Sunbeds & Psoriasis: Why They're Not Phototherapy, the DNA Damage Distinction & What Dermatologists Recommend
UV light helps psoriasis — but sunbeds emit predominantly UVA which causes DNA damage and skin cancer risk without the therapeutic narrowband UVB wavelength that makes phototherapy effective. Here's the wavelength difference, the risk evidence, and how to access NHS phototherapy.
Shea Butter for Eczema: What It Contains, Whether It Helps & How to Use It
Shea butter is widely used for eczema — but not all forms are equal and the oleic acid content raises some nuances. Here's what's in it, what helps, and how to use it correctly.
Can Hard Water Cause Acne?
Hard water and acne: is there a connection? This article explores the potential link between the two and offers tips for clearer skin.
Coal Tar for Psoriasis: How It Works, Benefits, Safety & When to Use It
Coal tar is one of the oldest psoriasis treatments still in use — for good reason. Here's how it works, what it's best for, what the safety evidence shows, and how to use it effectively.
Protein Powder and Acne: Why It Happens, Which Types Are Worst & What to Switch To
Whey protein is one of the most consistently reported acne triggers — for specific reasons. Here's the mechanism, which other gym factors matter, and what to switch to.
Emollients for Psoriasis: Which Type Works Best, How to Apply & What to Avoid
Emollients don't treat psoriasis but they're essential for managing it daily. Here's which type works best for different presentations and the application guidance that matters.
Psoriasis Fatigue: Why It's Biological Not Just Poor Sleep, What the Research Shows & What Helps
Psoriasis fatigue is driven by IL-6 and TNF-α crossing the blood-brain barrier — sickness behaviour, not lifestyle. Here's the mechanism, why biologics improve fatigue independently of skin clearance, and what nutritional support addresses the underlying pathways.
Turmeric for Acne: The Curcumin NF-κB Mechanism, the Bioavailability Problem & What the Evidence Shows
Curcumin inhibits NF-κB — the master inflammatory switch driving acne's inflammatory cascade. But its notorious poor bioavailability means most dietary turmeric delivers negligible active curcumin. Here's what actually works.
Dating with Psoriasis: Confidence, Disclosure & What Actually Helps
Dating with psoriasis is genuinely hard — the anxiety is real, documented in DLQI research, and feeds directly into flares. Here's the anticipatory anxiety mechanism, a practical disclosure framework, and why partners respond better than expected.
Smoking & Acne: The DHEA Mechanism, Smoker's Acne vs Inflammatory Acne & What Quitting Does
Smoking elevates DHEA through nicotine's adrenal stimulation — increasing androgenic sebum production independently of testosterone. Here's why smoker's acne is predominantly non-inflammatory, and what happens to skin after quitting.
Exfoliation & Eczema: When It Helps, When It Worsens Symptoms & the Safest Methods Explained
Physical scrubs and strong AHAs worsen eczema by disrupting the ceramide barrier faster than it can rebuild. Urea 10% and PHAs exfoliate while hydrating simultaneously — here's the specific hierarchy and when to skip exfoliation entirely.
Acupuncture for Psoriasis: What the Evidence Actually Shows
Acupuncture has been studied for psoriasis — the evidence is genuinely limited. Here's what the research shows, why some people find it helpful, and the Koebner risk to know about.