Today we’re talking about psoriasis. Something I struggled with for much of my young adulthood. With over 3% of the US adult population affected, that makes over 7.5 million of us!

Normal skin cells grow and shed in a month. But in the case of psoriasis, skin cells grow in just three or four days! That's because psoriasis is an auto-immune condition. T-cells (a type of cell used by the immune system), normally travel through the body to detect and fight invading germs, such as bacteria. But in people with psoriasis, they start to attack healthy skin cells by mistake. This causes the deepest layer of skin to produce new skin cells more rapidly. But instead of shedding, the skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin. 

Plaques and scales may appear on any part of the body, although they are commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp. I used to have constellations of little plaques all over my legs and abdomen. They were rather itchy and I know other folks report that the plaques can also burn and sting.

While scientists do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, we do know common triggers. The major ones include stress, hormonal changes, other immune disorders, smoking and excessive drinking. It's no surprise than that my symptoms would flare while a student at college, where I was deeply dedicated to both my studies and social life. To make matters worse, I was a student at Middlebury College in Vermont, where skin barely saw the light of day in the winter months (vitamin D and controlled UV light therapy are treatments for psoriasis). 

Fortunately, however, after years of discomfort, I can confidently say I am completely psoriasis free (yes, that's me in this photo). I owe this change to a lifestyle adjustment and a skincare routine rich in nourishing emollients, namely SMOOTH body balm, which I formulated to address my psoriasis plaques. 

Whether or not you have a condition like psoriasis or eczema, or just want deep nourished skin in the dead of winter, I think you will find SMOOTH a game changer. If you have yet to try it yet, please do! As with all LINNÉ products, it is made with extraordinary ingredients and with the utmost care, for healthy, radiant skin!

XO, Jenna