My previous blog post is on my top skincare products for my dry skin and psoriasis, but I also wanted to write about what I feel has helped me tremendously (click here for my previous blog). I've dealt with super dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema for most of my life so it feels like I'm constantly on a mission to find things that help my problem. Even though I might stumble across something that works, often times the product or medicine loses effect after awhile. I've come to terms with what I have and will constantly change up what I use. I spent so much time looking for relief on the outside that I forgot about treating myself. The biggest thing to address is lifestyle and what you're doing for yourself from the inside.
We all have our vices. I swear, everything on Earth is bad for you and good at the same time. My vice used to be smoking. And of course sweet stuff. And coffee. Maybe some bacon and foie gras. A little bit of gambling. And I'm not even going to deny my shopping habit... but, I digress. When it comes to health and wellness, you have to be aware of what you're doing to benefit yourself from the inside. I had so much going on in my life that the awareness wasn't there until I had a visit with my obstetrician.
After I gave birth to my second child, my skin condition flared up tremendously and my psoriasis covered my body for the first time in my life (prior to that, I only had it in localized areas such as the scalp and legs). The flare up also happened postpartum with my first child but not as bad. I was so stressed and consumed with the effects of psoriasis; not only was my body going crazy but my hormones were still out of whack after having a baby. During my postpartum visit, the OB looked at me and said point-blank, "You're not the first mother to come to me with the same flare-ups. Bottom line is that you're missing nutrients... a lot of nutrients. You can't cure psoriasis, but you can replenish your body of what it lacks." Instead of writing out topical steroids or other types of prescription, she wrote me a list of vitamins and supplements that I should try out. "Come back to me in three months and let's see how well you improve. And pinpoint the foods that you're eating that might cause flare-ups. Pay attention to what you're putting inside of you. If this doesn't work, then we'll look into relief on the outside," she told me with confidence.
I was blown away by advice that was so simple and obvious. Most of the doctors I saw -- from OBs to family physicians and even some dermatologists -- treated me in a way that ended up with a few written prescriptions for topical steroids and that was that. In my experience, (and please note: this is MY experience. Please consult your doctor for the best way to go about your own condition.) I've never had a doctor who was more upfront about health and wellness and treating from the inside rather than the surface. I've always been good about taking multivitamins or prenatals during my pregnancy, but she really put it into my head that I should take the list of recommended supplements religiously.
I went to my local co-op and purchased everything on the list. On top of my regular prenatals, I purchased per her request: fish oil, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, and flax seed. I took them every single day, and after the first month I didn't notice a difference in skin condition or overall health. I knew that it takes at least three months for vitamins and supplements to have an impact, so I continued taking them. Second month rolls along and that's when I noticed an improvement in my skin. My psoriasis scales were smoother and the areas that it covered my body were getting smaller. I felt a little bit more energy and didn't feel as depleted. Third month comes along, and the psoriasis that covered my body reduced to at least 50%, which is incredibly significant! My legs, which was covered with psoriasis for at least 8 years, had almost vanished. I couldn't believe it... I don't know if it's my body adjusting back from being pregnant or the supplement list from my doctor, but whatever that was happening was working.
I also became more aware of what makes my skin flare-up. I found that spicy foods, pork, greasy and oily foods, and sweets caused my skin to itch like crazy. I don't eat those foods as often, although it is hard to cut it out completely. However, I am a lot more conscience about foods which has been helpful in taming my skin conditions.
After five months of taking supplements religiously, I kind of fell off. I would forget a few days a week, then I didn't take it for a few weeks straight. During that time, I noticed extreme dryness throughout my body and small patches were forming on my legs again. There were no other changes in my diet, environment, or lifestyle, so I became more strict with taking supplements and vitamins because that was the only thing that I could think of that changed. So back on the saddle again, taking them every single day. My skin has improved tremendously: my back has improved with a few small patches of psoriasis compared to being covered immediately postpartum, my legs are also almost clear with the exception of a few patches here and there. My arms, thighs, and the rest of my body is also cleared.
Because of the period of time when I wasn't taking my vitamins and saw the return of psoriasis, compared with the results I got after three months of taking them, I've concluded that vitamins and supplements really are my best friend. I just needed to give my body time to recover and absorb the good stuff. Yes, I'm still constantly searching for relief on the outside from skincare products, but as far as the overall condition of my psoriasis and skin, vitamins have saved my life. If anyone who has extreme dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema knows, the skin condition can get so bad that it consumes you. And any relief helps. As I've mentioned before, this is my experience. I highly, HIGHLY recommend that you consult with your doctor or dermatologist for the best route in finding relief. It is important to find a doctor that you connect with and trust, and someone who is willing to listen to your voice and your body. Every doctor and every treatment is different so it is important to find what works for you best. Don't be afraid to ask questions and most importantly, be honest with yourself and your doctor. Good luck on your journey to better health!
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