#EveryDayFitness Goal ACCOMPLISHED: How I Got Rid of Facial Psoriasis in 7 Easy Steps

Not gonna lie, my selfie game is bout to go wayyyy up! (lol)

Back when I began my #EveryDayFitness, I stated plainly that one of my goals was to make my hair and skin as healthy as possible. For me skincare-wise, that meant finding a better way to manage my psoriasis.

I've written before about managing psoriasis, especially when it comes to the scalp. You can find that information here. Utilizing a variety of tips and information I've learned over the years, I've managed to well, manage my psoriasis. I knew that my skin would always look clearer in summer months (hey there, sun), and would flare up in fall/winter as the air got colder and skies resigned to pitch blackness at 5:42pm. But here I am, at the beginning of December with a face that is about 96 - 97% psoriasis free. How did I do it? What sorcery did I employ?

Keep reading to find out the 7 steps that took my face from broken out and inflamed to smooth and radiant. Fair warning: the 7 steps go from easiest to most difficult (in my humble opinion).

7. Switch to All Natural Facial Cleansers

I use this as a shampoo, and facial cleanser. Up next: as a body wash!

On the road to clearer skin, the first thing we psoriasis sufferers must do is chuck out any cleansers that contain drying ingredients like sulfates, and other known irritants like synthetic fragrance and color. With the abundance of natural skincare items available at stores like Sprouts, Trader Joe's, and even Target or Amazon, this should be relatively easy to do. The great thing about most all-natural facial cleansers is that they double as body washes, and are often times less expensive than their commercial, synthetic counterparts. I've used several over the years, but the two that have been instrumental in clearing my facial psoriasis are TriDerma Skincare Psoriasis Control Shampoo (yes, it's great for the scalp, but works especially well as a face and body wash) and Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap in Tea Tree (orange label). Both do a wonderful job at cleansing my skin gently without drying it out, and contain healing ingredients to calm, soothe, and fight psoriasis breakouts. As an added bonus, both are great at treating acne blemishes too!

My current other facial cleanser and body wash.

Bonus Tip: To help gently lift flaking skin, use an exfoliating glove (like the one below) when washing your face. The key is to be gentle, so as to not agitate the psoriasis or cause bleeding.

Tip: make them last longer by using only 1 glove at a time. Store the second glove in a ziploc for sterile keeping.

6. Ditch Skin Masks and Toners with Synthetic Ingredients
We don't want to wash our faces with products that contain irritating ingredients, and we most certainly don't want to use those same irritants when applying masks and toners that remain on the skin for 10 minutes or more. That was a huge mistake I made with my skincare routine last summer -- I was using cheap masks packed with synthetics, and paid for it when the fall season rolled around. This time, I'm sticking to masques that are 100% natural, and contain carefully crafted ingredients to heal and restore my skin. For me, those masks are Ashley's Naturals Pumpkin Mask, and TruSelf Organics Detoxifying Mask. I'm going to review them both individually soon, but they both deliver some stellar benefits:

Ashley's Naturals Pumpkin Mask: Brightens, evens skin tone, eases inflammation, smooths skin, fights breakouts, heals blemishes, and delivers blessings beyond what you can even imagine.

Do you SEE all that pumpkin-y goodness?! +AshleysNaturals

TruSelf Organics Detoxifying Mask: Detoxifies, lifts impurities, revitalizes, fights blemishes and breakouts while smoothing skin and minimizing pores.

A little bit goes a looooong way! This jar lasts FOREVER! +TruSelf Organics

A Quick Note on Toners: I use Thayers Alcohol Free Witch Hazel in either Lavender or Rose Water. Both are soothing on my skin, and perfect for toning after using either of the masks above. Last summer, I made the huge mistake of trying to save a few bucks by using witch hazel that contained alcohol. This is a mistake I will never make again. Not only does it cause psoriasis lesions to sting and become red (I used to think this helped...it does NOT), it dries out the skin and leaves it more vulnerable. Witch hazel ain't supposed to hurt, which I learned after switching to Thayers. Yes, it's a little more expensive, but worth it. My advice? Catch it on sale at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, or Sprouts and stock up. A little goes a long way, so BOGO bottles of Thayers will last pretty much forever.

Bae. #LoveDontGottaHurt

5. Use TriDerma Skincare Psoriasis Control Lotion to Moisturize

MUST have. MUST. +TriDerma

This here is a non-negotiable for my skincare routine. I've done research around the side effects of prescription corticosteroids for psoriasis relief, and as I transition to a holistically healthier lifestyle, I've decided that the numerous potential side effects (from skin damage and hypertension to glucose intolerance and aseptic necrosis) are far too risky for a non-lethal autoimmune disorder. I'm eternally grateful for TriDerma Skincare and their Psoriasis Control Lotion, because it has truly been a game-changer for me. It's all-natural, and contains a potent blend of all-natural ingredients like aloe vera, salicylic acid, oat protein, and Vitamins A, B, and E to heal, soothe, reduce swelling, fight bacteria, and repair damaged and irritated skin. It's all natural, effective, and has no harmful side effects. It's the perfect year-round moisturizer, and I apply it to my face, neck, and behind my ears daily.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Click here to read about my undying love for Hydro Flask! #FreedomFromLukewarm +Hydro Flask

I know it doesn't sound sexy, but there are a whole host of benefits to drinking water. When it comes to psoriasis specifically, keeping the skin hydrated is important, and that's exactly what water does. Infuse it with your favorite fruits, steep it with your favorite tea (plain), drink it ice cold or room temperature -- it doesn't matter how you do it, just do it! Click here if you need just a liiiiiittle more convincing. My favorite way to drink water is ice cold from my Hydro Flask. Talk about a life saver!