I’ve Tested Dozens of Psoriasis Products While Traveling—Here’s What’s Worked Best for Me
Traveling with psoriasis can be a tricky affair. The stress and routine disruption that comes with travel can quickly cause a flare-up, which in turn causes more stress, and the cycle continues. Scratching a persistently itchy scalp or trying to hide a scaly flare-up is no way to spend a vacation, which is why I’ve spent years trying to find the best skincare products and mindset practices to soothe my psoriasis before—and during—my travels.
I’ve had psoriasis for most of my adult life and have personally vetted dozens of psoriasis treatments over the past decade of traveling for work and pleasure. Fortunately, my heavily researched and streamlined approach to my on-the-go skincare routine has helped me feel more confident and comfortable abroad—even when I’m vacationing with a nasty flare-up.
While traveling with psoriasis is not always easy, committing to a skincare plan before takeoff will make taking care of your skin a much less stress-inducing affair. Below, I’ve outlined my personal skin-focused packing list, along with expert-approved tips and tricks from a handful of board-certified dermatologists, all designed to make traveling with psoriasis more manageable.
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The Seaweed Bath Co. balancing eucalyptus and peppermint argan conditioner
Many folks who suffer from scalp psoriasis flare-ups prefer to use organic apple cider vinegar in place of regular conditioner, but I never found it to be very helpful—and I didn’t love coming out of the shower smelling like whispers of salad dressing. Instead, I prefer the Seaweed Bath Co.'s balancing eucalyptus and peppermint argan conditioner. The all-natural shampoo is formulated in Maine with sustainably-harvested seaweed and over 65 vitamins and minerals for stronger hair and a healthier scalp. It also leaves my hair smelling as though I’ve just spent the day at the spa thanks to the natural eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils.
Neutrogena T/Gel therapeutic original formula shampoo
Using your hotel's mini shampoo bottles probably isn't the best move if you’re prone to scalp flare-ups. “Neutrogena’s T/Sal shampoo with salicylic acid or T/Gel with coal tar is always going to be helpful to bring on your trip,” says Tracy Evans MD, MPH, board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology. “That said, you’ll want to watch out if you have light or color-treated hair as it can discolor hair to a yellow color.”
Now Solutions vitamin D-3 cream
“If you are traveling to a tropical location, you are in luck as psoriasis improves with ultraviolet light—but if you are traveling to an area where you have to be covered up, you’ll want to bring a true vitamin D cream,” says Dr. Evans. “Calcipotriene is a man-made form of vitamin D used to treat psoriasis.”
The Now Solutions vitamin D-3 cream is the best I’ve found so far. The slightly orange-scented formula is creamy and moisturizing—and a single gram equals about 1,000 IU of vitamin D per gram (which is about the same as a single soft gel vitamin D capsule).
Viva Naturals organic coconut oil
“Dry winter weather can cause psoriasis to flare,” says Dr. Scott Pavoil, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Paviol Dermatology. “If you’re going to be in a dry climate for your travels, make sure you bring something gentle to moisturize skin with daily. You’ll want to avoid the body lotion in hotels, which usually are very drying, have a heavy fragrance, and can cause a flare to occur.”
I tend to prefer a moisturizing CBD cream or oil for my skin (especially my scalp) when I feel a flare-up coming. That said, I always switch to plain organic coconut oil when traveling internationally to be on the safe side; it works just as well but does leave the skin pretty slick until it dries.
Ancient Minerals magnesium oil spray
Soaking in an epsom salt bath can be super soothing when suffering a psoriasis flare as the magnesium in the salt helps to slough off skin cell build-up and lessen the itch that can sometimes accompany a flare-up. I love taking a long soak while at home, but it’s not always feasible on the road. Instead, I keep a bottle of magnesium oil in my cosmetic bag for quick and easy targeted relief. The natural salt-based solution works just as well for topical relief, and some studies suggest it has stress- and anxiety-relieving properties too.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 sunscreen lotion
“Typically, a warmer climate is your best bet when you have psoriasis, due to the humidity and extra sunshine,” says Dr. Paviol. “However, be mindful of how much sun you are getting as sunburn can cause psoriasis to arise in the sites of the burn. Make sure to use a reef-safe sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30. The key is reapplication every 45 minutes to an hour. If you find yourself needing to re-apply continuously, you should find shade under an umbrella or bimini of your boat, or wear UPF clothing.”
Mario Badescu Aloe Facial Spray collection
As frequent travelers likely know, the pressure changes and air circulation in flight cabins results in extremely low levels of humidity. If you’re already experiencing dry skin or have psoriasis spots before taking off, you’ll want to ensure you moisturize multiple times throughout long flights to try and keep some moisture in your skin.
Most dermatologists recommend a body moisturizer with some science behind it (Bioderma, Cerave, and Cetaphil are all good picks), but I prefer using a hydrating facial spray, like Mario Badescu's, while in the air. It’s quick and subtle to use and doesn’t require hand washing before or after application.
Beveetio TSA-approved travel bottles
Traveling with psoriasis does require a fair bit of additional products—but it’s still possible to fit it all in a carry-on. I keep a handful of reusable TSA-approved travel bottles on hand for quick work trips and will siphon just enough creams and hair products to last for the number of days I’m away. I like the Beveetio travel bottles in particular as they’re made of silicone and make it very easy to squeeze out every last drop.
Narrowband UV phototherapy light lamp
Studies show that topical light therapy helps improve psoriasis flare-ups by decreasing inflammation and slowing the production of skin cells. Of course, spending a maximum of 15 minutes in the sun can have similar effects—but a phototherapy light lamp is the safest and most efficient way to ensure you’re getting targeted care on a consistent basis.
It can be a bit of a hassle to pack (and remember to use) a personal UV phototherapy light lamp while on vacation, but I’ve found this psoriasis treatment cuts the timeline of a flare in half when used on a consistent basis.
Nalgene Tritan BPA-free water bottle
I’m not suggesting you forgo drinking Champagne or tropical cocktails on vacation, but ensuring you’re also getting enough water is vital for helping your skin thrive while abroad—especially if you take a lengthy flight to get there or do expect to indulge in dehydrating alcoholic beverages. The Nalgene Tritan narrow mouth BPA-free water bottle is a particularly excellent non-toxic and eco-friendly option that allows you to track exactly how much water you’ve consumed. It fits nearly a full liter of water—which is great for staying sufficiently hydrated on a long-haul flight.
Calm app subscription
“Psoriasis is made far worse by stress,” shares Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, and the Occupational and Environmental Health Division at the University of Toronto. “Meditation and mindfulness is helpful during the stressful bits of traveling—apps like Calm are helpful in mediating stress or anxiety.”
I used to subscribe to a meditation app to help manage stress—but I struggle to find the time to focus on more traditional meditation practices while traveling. I found that Calm's sleep and mindfulness stories help me destress and relax much more efficiently without the pressure of totally stilling my mind, whether I’m trying to fall asleep on a flight or relaxing in my hotel room between activities.
Primasole folding travel yoga mat
Studies show that moderate exercise can help decrease the prevalence of psoriasis and aid in stress management; sometimes, though, squeezing a full workout into a packed travel schedule just isn’t feasible. Walking or taking public transit instead of hopping into an Uber is an easy way to add more gentle movement into the day. I also suggest throwing a foldable yoga mat into your carry on. Having one on hand makes it easy to sneak in a quick morning stretch session or 10-minute Pilates circuit without having to leave your hotel room or change into exercise gear.
