthetician, suggests using self-tanners with caution, especially when you’re dealing with a flare-up. “Tanning products react with dead skin cells, so the psoriasis will soak up product, leaving the skin looking patchy,” she says. Her go-to self-tanner is Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body Intense Glow by Dr. Dennis Gross. RELATED: 10 Signs It’s Time to Call Your Dermatologist About Psoriasis
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose to protect your natural skin tone with sunscreen or get a faux tan, your priority needs to be staying safe in the sun. “Although it may be tempting to go out into the sun unprotected, you still need to protect your skin from damage,” Engelman says. “Wear sunscreen to reap the benefits of sunlight without risking a sunburn that can worsen symptoms."
