Sunlight can improve psoriasis for some people, but more sun is not always better. Controlled ultraviolet (UV) light is used medically to treat psoriasis, while excessive or unprotected sun exposure can cause sunburn, trigger new psoriasis patches after skin injury and add to long-term UV damage. The safest approach is to follow your doctor or dermatologist’s advice and protect your skin from burning.
This guide explains the relationship between psoriasis and sun exposure, the difference between natural sunlight and medical phototherapy, how sunscreen fits into psoriasis care, and how UPF 50+ clothing can help protect covered skin during everyday life in Australia.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long-term, immune-mediated condition that causes skin cells to build up more quickly than usual. This can create raised, scaly, itchy or uncomfortable patches on the skin. It is not contagious, and symptoms can vary considerably from person to person.
According to Healthdirect Australia, psoriasis can affect areas including the scalp, hands, feet, elbows, back and nails, and flare-ups may be influenced by triggers such as infections, stress, cold weather, skin injury and some medicines.
Does sun help psoriasis?
For some people, small and carefully controlled amounts of sunlight may improve psoriasis. This is one reason the relationship between psoriasis and the sun can seem confusing: UV light can be therapeutic in controlled circumstances, yet excessive UV exposure can also damage the skin.
The National Psoriasis Foundation explains that UVB light is used in phototherapy for psoriasis and that UVB from sunlight can have a similar biological effect. However, it also notes that using natural sunlight to treat psoriasis is not appropriate for everyone and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
So, does the sun help psoriasis? It can for some people, but sunlight should not be treated as a do-it-yourself replacement for prescribed phototherapy.
Why too much sun can make psoriasis worse
The main problem is sunburn. Psoriasis-prone skin can react to injury, and a burn is an injury to the skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology lists sunburn among the skin injuries that can trigger a psoriasis flare. New psoriasis can sometimes appear in an area that has been injured, a response known as the Koebner phenomenon.
Too much UV exposure also contributes to premature skin ageing and increases skin cancer risk. That means the goal is not to avoid daylight completely, but to avoid uncontrolled exposure and especially to avoid burning.
Some psoriasis treatments can increase sun sensitivity
Certain topical or systemic treatments can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. The National Psoriasis Foundation notes, for example, that some topical medicines can increase the risk of sunburn. People who have undergone certain types of phototherapy may also receive specific instructions about limiting additional natural UV exposure.
If you use prescription psoriasis medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it changes how sensitive your skin is to sunlight.
Phototherapy vs sunlight: what is the difference?
Medical phototherapy and sitting in the sun are not the same thing.
Phototherapy uses carefully selected wavelengths and controlled doses of ultraviolet light. Treatment is planned around your psoriasis type, skin response and medical history. The exposure can be adjusted over time by a qualified clinician.
Natural sunlight contains varying levels of UVA and UVB. The dose changes with the time of day, season, cloud cover, location and UV Index, making it much harder to control precisely.
This distinction matters in Australia, where UV levels can become high or extreme. If a clinician recommends controlled sunlight as part of your psoriasis management, follow their specific instructions rather than assuming that longer exposure will produce a better result.
What is the best sun protection for psoriasis?
There is no single psoriasis-specific sun protection routine that suits everyone. Your skin, treatment, sensitivity and individual triggers matter. However, one principle is consistent: protect your skin from sunburn.
For general sun safety, Cancer Council Australia recommends combining protective clothing, sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, shade and sunglasses when sun protection is required.
1. Use clothing as a physical barrier
Clothing can reduce the amount of UV reaching the skin it covers. For predictable protection, look for garments with a tested ultraviolet protection factor rather than assuming any fabric will block the same amount of UV.
UPF 50+ is one of the highest classifications for sun-protective fabric. A UPF 50 fabric allows approximately 1/50th of UV radiation to pass through under its test conditions.
For everyday outdoor coverage, explore Aurelia Sun’s UPF 50+ clothing collection. You can also read our guide on whether you can get sunburnt through clothing to understand how fabric construction, stretch, colour and moisture can affect UV protection.
2. Choose clothing that feels comfortable against your skin
Psoriasis can be itchy, tender or easily irritated, so comfort matters as much as coverage. A garment that rubs, overheats the skin or feels scratchy may be difficult to wear consistently.
When choosing clothing for psoriasis-prone skin, consider:
- soft-feeling fabric against the skin;
- a comfortable fit that does not create unnecessary friction;
- lightweight, breathable construction for warm weather;
- long sleeves or longer coverage where practical;
- flat or comfortable seams around sensitive areas;
- a fit that does not overstretch the fabric;
- a verified UPF rating when you are relying on the garment for sun protection.
No fabric can treat psoriasis, and individual tolerance varies. If a garment irritates your skin, stop wearing it and choose a softer or less restrictive alternative.
3. Protect the face, scalp, ears and neck
Psoriasis can also affect the scalp, and the face, ears and neck receive substantial sun exposure. A broad-brimmed or well-designed sun hat can provide useful shade for these areas.
Browse Aurelia Sun’s women’s sun hats for additional coverage, and remember that a hat works best alongside sunscreen, clothing, shade and sunglasses rather than as a standalone measure.
4. Use sunscreen on exposed skin
Sunscreen remains important for skin that clothing does not cover. In Australia, Cancer Council recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen when UV protection is required.
If your skin is sensitive, look for a formula that you can tolerate consistently. Fragrance, texture and individual ingredients can feel different from one person to another, so a product that works well for someone else may not be ideal for your skin.
For intact psoriasis plaques, sunscreen can generally still be part of your sun-protection routine. If the skin is cracked, raw, bleeding, weeping or severely inflamed, or if sunscreen repeatedly stings or irritates the area, ask your GP, dermatologist or pharmacist for personalised advice.
5. Check the UV Index, not just the temperature
A cool or cloudy day can still have damaging UV. In Australia, routine sun protection is recommended when the UV Index reaches 3 or above.
Our Australian UV Index guide explains what each UV level means and how to plan clothing, sunscreen, hats and shade around the forecast.
Is UPF 50+ clothing good for psoriasis?
UPF 50+ clothing can be a useful sun-protection tool for someone with psoriasis because it provides a physical barrier over covered skin and does not need to be reapplied like sunscreen. It may be especially convenient for the arms, shoulders, chest, back and legs during long periods outdoors.
However, UPF clothing is not a psoriasis treatment. It is sun-protective clothing. The best garment is one that combines a verified level of UV protection with a fit and fabric that your own skin finds comfortable.
When shopping, prioritise:
- UPF 50+ protection for covered areas;
- comfortable coverage without excessive rubbing;
- breathability for hot Australian conditions;
- the correct size so the fabric is not stretched more than intended;
- activity-appropriate design, particularly for swimming and exercise.
You can review Aurelia Sun’s testing and product documentation for more information about how we approach UPF protection.
What about swimming with psoriasis?
Beach and pool days add extra variables: stronger reflected UV, water, sunscreen reapplication and wet fabric against the skin.
If you are comfortable swimming during a psoriasis flare, purpose-designed sun-protective swimwear can reduce the amount of exposed skin that needs sunscreen. Long-sleeve rashguards, higher necklines and swim leggings can provide more coverage than conventional swimwear.
Explore Aurelia Sun’s women’s swimwear and look specifically for products that carry a UPF rating if UV protection is a priority.
After swimming, rinse off salt water or pool water if it irritates your skin, pat rather than aggressively rub the skin dry, and follow your normal moisturising or treatment routine as advised by your healthcare professional.
Can sunscreen go directly on psoriasis plaques?
For many people, yes. The National Psoriasis Foundation has specifically addressed sunscreen use in people with psoriasis, and dermatology guidance generally supports protecting exposed skin from sunburn.
The practical issue is comfort. Psoriasis plaques may be dry, cracked or inflamed, and some products can sting. If you are trying a new sunscreen, consider testing it on a small area first. If your plaques are broken, bleeding or severely irritated, seek professional advice before applying products that cause discomfort.
Also remember that sunscreen is not the only form of protection. Clothing can reduce the amount of sunscreen you need to apply over large areas of the body.
Can psoriasis get worse in summer?
Yes. Although many people report improvement with sunlight, summer is not automatically better for everyone with psoriasis.
Possible problems include:
- sunburn;
- skin injury followed by a flare;
- heat and sweating that feel uncomfortable;
- chlorinated or salty water irritating dry or cracked skin;
- friction from tight or wet clothing;
- medication-related sun sensitivity.
Your own pattern matters. If your psoriasis consistently worsens after sun exposure, tell your dermatologist rather than trying to push through it.
A practical psoriasis sun-protection routine for Australia
A simple routine can make daily sun protection easier:
- Check the UV Index before spending time outside.
- Choose comfortable UPF-rated clothing for the areas you want covered.
- Add a broad-brimmed hat for the face, ears and neck.
- Apply SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen to skin that remains exposed.
- Seek shade when possible, particularly during high-UV periods.
- Wear sunglasses that provide appropriate UV protection.
- Avoid sunburn completely rather than using redness as a guide to a “therapeutic” dose.
- Follow your treatment plan and ask your healthcare professional before deliberately using sunlight to manage psoriasis.
Frequently asked questions
Does sunlight cure psoriasis?
No. Psoriasis is a chronic condition and sunlight is not a cure. Controlled UV exposure may improve symptoms in some people, but psoriasis can return and requires appropriate ongoing management.
Is sun good or bad for psoriasis?
It can be both. Limited UV exposure may improve psoriasis for some people, while too much sun can cause burns, trigger flares and increase long-term UV damage. Individual response varies.
Can sunburn cause a psoriasis flare?
Yes. Sunburn is a skin injury, and skin injury can trigger psoriasis in susceptible people. This is one reason avoiding sunburn is especially important.
Should I cover psoriasis in the sun?
Covering the skin with comfortable sun-protective clothing is a practical way to reduce UV exposure and the risk of sunburn. If your dermatologist has recommended a specific amount of sunlight for treatment, follow their instructions for which areas should be exposed and for how long.
What SPF should I use if I have psoriasis?
For general Australian sun protection, Cancer Council recommends SPF 50 or SPF 50+, broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen when protection is required. If your skin is highly sensitive or your treatment increases photosensitivity, ask your healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Is UPF 50+ clothing better than sunscreen for psoriasis?
They do different jobs. UPF clothing provides protection over the skin it covers, while sunscreen protects exposed areas. A complete routine generally combines clothing, sunscreen, a hat, shade and sunglasses.
Can I use tanning beds for psoriasis?
Do not use a commercial tanning bed as a substitute for medical phototherapy. Medical UV treatment is controlled and supervised; tanning beds deliver uncontrolled UV exposure and add to skin-damage risk.
Can I wear UPF 50+ swimwear if I have psoriasis?
Yes, if the garment feels comfortable on your skin. UPF-rated swimwear can reduce UV exposure to covered areas, but it does not treat psoriasis and sunscreen is still needed on uncovered skin.
The bottom line
The relationship between psoriasis and sun exposure is not simply “sun is good” or “sun is bad”. Controlled UV light can improve psoriasis for some people, but uncontrolled exposure can cause sunburn, trigger flares and contribute to long-term skin damage.
The safest strategy is to work with your healthcare professional on psoriasis treatment and use a consistent sun-protection routine for everyday outdoor life. Comfortable UPF 50+ clothing, sun hats, sunscreen, shade and sunglasses can work together to reduce unnecessary UV exposure while allowing you to enjoy time outdoors.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational information only and is not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat psoriasis and should not replace advice from a GP, dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional. Seek medical advice if your symptoms are new, severe, rapidly worsening or not responding to treatment, or before deliberately using sunlight as part of psoriasis management.