I was encouraged to read about Joan Juliet Buck's battle with psoriasis in the Sunday Times Style this weekend.
Psoriasis is a condition that still needs more air time. Joan's experiences were life-changing and impairing. Sadly, her story is all too familiar.
Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune condition and one we're approached about most often. It's something we discuss regularly in our free consultations. One of our skin coaches has lived with psoriasis for years, so she understands exactly what you're going through.
Psoriasis is hereditary, autoimmune and so closely linked to our emotions. Sudden emotional trauma often triggers it for the first time, and stress (in whatever form) can be a recurring factor in subsequent flare-ups. It then becomes a vicious cycle because flare-ups cause such discomfort, anxiety and sense of powerlessness.
This means topical products alone won't solve psoriasis, but they can help manage symptoms as part of a broader approach.
In Juliet's case, trying many different things now means it's hard for her to identify which ended up being her salvation. In reality, it may have been a combination of them all.
Joan mentions detergents as a trigger. She eliminated cocamidopropyl betaine, an ingredient I've been warning about for years.
When I say 'detergents', I mean it in the broadest sense. Both are common surfactants in skincare, especially in face and body cleansing products. Cocamidopropyl betaine, for instance, can induce mild skin irritation and sensitisation. The irritation may be due to the chemical itself or to residues from the manufacturing process. Think sulfates and betaines. Our Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is of course 100% detergent-free, using plant oils instead of surfactants to cleanse without stripping.
But also washing detergents. Laundry detergents can trigger significant reactions. We have managed to eliminate mild eczema in some young children purely by getting parents to ditch them.
If you are struggling to manage your psoriasis then let us help you to take control. You can book a phone consultation via our website. They are 30 minutes and completely free. The objective is simple: to put you back in the driving seat.
