If youre used to buying fragrance- and chemical-free makeup and moisturizers, you might have assumed that facials, fillers, and other cosmetic procedures are also off the table.
But, as it turns out, people with psoriasis dont necessarily have to avoid beauty treatments as long as the psoriasis is under control. Active disease states are very inflammatory, and inflammation increases the likelihood of things not going well, says Sonya Kenkare, MD, a dermatologist at the Illinois Dermatology Institute in Hinsdale.
Thats not all you need to keep in mind. Psoriasis is known to be aggravated by skin trauma, says Joel M. Gelfand, MD, director of the Psoriasis and Phototherapy Treatment Center at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Psoriasis lesions can form after your skin has been injured by a burn, for example, or a cut, which is called the Koebner phenomenon.
This is why many people who have psoriasis assume theyll never be candidates for any type of beauty treatment: They believe lasers, peels, and needles will cause trauma to the skin. But if your psoriasis is under control, you likely wont experience a flare-up of symptoms after getting a cosmetic procedure, says Dr. Kenkare.
In a study published in 2020, about nine out of 10 of people with moderate-to-severe psoriasis whod undergone a cosmetic procedure said they were able to do so because they started taking a treatment that alleviated most of their lesions. The majority of the studys participants said their psoriasis had prevented them from these types of procedures previously.
Still, if you want to try a treatments, its better to talk to a dermatologist first to find out if youre a candidate, says Dr. Gelfand.
Heres what you should know about some of the more common cosmetic procedures.
What they are:These neurotoxin injections block the nerve signals to the muscles, which temporarily prevents them from tensing, according to Cleveland Clinic. The injections are used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, often in the face and neck.
Risks:You may experience some swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites, but this is usually mild and improves in a day or so.
How to do it safely:Your doctor may recommend avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a day or two before the procedure, because they can increase the risk of bruising, according to Cleveland Clinic. So can alcohol, meaning you may want to abstain from drinking for 24 hours before your appointment.
What they are: Treatments depend on the type of facial you get and the skin-care specialist doing it. But in general, they include a facial cleanser, exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, moisturizer, and a gentle massage.
Risks: Sometimes, facials can cause skin purging an acceleration of your skins natural cell turnover, which can cause breakouts.
How to do it safely: Ask your aesthetician to use gentle moisturizers and other skin-care products that wont irritate your skin, especially if you know certain ingredients trigger your symptoms.
What it is: This procedure uses a beam of light to vaporize the hair within the follicle, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). When done correctly, it shouldnt cause trauma to the skin itself, says Kenkare. Lasers can remove hair from any part of your body, but its most commonly used on the bikini line, face, legs, and underarms.
Risks: If you dont go to a pro, such as a dermatologist, its possible to experience side effects such as blistering and scarring.
How to do it safely: In the days after treatment, youll want to stay out of the sun, since ultraviolet (UV) rays can further damage your already sensitive skin.
What it is: Thin needles are used to make tiny holes in the skin in this procedure. This stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin smooth, according to Cleveland Clinic. Its often done on the face, but microneedling can also be done on the back, legs, neck, and other areas of the body.
Risks: There can be some redness and discomfort after microneedling, according to the AAD.
How to do it safely: Avoid using at-home microneedling products, which could pierce the skin and cause scarring or infection, according to the AAD. Before you have microneedling, you may need to avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, and products that contain salicylic acid for a day or so.
What it is: This treatment uses a device to gently remove the top layer of skin, which gives the skin a smoother appearance, according to the AAD. It may feel as if someone is sanding your skin, but it isnt painful. Microdermabrasion is performed to lessen age spots, fine lines or wrinkles, and mild scars. Its often done on the face, but you can get microdermabrasion on other areas of the body, such as the back, chest, hands, and neck, as well.
Risks: After microdermabrasion, there can be some redness or swelling, similar to a sunburn.
How to do it safely: You may need to avoid taking NSAIDs and using products that contain salicylic acid for a few days before your scheduled microdermabrasion. If you use products that contain other irritating ingredients, such as glycolic acid or retinols, you may need to stop taking them for at least a week before the procedure, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Before you undergo a cosmetic procedure, talk to a dermatologist who has experience working with people who have psoriasis, and ask whether the procedure is right for you.
The best time for psoriasis patients to do cosmetic procedures is when the psoriasis is under good control, says Kenkare. If a persons overall inflammation is otherwise well controlled it should be well tolerated.
Whether you go to a dermatologist or another professional like an aesthetician or cosmetologist be sure to let them know about your psoriasis. That way, they can take any extra precautions to avoid irritating your skin.
Read more:
Cosmetic Procedures for Psoriasis: Are They Safe? - Everyday Health