August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, and Sásta Skin Health aims to raise awareness and debunk common myths and misconceptions about psoriasis. Often misunderstood as a result of poor hygiene, being contagious or mistaken for other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis is far more complex and more than skin deep.
What exactly is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition often referred to as a skin condition due to its visible symptoms such as itchy, painful lesions that can appear anywhere on the body.
In psoriasis, the immune system, designed to fight infection, becomes overactive causing inflammation. This results in skin cells growing at an accelerated rate of every four days compared to the average skin cell cycle which is every month. This rapid growth prevents old skin cells from shedding properly, leading to a buildup on the skin’s surface. The resulting thick, silvery clumps can compromise the skin's protective barrier, making it susceptible to further inflammation and infection.
The inflammation from psoriasis can affect other organs, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Crohn's disease, psoriatic arthritis, and obesity. Psoriasis also significantly impacts mental health, contributing to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Although a cure for Psoriasis has not yet been found, here is Sásta’s top recommendations to manage the symptoms:
● Understanding the condition:
Education and understanding are crucial for managing psoriasis. Knowledge about the condition, its triggers, and treatment options can alleviate fear and stress. Being well-informed helps in better handling the condition and its stressors
● Protecting your skin's barrier:
The application of pre and postbiotic nutrients to both the skin and gut can help
combat the imbalance on the skin caused by psoriasis, promoting a healthy skin
microbiome. Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum contains pre and postbiotics that will feed and nourish your skin's barrier which will in turn, reduce redness, inflammation and help heal your skin's defensive barrier.
● Supporting your gut:
Psoriasis-induced inflammation affects internal organs as well as the skin. A healthy diet can help repair this damage. Incorporate healthy fats to support your skin barrier and reduce inflammation. Avoid potential food triggers such as caffeine, processed foods, sugar, and alcohol. Depending on your history and triggers, reducing gluten and dairy may be beneficial. Support gut health with probiotics and fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
● Identifying potential triggers:
With the many environmental stressors we come in contact with everyday,
pinpointing those that cause an inflammatory response can be challenging. We
recommend keeping a journal to track and identify your specific triggers, as everyone is affected by this psoriasis differently.
● Minding your mental health
Stress is the most common trigger, managing stress with meditation, journalling and frequent exercise can be beneficial. Psoriasis and its symptoms can interfere with daily life. If you are struggling, reach out to a family member or friend. Follow or join groups on social media where you can relate to others' Psoriasis journey. We recommend Zoe Ryan @itchingtotellyou on Instagram.
Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum
A Guaranteed Irish brand, Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum is a must-have topical supplement that will transform your skin health. This extraordinary serum combines a powerful blend of prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients to optimise your skin’s well-being. By protecting the skin’s defensive barrier, restoring its natural pH, and maintaining the skin by defending against attack by external agents, Sásta’s Microbiome Booster Serum ensures your skin reaches its full potential. Sásta’s formula guarantees to nourish your skin barrier, instantly leaving it glowing and improving its overall appearance and texture. It is the only
beauty product in Ireland certified as “Microbiome-Friendly” by MyMicrobiome, an
independent control body that rigorously tests products for their impact on the skin’s microbiome.
Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum (RRP €45.00) is available from www.sastaskinhealth.com
and leading beauty salons, dermatology clinics, pharmacies & health stores nationwide.
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