Sucker Punch Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Well, where all trusted medical information is found when absolutely any symptom arises (inevitably informing us that no matter the symptom, it’s most likely cancer), WebMD defines psoriasis as an autoimmune disease that is, “characterized by skin cells that multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin's surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scales. Psoriasis typically occurs on the knees, elbows, and scalp, and it can also affect the torso, palms, and soles of the feet.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 7.5 million people suffer from psoriasis in the United States. You may have a friend, family member, or you yourself might have experience with this disease.

So what can be done?

At Bottoms Up, our core mission is “To provide a refreshing pause on daily life and be a sanctuary where steps toward greater health and wellness can be freely taken.” And when it comes to psoriasis, we wanted to look into what that “step toward greater health and wellness” was for our friends who suffer with psoriasis.

How can we beat the psyche of psoriasis together?

By understanding what gives it power and throwing one sucker punch at a time, full force, together.

Here are 4 punches you can throw for yourself or throw for a friend who suffers from psoriasis:

SUCKER PUNCH #1: Prevent dry skin at every opportunity

Dehydration is one of the biggest triggers to patches of psoriasis having a full out party on your skin.

If you have psoriasis: Take a blow to dehydrated skin by setting up humidifiers at work and at home, don’t go too hot with your showers in the morning, drink tons and tons of water, and stop into Bottoms Up for a Moisture Session.

Moisture Sessions are done in our PURA Sunless Spa with a clear solution that leaves you stepping out of the booth looking like you just got off the beach in Tahiti. In other words, get ready to glow with beautifully moisturized skin from head to toe! Only $10 and if you’re part of the Sun Kissed Club, you can get a free one as our birthday gift to you. Contact us to learn more!

If it's a friend who has psoriasis: You can encourage healthy, hydrated skin in a sly, undercover way without having to draw attention to the red patches on your pal’s skin. Without giving explanation on why, include non-irritating, luxurious lotions and oils as part of their birthday and Christmas gifts, offer them water when they come over to hang out—at every turn, do your best to encourage all-around hydration.

SUCKER PUNCH #2: Cut the sugar and fatty foods

If it’s you: Among the countless benefits of eating less salty, fatty, sugary foods for your overall health and butt, cutting out these kinds of foods can aid in reducing the chances that what you put into your mouth and goes into your body will inflame the symptoms of your psoriasis on the inside that you’re trying to soothe on the outside.

Replacing these kinds of foods with wholesome fish, nuts, seeds, fruits and TONS of veggies will positively affect more than just your psoriasis. Do your body a favor and find out what it practically and affordably can look like for you to eat healthy, wholesome foods.

If it’s a friend: Make a pact with your friend to develop a way you can eat better together. Sacrificing what’s easy for you to aid a friend in taking steps that will change their life is the greatest sign of true, beautiful friendship.

If you already eat like a rabbit, all power to you. Try not to come off as trying to “fix your friend,” using your organic godliness to lord over him or her. Instead, again, be sneaky about it.

Encourage your friend into healthy eating by sharing your own story with a wholesome diet, i.e.: “I remember when I would eat a burrito every day from the food truck near my work. By 3pm, I was so tired and couldn’t focus. Ever since I started having a salad for lunch, I can power through my entire day easily. It was such a small change, but I feel so much better for it.”

SUCKER PUNCH #3: Red Light Therapy

One of the most cutting-edge developments in the beauty and health industry has been the use of infrared or red light therapy to treat a myriad of issues by helping to boost everything your body’s already working to do:

• Collagen production

• Healing acne

• Cell regeneration

• Muscle repair

• And…Soothing psoriasis!

Plus tons more!

If it’s you: Try Red Light Therapy right here at Bottoms Up. Our Red Light Therapy bed has only gotten positive reactions from our members in regards to excelling quicker in their fitness goals, fading stretchmarks and yes, aiding in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis. Try it today with a 3 Session Pack to see what you think or join the Sun Kissed Club to get full sessions at every step of your Red Light journey.

If it’s a friend: Show them this article, buy them a 3 Session Pack and encourage/persuade/command them to give it a shot. What do they have to lose? Some of the greatest friends are the ones that won’t let you off the hook when it comes to caring for and treating yourself better.

People have paid for their friends, wives, mothers, and sisters to see what Red Light Therapy can do for them and often the twenty-minute session of peace and quiet has been a gift in itself.

SUCKER PUNCH #4: Stress Relief

If it’s you: Peace, quiet, relaxation. These not only aid your body in regulating the effects of your psoriasis, but just like eating right, it spills over to positively impact your entire life.

Everyone is different. Find out what “stress relief” is to you. It could be yoga, meditation, exercise, artwork, seeing a good movie, taking a walk around Pena Adobe—anything! When you lose track of time, don’t feel guilty afterwards, and it is joy back to you, it is relief.

Binge watching Pretty Little Liars, killing a tub of ice cream by yourself, or burning the midnight oil on a project at work just to get it done probably is not the “relief” you need.

In the same breath, rock climbing is exercise which is known to reduce stress, but if you’re afraid of heights and hate to sweat, this is probably not “joy back to you.”

Do some exploring, learn yourself, and don’t compare yourself to others.

If it’s your friend: Be mindful about who your friend is and what they find joy in. This may be completely opposite to what you find relief in and if it is, encourage them to do what makes them happy, not what makes you happy. If you LOVE going to Ulta and shopping for new makeup—this brings you immense joy and relief—but your friend only wears mascara on a date and neither knows nor cares about what an application sponge is, it’s safe to assume that shopping for makeup won’t bring them the relaxation that it brings you. That’s okay, but know what they enjoy and encourage them in that specifically.

Whether it’s you or a loved one who suffers from psoriasis, there are tons more sucker punches you can throw at its psyche where you can beat it at every angle.

Take that psoriasis.

**Bottoms Up Tanning Salon does not claim to possess professional medical knowledge on the subject of dermatology or psoriasis and related conditions and none of the above advice ought to be taken in place of doctor-prescribed medication of any form. Please consult a medical professional before changing your preexisting treatments as well as for all guidance on your medical conditions. Bottoms Up Tanning Salon cannot be held liable for the effect of any action taken in light of this article.**