5 Small Changes That Made a Big Difference in My Psoriasis

Big Improvements Start with Small Changes

Managing psoriasis can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like nothing is working. But what if small, daily adjustments—not extreme lifestyle overhauls—could make a real difference?

For many people living with psoriasis, success doesn’t come from one miracle treatment but rather from a series of small, manageable changes that add up over time. Whether it's tweaking your skincare routine, adjusting your diet, or managing stress differently, these little shifts can help reduce flare-ups and make your skin more comfortable.

Here are five small but powerful changes that have helped many people with psoriasis—including me—achieve smoother, calmer skin.

1. Switching to Lukewarm Showers and Moisturizing Immediately After

🚿 Why It Helps: Long, hot showers strip the skin of natural oils, making psoriasis drier, itchier, and more inflamed.

What I Changed:

✔ I switched to lukewarm showers (5-10 minutes max) instead of hot, steamy ones.
✔ I stopped using harsh soaps and started using fragrance-free, hydrating cleansers.
✔ I applied moisturizer immediately after showering to seal in hydration.

💡 Pro Tip: Keeping a moisturizer in the bathroom reminds you to apply it right after showering when your skin is still damp.

2. Tracking My Triggers (And Finally Identifying Them!)

📖 Why It Helps: Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person, and identifying them can help prevent flare-ups before they start.

What I Changed:

✔ I kept a simple journal to track what I ate, my stress levels, and when my flare-ups occurred.
✔ I noticed a pattern: certain foods (like dairy and processed sugar), stress, and lack of sleep triggered my symptoms.
✔ I started avoiding known triggers and noticed a big improvement.

💡 Pro Tip: If journaling feels like too much, use the notes app on your phone to jot down quick observations about flare-ups.

3. Adding More Omega-3s to My Diet

🥑 Why It Helps: Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients that can reduce redness, scaling, and itching in psoriasis.

What I Changed:

✔ I started eating more fatty fish like salmon and mackerel twice a week.
✔ I added chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts to my meals for plant-based Omega-3s.
✔ I began taking a daily fish oil supplement to ensure I was getting enough.

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t eat fish, consider an algae-based Omega-3 supplement, which is plant-based and psoriasis-friendly.

4. Learning to Manage Stress (Instead of Letting It Control Me)

🧘 Why It Helps: Stress is one of the biggest psoriasis triggers, and chronic stress leads to chronic inflammation.

What I Changed:

✔ I started practicing deep breathing (just 5 minutes a day).
✔ I stopped saying “yes” to everything—I set boundaries to protect my mental health.
✔ I made better sleep a priority, which helped my body recover from stress more effectively.

💡 Pro Tip: Meditation and journaling are great, but if you’re not into them, simply taking a daily walk or listening to calming music can help lower stress.

5. Switching to a Coal Tar and Salicylic Acid Treatment

🩹 Why It Helps: Coal tar slows down skin cell overgrowth, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates thick plaques, making psoriasis less flaky and more manageable.

What I Changed:

✔ I incorporated a coal tar and salicylic acid treatment into my nighttime routine.
✔ I stopped switching between random products and stuck with a consistent treatment plan.
✔ Within a few weeks, I noticed less redness, smoother skin, and fewer flare-ups.

💡 Pro Tip: Nopsor’s natural psoriasis treatment combines coal tar and salicylic acid for an effective, steroid-free solution. Learn more at www.nopsor-usa.com.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Results

Psoriasis doesn’t get better overnight, but small, consistent changes can lead to real improvements.

✔ Switch to lukewarm showers and lock in moisture immediately.
✔ Track your triggers and avoid what worsens your symptoms.
✔ Eat more Omega-3s to fight inflammation.
✔ Manage stress effectively with simple daily habits.
✔ Find the right psoriasis treatment and stick with it.

By focusing on simple, achievable changes, you can take control of your psoriasis and feel more comfortable in your skin—every single day.

References

• Healthline - 6 People Living with Psoriasis Share Their Tips
  This article features personal stories from individuals managing psoriasis, highlighting how dietary changes, such as incorporating Omega-3 rich foods, have positively impacted their skin health.

• American Medical Association - What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Managing Psoriasis
  This resource emphasizes the importance of gentle skin care practices, such as using lukewarm water and avoiding harsh scrubbing during baths and showers, to prevent exacerbating psoriasis symptoms.

• EatingWell - Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Make After a Psoriasis Diagnosis
  This article discusses the benefits of incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, like those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and managing stress through practices like meditation or yoga to help reduce psoriasis flare-ups.