August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to better understand a skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes skin cells to renew much faster than normal. Instead of shedding gradually, skin cells build up on the surface, resulting in the thick, flaky plaques, redness, dryness, and irritation that many people associate with psoriasis.
While psoriasis presents on the skin, it is much more than a surface concern. It is driven by an overactive immune response that creates ongoing inflammation within the body, making it a lifelong condition that often experiences periods of flare-ups and remission.
Why does psoriasis occur?
The exact cause of psoriasis isn’t fully understood, but research shows it develops through a combination of genetics, immune system activity, and environmental triggers.
In people with psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly sends signals that accelerate the skin’s renewal process. This creates persistent inflammation and prevents the skin from functioning as effectively as it should.
As inflammation continues, the skin barrier becomes compromised. This can lead to:
- Dryness and dehydration
- Tightness and discomfort
- Increased sensitivity
- Cracking or fissuring
- Greater susceptibility to irritation
The skin is also exposed to increased oxidative stress, which can further weaken barrier function and contribute to ongoing inflammation.
Common psoriasis triggers
There are many different factors can trigger or worsen flare-ups. These vary from person to person but may include:
- Emotional stress
- Streptococcal infections (particularly for guttate psoriasis)
- Certain medications
- Skin injury or trauma
- Smoking and alcohol
- Some dietary triggers, including gluten in susceptible individuals
- Cold, dry weather
Learning your individual triggers can be an important part of long-term psoriasis management.
Why barrier support matters
Healthy skin relies on a strong protective barrier to keep moisture in and irritants out.
When the barrier is disrupted, as it often is in psoriasis, the skin loses water more easily and becomes increasingly vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.
This is why modern skin management focuses not only on calming inflammation, but also on restoring and maintaining the skin barrier.
Supporting the barrier may help improve skin comfort, reduce dryness, and encourage healthier skin function alongside medical management where required.
How dermaviduals supports psoriasis-prone skin
At dermaviduals, our philosophy is built around corneotherapy—an approach that prioritises repairing and protecting the skin barrier rather than overwhelming it.
Rather than relying on harsh or unnecessarily irritating ingredients, dermaviduals formulations are designed to work in harmony with the skin’s natural physiology.
Depending on your individual skin presentation, your dermaviduals skin treatment professional may recommend ingredients that help:
- Restore hydration
- Strengthen the skin barrier
- Calm visible redness
- Support the skin’s natural repair processes
- Improve overall skin comfort
Some of the ingredients commonly used for psoriasis-prone skin include:
Urea
A natural moisturising factor that attracts and retains water within the skin while helping soften rough, thickened areas.
Evening Primrose Oil Nanoparticles
Rich in essential fatty acids that help reinforce the skin barrier and improve skin resilience.
Boswellia Nanoparticles
A botanical extract derived from frankincense that helps soothe inflammation and support a calmer skin environment.
CM-Glucan
Known for supporting skin repair, barrier function, and overall skin resilience while helping protect against environmental stress.
D-Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
Helps hydrate, soothe and support the skin’s natural healing processes while improving barrier function.
Phosphatidylserine Nanoparticles
A skin-identical phospholipid that supports healthy skin function, barrier integrity, and the skin’s natural repair mechanisms.
While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, combining appropriate medical care with evidence-based barrier support can make a meaningful difference in improving comfort, resilience, and overall skin health.
Written by Kai Atkinson, Educator, derma aesthetics