How to Manage Psoriasis as You Age
Caring for aging skin and managing related health conditions are some of the challenges you may face as you get older.
Updated on July 23, 2025
ON THIS PAGE
ON THIS PAGE
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition with symptoms that tend to come and go, known as a relapsing-remitting pattern. Although it doesn't necessarily worsen over time, you may experience whole-body challenges — from aging skin to related health conditions — that may signal a need to adjust your psoriasis treatment as you get older.
Skin Aging and Psoriasis
With age, skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner and drier, intensifying the appearance of wrinkles. While genetics play a part, the No. 1 factor in skin aging is sun damage; it's responsible for 90 percent of visible changes to the skin. Sun-damaged skin may experience the Koebner phenomenon, in which an injury to the skin prompts new lesions to appear.
While medical-grade ultraviolet (UV) B treatment can help psoriasis by targeting skin inflammation, tanning beds and natural sunlight expose skin to a more powerful, full-spectrum UV light that damages skin and increases the risk of premature skin aging and cancer.
Overexposure to this type of UV light “can prevent us from appropriately treating areas with psoriasis, because the surrounding skin has been so heavily sun damaged,” says Rashmi Unwala, MD, a dermatologist specializing in psoriasis at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
It's essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on exposed skin every time you head outside. “Sun exposure is a leading driver of skin thinning and damage with aging, so we recommend sun protection to allow people to use the medications that they will benefit from,” says Dr. Unwala.
Oil production also naturally slows with age, contributing to drier skin and wrinkles. Moisturizer boosts the skin's hydration to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it can also help soothe irritated and dry skin during a psoriasis flare. Ask your dermatologist to recommend ingredients to look for when choosing skin-care products.
Smoking is another lifestyle factor that affects both psoriasis and skin aging. Smoking can increase the severity of psoriasis, lessen how effective medication is, and increase the chances you'll also develop psoriatic arthritis. In addition to accelerating the appearance of visible signs of skin aging, smoking also impairs wound healing and is connected to skin pigmentation disorders. If you smoke, talk to your doctor for tips on quitting.
Do People With Psoriasis Also Have Psoriatic Arthritis?
Dermatologist Andrew Alexis, MD, discusses whether psoriatic arthritis has a connection to psoriasis.
Next up video playing in 10 seconds
Cosmetic Products and Procedures for Aging
Retinoids (chemical compounds derived from vitamin A) are among the most common anti-aging ingredients in skin-care treatments.
Research shows retinoids are effective at combating fine lines associated with natural aging. They help the skin retain water, promote cell turnover, improve barrier function, and boost collagen production, among other benefits. Retinoids are also used to treat psoriasis by slowing rapidly growing skin, decreasing scales, and relieving redness and swelling.
Two prescription-strength retinoids, the topical formulation tazarotene (Tazorac, Arazlo) and the oral medication acitretin (Soriatane), are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of psoriasis. Over-the-counter retinoids, such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and adapalene are also an option, though cosmetic formulations aren't regulated as strictly as prescription-strength versions. They also don't have as much clinical research as prescription-strength medications to back up their effectiveness.
“It's a balance, because [a retinoid] might be a little irritating,” says Unwala. Follow your doctor's instructions for applying any new product or medication to your skin. Consider testing new topicals by placing a small amount on your skin twice a day for 7 to 10 days — or once every other day for retinoids — and leaving it on as you would the actual product (a minute or two for a face wash, overnight for a retinoid treatment). Discontinue the product if you experience a reaction.
Avoid harsh exfoliating products, such as loofahs, abrasive facial scrubs, and motorized brushes to slough off dead skin. “That would be traumatizing for active areas of psoriasis,” says Unwala. Damaging the skin where there are active psoriasis lesions can not only worsen symptoms, but also possibly lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
Opt for gentle, fragrance-free, nonsoap cleansers, which won't irritate sensitive skin. Products with coal tar and salicylic acid may also help when you're having a psoriasis flare.
Other anti-aging treatments, such as Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers, are generally safe for people with psoriasis who are in remission. Preliminary research suggests that Botox may be a promising psoriasis treatment in addition to treating signs of aging. The authors of the hyaluronic acid study note, however, that fillers seem to degrade faster in people with psoriasis.
Treatments such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, and microdermabrasion are generally not recommended for people with psoriasis, so discuss your options with your dermatologist first. These induce targeted damage to promote collagen growth, and any damage to the skin can worsen psoriasis lesions or cause new ones to develop. “You want to have your psoriasis under good control before getting any of these treatments,” says Unwala.
How to Manage Psoriasis and Hair Changes With Age
You may want to color your hair — possibly for the first time — as you notice your first grays. But be sure your psoriasis is under control before you hit the salon. “In general, we recommend not doing any chemical procedures on your hair when you have active psoriasis,” says Unwala.
If you're not currently experiencing a psoriasis flare, getting your hair colored is usually considered safe. Just be sure to tell your stylist if you feel burning or pain. Also try to avoid braids or extensions, which pull on the hair and irritate the scalp. “If hair is too tight, it can make psoriasis worse, because trauma worsens psoriasis,” says Unwala.
The Link Between Psoriasis and Health Conditions Common With Age
Skin and hair changes aren't the only things you should be aware of as you get older. “There's a strong connection between psoriasis and internal health,” says Unwala. Psoriasis may put you at higher risk for certain health conditions that are more common with age.
Metabolic Syndrome and Heart Disease
According to one research review, numerous studies have strongly linked psoriasis to metabolic syndrome, a collection of conditions that includes abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). The risk of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome increases with age, and having it ups the risk of heart disease.
“We can consider [psoriasis] as a risk factor for heart disease, just as we think of family history, smoking, and gender as risk factors,” says Unwala. Metabolic syndrome, she explains, involves inflammation, and psoriasis is also an inflammatory disease. Certain drugs used to treat metabolic syndrome, including blood pressure medications, may also trigger psoriasis flares.
The good news is that treating psoriasis with biologics may help reduce your risk of heart disease. “[Systemic] treatment of skin results in overall improvement of health, which is especially important for an older population at higher risk of heart disease,” says Unwala. Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can also help keep your heart healthy and lower your risk of metabolic syndrome.
Osteoporosis
One research review found that there is an increased risk of osteoporosis in people with severe, long-term psoriasis. Researchers note that psoriatic arthritis and osteoporosis are linked as well. Metabolic syndrome also increases the risk of osteoporosis, according to another review.
To help reduce this risk, make sure to eat foods with plenty of calcium and vitamin D, which are good for bone health, and incorporate weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises into your routine.
Depression
Psoriasis also has a strong connection to depression, research shows. Depression is a common — but not normal — part of getting older, whether or not you've been diagnosed with psoriasis.
There are many effective treatments for depression, so be sure to tell your doctor about any signs of depression you've experienced. These may include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness; loss of interest in your favorite activities; difficulty sleeping or concentrating; irritability; and changes in appetite or weight.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition involving joint pain and stiffness that affects about 30 percent of people who have psoriasis. Although it typically begins between ages 30 and 50, it can be diagnosed at any age.
Keep in mind that there are many causes of joint pain with age beyond psoriatic arthritis, and treatments vary depending on the kind of arthritis you have. “You often need a specialist to determine what type of arthritis you have,” says Unwala.
How Menopause May Affect Psoriasis
Menopause is defined as going a full year without having a period. It usually happens in your early fifties, with symptoms of perimenopause beginning about 10 years earlier.
During perimenopause, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels fluctuate, leading to potentially exhausting symptoms, such as impaired cognitive function, hot flashes, and night sweats. This period of time can also be stressful in general, as you may struggle to care for children and aging parents while taking on new responsibilities at work. And stress is a known trigger of psoriasis flares. All these factors have an effect on overall health and may increase the risk of conditions that are separately linked to psoriasis, including osteoporosis, mood changes, and heart disease.
You may also find you have more psoriasis flares around the time you go through menopause. “It is possible that hormonal changes of menopause can contribute to psoriasis,” says Unwala.
How to Stay Healthy as You Age
A few steps can reduce your risk of osteoporosis, depression, and heart disease as you age. First and foremost, maintain a healthy diet. That means focusing on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and lean meat and dairy, while limiting processed foods, sodium, and added sugar. The National Institute on Aging recommends consuming 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium every day, depending on your age and sex, to build bone strength. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to see what's right for you.
Aerobic exercise helps keep your bones and heart strong, reducing the risk of both osteoporosis and heart disease. Staying active also reduces the risk of depression, especially if you choose an activity that involves a lot of socializing, such as tennis or a water aerobics class. As a bonus, exercise reduces the risk of dementia and supports cognitive function with age, including memory and executive function.
Finally, be sure to discuss not just your skin, but all aspects of your physical and mental health, with your dermatologist. Let your doctor know if you're struggling to maintain a healthy diet, stay active, or quit smoking. “A lot of people don't realize they're at risk and may have gone many years without seeing a general practitioner,” says Unwala. “We feel that one of our roles is to make those connections for people.”
Adjust Your Psoriasis Treatment Plan Over Time
Many medications to treat psoriasis are considered safe as you get older, including oral corticosteroids, phototherapy, vitamin D analogues, tazarotene (Tazorac), acitretin (Soriatane), apremilast (Otezla), methotrexate (Trexall), and biologics. Your doctor may be more cautious with topical steroids though, because both aging and topical steroids cause the skin to thin. Let your doctor know if your skin appears more transparent (which can signal thinning) or if it bruises easier, or has purple spots.
Most importantly, make sure your dermatologist knows about every medication you're taking and any other diagnoses you've received. Some psoriasis medications aren't safe for people with liver disease, kidney disease, or heart failure, all of which are more common in people over 65. Other medications, including biologics, may not be appropriate if you have certain infections, including hepatitis B, which is more common in older adults who were born before a hepatitis B vaccination existed.
Cancer is also more common with age. It's important to let your doctor know if you've been diagnosed with any kind of cancer. “Your dermatologist needs to know, because it will affect treatments for psoriasis,” says Unwala.
While your treatment may change as you age, it's important to keep in mind that psoriasis treatments have very likely improved dramatically since you were first diagnosed. “The vast majority of people we treat have skin that's close to clear on some of these medications,” says Unwala. “We have really effective tools now. It's a new world for psoriasis treatments, and it's very exciting.”
The Takeaway
- Psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition that waxes and wanes over time, usually doesn't get progressively worse with time. Shifts in your body as you age may require you to alter your treatment regimen, though.
- Certain serious illnesses are connected to psoriasis, but you can start taking actions now to maintain your long-term health.
- Natural signs of aging, such as skin changes, along with the development of illnesses that commonly occur as you get older can affect your psoriasis treatment regimen.
- Speak with your doctor about new diagnoses and skin changes as you age to fine-tune your treatment plan and get the most out of it.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
- How Long Will I Have to Treat My Psoriasis? American Academy of Dermatology Association.
- How to Treat Psoriasis at Age 65 and Beyond. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
- Skin Care and Aging. National Institute on Aging. February 11, 2025.
- Wong C et al. Genetic determinants of skin ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies and candidate genes. Journal of Physiological Anthropology. February 8, 2025.
- Koebner Phenomenon. Cleveland Clinic. April 27, 2022.
- Psoriasis Treatment: Phototherapy. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
- Psoriasis and the Sun. Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.
- Best Ingredients and Products for Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine. Cleveland Clinic. March 3, 2023.
- Jara S. Moisturizing Sensitive Skin. National Psoriasis Foundation. June 11, 2025.
- Orenstein BW. Smoking and Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation. June 21, 2021.
- Hergesell K et al. The effect of long-term cigarette smoking on selected skin barrier proteins and lipids. Scientific Reports. July 18, 2023.
- Milosheka D et al. Use of Retinoids in Topical Antiaging Treatments: A Focused Review of Clinical Evidence for Conventional and Nanoformulations. Advances in Therapy. October 11, 2022.
- Psoriasis Treatment: A Retinoid You Apply to the Skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
- Qasem SF et al. Therapeutic Advancements in the Management of Psoriasis: A Clinical Overview and Update. Cureus. February 16, 2025.
- How to Test Skin Care Products. American Academy of Dermatology Association. August 10, 2021.
- Are Triggers Causing Your Psoriasis Flare-Ups? American Academy of Dermatology Association.
- Psoriasis. Cleveland Clinic. September 15, 2022.
- 14 Natural and Home Remedies for Psoriasis. Cleveland Clinic . June 17, 2024.
- Over-the-Counter Topicals. National Psoriasis Foundation. March 27. 2023.
- Ghaseminejad-Bandpey A et al. Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Psoriasis — a Comprehensive Review. Toxins. October 18, 2024.
- Di Gregorio S et al. Safety and efficacy of filler injections in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Aesthetic Medicine. May 29, 2025.
- Yumeen S et al. Laser Carbon Dioxide Resurfacing. StatPearls. April 23, 2023.
- Samargandy S et al. Chemical Peels for Skin Resurfacing. StatPearls. October 29, 2023.
- Microneedling. Cleveland Clinic. May 23, 2022.
- Microdermabrasion. Cleveland Clinic. July 12, 2023.
- Sodagar S et al. Association between metabolic syndrome and prevalent skin diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies. Health Science Reports. September 25, 2023.
- Untaaveesup S et al. The Risk of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. February 19, 2025.
- Your Risk for Metabolic Syndrome. American Heart Association. October 17, 2023.
- What Is Metabolic Syndrome? American Heart Association. October 17, 2023.
- Thurrott S. If You Have Psoriasis, Watch Out for These Drugs That Can Trigger Flares. Banner Health. July 30, 2023.
- Terui H et al. Biologics for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis Patients. Journal of Clinical Medicine. February 1, 2023.
- Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. American Heart Association. October 17, 2023.
- Wi D et al. Psoriasis and osteoporosis: a literature review. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. August 1, 2022.
- Martiniakova M et al. Interrelationships among metabolic syndrome, bone-derived cytokines, and the most common metabolic syndrome-related diseases negatively affecting bone quality. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome. September 6, 2024.
- Prevention. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation.
- Luna PC et al. Psychosocial Burden of Psoriasis: A Systematic Literature Review of Depression Among Patients with Psoriasis. Dermatology and Therapy. November 23, 2023.
- Depression and Older Adults. National Institute on Aging. February 5, 2025.
- About Psoriatic Arthritis. National Psoriasis Foundation. April 21, 2025.
- Psoriasis Statistics. National Psoriasis Foundation. December 21, 2022.
- Joint Pain. Cleveland Clinic. November 10, 2023.
- Menopause. Cleveland Clinic. June 24, 2024.
- Perimenopause. Cleveland Clinic. August 8, 2024.
- Cutts BA et al. Addressing the perimenopause: what's blood got to do with it? Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis. February 2025.
- DeAngelis T. Menopause can be rough. Psychology is here to help. American Psychological Association. September 1, 2023.
- Causes and Triggers. National Psoriasis Foundation. January 22, 2025.
- Thomas AJ et al. Stressful life events during the perimenopause: longitudinal observations from the seattle midlife women's health study. Women's Midlife Health. September 5, 2023.
- Mou H et al. Effects of key physiological parameters on cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis risk in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Scientific Reports. January 22, 2025.
- Can Menopause Cause Depression? Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- Truong A. Approaches to the Management of Women with Psoriasis at Different Life Stages. International Psoriasis Council. November 22, 2024.
- Preventing Chronic Diseases: What You Can Do Now. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024.
- Vitamins and Minerals for Older Adults. National Institute on Aging. January 2, 2021.
- Aerobic exercise: Top 10 reasons to get physical. Mayo Clinic. November 18, 2023.
- Eather N et al. The impact of sports participation on mental health and social outcomes in adults: a systematic review and the ‘Mental Health through Sport' conceptual model. Systematic Reviews. June 21, 2023.
- Physical activity and the risk of dementia. Alzheimer's Society. August 2024.
- Dhahbi W et al. Physical Activity to Counter Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Benefits of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Training—A Narrative Review. Sports Medicine - Open. May 17, 2025.
- Petersen J et al. Medicinal Treatment of Elderly Psoriasis Patients before and after Entering a Nursing Home. Healthcare. September 8, 2022.
- Truong A. Psoriasis in Older Patients: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Treatment Discussion. International Psoriasis Council. March 27, 2024.
- Skin Gets Thinner as People Age. UCLA Health. July 29, 2022.
- Bortolozo F et al. Dermatoporosis in Upper Limbs Treated With Polymethylmethacrylate Microspheres Using the BioSculpt® Technique. Cureus. August 20, 2023.
- Psoriasis: Learn More – Oral medications and injections. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. April 27, 2021.
- Georgieva M et al. Old age as a risk factor for liver diseases: Modern therapeutic approaches. Experimental Gerontology. December 2023.
- Kidney Disease Statistics for the United States. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. September 2024.
- Heart Failure Awareness 365: Heart Failure Under/Over 50. Heart Failure Society of America. 2023.
- Mateu-Arrom L et al. Infection Risk and Vaccination in the Management of Psoriasis: Considerations for Biologic Therapy. Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy. April 11, 2025.
- Surofchy DD et al. Evolving Considerations for Choice of Hepatitis B Vaccine. American Journal of Managed Care. February 14, 2023.
- Age and Cancer Risk. National Cancer Institute. May 2, 2025.
- Lee HJ et al. Challenges and Future Trends in the Treatment of Psoriasis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. August 28, 2023.
Meet Our Experts
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD
Medical Reviewer
Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.
Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.
Colleen de Bellefonds
Author
Colleen de Bellefonds is a freelance journalist and editor who covers science, health, and parenting. Her reporting and writing regularly appears online for Well+Good, The Bump, and What to Expect, as well as in U.S. News & World Report, Women's Health, Self, and many other publications. She lives in Paris with her husband and two kids.
Get your personalized Content!
To get the best possible treatment, you need to give your healthcare providers the right information — and knowing what
Start