The Top Solutions for Psoriasis: An Expert Q&A with Zoe Ryan | Sásta Skin Health
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The Top Solutions for Psoriasis: An Expert Q&A with Zoe Ryan

Understanding and Managing Psoriasis: An Expert Q&A with Zoe Ryan from Itching To Tell You

Zoe Ryan is a 27-year-old Irish broadcaster, writer, and patient advocate dedicated to raising awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding psoriasis. As the founder of Itching To Tell You, she created an online platform aimed at increasing recognition of the condition in Ireland. Zoe has completed certificates in Skin Theory and Advanced Skincare & Health Knowledge.

Through her professional resources and access, Zoe shares informative materials that are free and easily accessible for those living with psoriasis.

“Psoriasis is a complex and often misunderstood condition,” Zoe explains. “As well as raising awareness about it and debunking the myths surrounding it, I wanted to create an easily accessible resource to help people treat and manage their condition more effectively. It’s something I wish I had when I was first diagnosed.” In this blog post, Zoe offers valuable insights to us here at Sásta Skin Health on the causes of psoriasis, skincare routines, and lifestyle tips that have helped her manage her symptoms over the years.


Can you explain what causes psoriasis and what triggers you’ve noticed from your personal experience?

"Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition, which means our immune systems are overactive. This causes inflammation in the body, and for those with psoriasis, this leads to rapid skin cell growth, resulting in the characteristic red patches or scales we commonly associate with the condition. People with psoriasis are genetically predisposed, meaning they’re born with the right combination of genes to develop it. However, having the genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll experience psoriasis—it usually requires an environmental trigger. These triggers can range from stress or injury to infections like strep throat or even changes in medication. In my case, stress triggered my psoriasis during my Leaving Cert year. Interestingly, stress doesn’t affect my symptoms as much now. Instead, heat and sunlight are my main aggravators, so I limit exposure but don’t let psoriasis stop me from enjoying sun holidays or spicy foods. The key is knowing how to manage symptoms when they flare up. I founded Itching To Tell You because I wanted to create a resource I wish I’d had when I was first diagnosed—something to help others better understand and manage their condition without feeling alone."

How do you create a skincare routine that supports your skin when managing psoriasis?

"Building a skincare routine with psoriasis isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. I divide my products into two categories: "maintenance" for daily use and "treatment" for flare-ups. For those of us with psoriasis, we often have a disrupted skin barrier and an unbalanced microbiome, which means our skin is drier and more easily irritated. The first step is to focus on hydration and balancing the microbiome. I’ve recently added Sásta’s Microbiome Booster Serum into my routine, which I use right after cleansing and before applying other products. It helps balance my skin and allows better absorption of my Vitamin C, retinol, and other serums.I follow up with a lightweight moisturiser in the morning and a heavier one at night, and I always use SPF during the day—no matter the season. For the body, applying a moisturiser with urea right after a bath or shower helps lock in moisture. Psoriasis dries out our skin, so this step is crucial.When treating flare-ups, I focus on specific symptoms rather than reaching for products marketed solely for psoriasis. For example, if I have scaling, I choose products with urea, and if redness is an issue, I look for ingredients like seaweed."

What lifestyle or dietary changes have made the biggest difference in managing your psoriasis?

"One of the most frustrating pieces of advice I’ve heard is “just live a healthy, balanced lifestyle.” While there’s truth to it, it’s too vague for those of us managing psoriasis. In my experience, it’s really about understanding your unique triggers, which is why I recommend keeping a symptom journal. Track what you eat, how much water you drink, how much sleep you get, and even your stress levels. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns and can adjust accordingly. For instance, I discovered that tomatoes worsen my symptoms, so I limit them. Other people might find relief through elimination diets, like avoiding nightshades, but it’s really individual. Regular exercise, hydration, and limiting processed foods help keep my symptoms in check. Supplements are also worth considering, although I haven’t found one that works miracles yet. The key takeaway is that what you put into your body is just as important as what you put on your skin."

How do you adjust your skincare routine in the winter to prevent flare-ups?

"Funny enough, my psoriasis tends to improve in cooler weather, but winter does come with its own challenges. Central heating dries out the skin, so it’s important to step up your hydration both inside and out. Switch from lightweight lotions to heavier creams during the winter months. After a bath or shower, I always apply a moisturiser while my skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture. And don’t forget about your indoor environment—placing containers of water under radiators can help prevent the air (and your skin) from drying out too much."

How important is the skin microbiome in managing psoriasis symptoms?

"The skin microbiome plays a crucial role in managing psoriasis. When it’s out of balance, it can exacerbate symptoms like dryness, irritation, and inflammation. That’s why using products that support the microbiome, like Sásta’s Microbiome Booster Serum, can be a game-changer. By restoring balance, you’re helping your skin become more resilient and less reactive, which is especially important when dealing with psoriasis."


Managing psoriasis is a lifelong journey, but understanding your triggers and building a routine around your skin’s unique needs can make all the difference. With the right products, lifestyle changes, and a bit of patience, it’s possible to keep flare-ups in check and enjoy healthier, more balanced skin.

A collaborative article by:

Sásta Skin Health & Zoe Ryan