Sunlight can genuinely help psoriasis, in the right amount. Controlled UV exposure is even used as a recognised medical treatment for it. But too much sun, especially to the point of sunburn, can just as easily trigger a new flare. Whether sunlight helps or harms your skin this summer depends entirely on how you approach it and on understanding your other triggers alongside it.
If you're dealing with psoriasis, you've probably noticed it doesn't behave the same way all year round. Understanding why summer affects your skin the way it does is the first step to actually doing something about it, rather than just waiting to see what happens.
Is the sun good for psoriasis?
In moderate, controlled amounts, yes. UVB light is known to slow the excessive skin cell production behind psoriasis plaques, which is why phototherapy (controlled UVB treatment under medical supervision) is a recognised NHS treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis.
But there's an important difference between the phototherapy used in a clinical setting and lying in the garden for a few hours on a hot day. Unprotected sun exposure carries a high risk of sunburn, and it’s one of the most reliable ways to trigger a new psoriasis flare. If you want to use sunlight to your advantage, the general guidance is:
- Start with short periods of exposure, around 10–15 minutes, and build up gradually
- Always use sunscreen on unaffected skin, and consider a lower SPF specifically on plaques to avoid blocking all UVB benefit while still protecting the skin
- Avoid the midday sun when UV is strongest
- Never let psoriasis-affected skin burn
If you're considering phototherapy as a proper treatment route, that's a conversation to have with your GP or dermatologist rather than something to try and recreate at home.
Does summer affect psoriasis?
Psoriasis is driven by your immune system, not just what's happening on the surface of your skin, which is why the same season can have opposite effects on different people.
For some, summer genuinely helps. Natural sunlight in moderate doses can slow down the rapid skin cell turnover that causes psoriasis. Humidity keeps skin better hydrated, which reduces the dryness and cracking that often makes it worse. And warmer weather tends to lower stress for a lot of people, which matters since stress is one of the most common psoriasis triggers.
For others, summer brings on the opposite. Here's what tends to be behind it:
Sweat
Sweat sitting on the skin, especially in folds and creases like underarms, behind the knees, or the groin, can irritate plaques and make them itchier and more inflamed.
Sunburn
This is one of the most well-documented psoriasis triggers there is. Burnt skin can prompt new plaques to form in that same spot, a reaction called the Koebner response, sometimes in places that had no psoriasis before.
Chlorine and hard water
Swimming pools and hard water strip natural oils from the skin, leaving it drier, tighter and more prone to cracking.
Air conditioning
Ironically, the thing many of us rely on to stay cool in summer can also dry out indoor air, and your skin along with it.
Holiday disruption
Changes to routine, diet, alcohol and sleep can all affect stress levels, and stress is one of the most consistent psoriasis triggers across the board.
Insect bites and heat rashes can also set off flares in people who are prone to them.
So the honest answer to "does summer affect psoriasis" is: it depends on whether you're getting the benefits of sunlight and hydration, or running into triggers like sweat, sunburn and chlorine. Most people experience a mix of both.
How to manage psoriasis through the summer months
The aim in summer is the same as any other time of year: keep skin barrier function strong, keep it hydrated, and avoid known triggers where you can.
Rinse off sweat and chlorine as soon as possible rather than letting them sit on the skin. A simple rinse in the shower after swimming or exercise makes a real difference.
Moisturise more, not less. Air conditioning and heat both pull moisture from the skin, so this is not the season to skip your routine because your skin "feels less dry."
This is where Dead Sea minerals genuinely earn their reputation. They've been used for centuries to calm irritated, inflamed skin, and the science backs up why: magnesium, potassium and other minerals found in Dead Sea mud and salts help restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation, rather than just sitting on the surface.
The Purity Mud Bar is a good option for gently cleansing without stripping the skin the way standard soap or shower gel can, which matters even more in summer when you're washing off sweat and pool water more often.
Follow with the Refining Body Scrub once or twice a week to gently clear away flaking skin without aggravating plaques, then lock in moisture with the Defining Body Cream, which helps replenish what heat and air conditioning take out.
Hands and feet are areas particularly affected by psoriasis, and often need deep hydration and instant soothing. The Nourishing Hand & Foot Cream is formulated specifically for this kind of persistent dryness and cracking. Danielle, a verified buyer managing psoriasis on her hands, saw her flare-up almost disappear after five days of regular use.
Wear breathable fabrics. Natural fibres like cotton let skin breathe and reduce the sweat build-up that irritates psoriasis.
Protect your skin from the sun. Short, controlled exposure with proper skin protection can help. Burning almost never does.
“I had painful psoriasis on my hands with skin flaking and itching. My psoriasis almost disappeared after applying the hand cream regularly for 5 days. I recommend it to anyone with dry skin, eczema or psoriasis flares.”
- Danielle, Verified Buyer
When to see a dermatologist or GP
If your psoriasis is spreading, becoming painful, or not responding to your usual routine, it's worth speaking to a GP or dermatologist rather than waiting it out. This is particularly true if you're noticing new patches after sunburn, or if summer consistently makes things worse rather than better. There are effective medical treatments, including supervised phototherapy, that go beyond what any skincare routine alone can offer.
FAQs
Is there a cure for psoriasis?
Not currently. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition, which means the aim is to manage flare-ups and extend the calm periods between them rather than eliminate it entirely. With the right routine, most people can get long stretches of clear, comfortable skin.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, not an infection, so it can't be passed from one person to another through touch or close contact.
Can stress alone trigger a psoriasis flare, even without a physical cause?
Yes. Stress affects the immune system directly, which means a flare can start with no obvious physical trigger at all, purely from tension, poor sleep or a stressful period.
How long does a summer psoriasis flare usually last?
It varies significantly by person and trigger. A flare from sunburn or chlorine irritation may settle within a couple of weeks with the right care, while flares linked to ongoing stress or an unmanaged trigger can persist for longer.
Can changing your diet in summer affect psoriasis?
For some people, yes. Increased alcohol, barbecue-heavy eating, or dehydration in hot weather can all contribute to inflammation, though the evidence here is more anecdotal than clinical, and triggers vary a lot from person to person.
Does coconut oil help psoriasis?
It can help with dryness thanks to its moisturising properties, and some people find it soothing on flaky patches. But it isn't a targeted treatment for the inflammation behind psoriasis, and its heavier texture can feel occlusive or sit less well on some skin types. Dead Sea minerals work differently; they help calm inflammation and restore the skin barrier rather than just sitting on the surface, which is why they're better suited to reactive skin long-term. Coconut oil can still have its place as an occasional addition, but it isn't a substitute for something formulated specifically for reactive skin.