My Favorite Arthritis-Friendly Beauty Supplies

Sometimes, looking good helps me feel a little better. Granted, squeezing my swollen feet into pinchy shoes won't help. And during a flare-up, as long as I'm presentable, it's good enough.

But when my pain and fatigue levels are okay, doing things like wearing clothes that make me feel good, putting on makeup, and doing my hair can give me a well-needed confidence boost.

Beauty doesn't have to be pain

They say 'beauty is pain,' and in the past, I would've agreed. I found many ways to groom myself very painful, especially hair care. But after years of experience of dealing with arthritis, I've realized sometimes beauty doesn't have to be a pain.

There are lots of nifty tools and products that can make you look and feel your best. Here are a few products that have helped me look and feel my best through the years.

Breathable nail polish

Whenever possible, I keep my nails painted. Wearing nail polish gives me a confidence boost by hiding some of my nail psoriasis symptoms (unfortunately, there's no good way to hide crumbling).

Many brands of polish haven't been kind to my nails. Some can be quite harsh, making them very dry and more prone to breaking. Plus, staining causes my nails to look more yellow than usual and makes me want to repaint my nails, causing a vicious cycle.

Thankfully, many cosmetic companies are starting to see the need for more gentle nail polish, and 'breathable' nail polishes are becoming more and more popular. These types allow your natural oils and water to permeate the polish layer, plus they have less harsh chemicals.

You can find many other brands online and in stores. I have had positive results while wearing Orly Breathable Nail Polish. After regular use for a couple of months, I found my nails don't become as discolored or brittle! Plus, I love the colors, and the brand is cruelty-free. Win-win!

Straightening hairbrushes

I have very thick, curly hair. If I want it straight, I either spend upwards of an hour with a traditional straightening iron or have to ask someone else to do it for me (which usually results in a better straightening job, anyway).

But recently, I came across straightening hairbrushes with ceramic bristles that are heated. You brush your hair as usual (minding the hot bristles, of course) to straighten your hair! No need to squeeze your hair between two hot plates!

I find it less exhausting to use the hairbrush than a traditional straightener. On a good day, I can straighten my hair in about a half-hour! Of course, it's not perfect- if my joints are already aching, they'll be aching twice as much after I do my hair. But the new tool has made it a lot easier to keep from aggravating my joints on a good day, which I call a win.

Electric razors

When I first started shaving my legs, I didn't use a little pink razor. Instead, I started by using an electric razor. Not only was it less irritating to the skin, but it was more comfortable than shaving in the shower.

My mum had discovered it a few years before I started shaving when she developed psoriasis all over her legs. The electric razor allowed her to comfortably shave around her psoriasis without fear of cutting the skin.

While I eventually started to use a little pink razor to achieve a closer shave, I sometimes still use my electric razor. I find it helpful when I don't have the spoons to shave in the shower or clean up after.

Thankful for the items that make life easier

There are lots of other tools and brands of products that help me look and feel good. For example, I can only use certain brands of makeup on my face without risking horrible irritation. I also only use spiral hair ties because they don't tangle, making them easier to take out at the end of the day.

The point is, I'm glad I have these items! They've made it much easier for me to express my style and feel more confident through the years!

How has living with PsA affected your beauty routine? What are some beauty tools and products you use that you'd recommend to others with arthritis?