Dr Niall Jawad
A Comprehensive Psoriasis Skincare Routine: Effective Steps for Healthier Skin
Master your psoriasis skincare routine with our comprehensive guide on various products and how to maximise their effectiveness.
What We'll Cover - Psoriasis Skincare Products.
Key Takeaways
Gentle, non-soap, fragrance-free cleansers are essential for daily psoriasis skincare to remove dirt and scales.
Thick, fragrance-free moisturisers, especially with salicylic acid, keep the skin hydrated and reduce redness.
Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen prevents skin damage which may exacerbate psoriasis.
Serums and retinoids exfoliate and renew skin, reducing inflammation and controlling rapid skin cell growth.
Psoriasis symptoms can be alleviated with the use of tar products and Vitamin D analogs, effectively slowing skin cell growth.
Psoriasis Skincare Products - The Ultimate Guide
The Purpose Of Using Psoriasis Skincare Products
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that results in red, scaly patches on the skin due to the rapid buildup of skin cells. The goal of skincare products for psoriasis is to help control the symptoms and improve skin's appearance. They work by helping to exfoliate the skin, keeping it moisturised, and alleviating itchiness and discomfort.
Cleansers
What Do They Do?
Cleansers for psoriasis are designed to gently remove dirt and oil without irritating or drying the skin. They can also help to remove the scales associated with psoriasis.
When Should They Be Used?
You should cleanse your skin once or twice a day.
How Should They Be Used?
Same as with eczema, use lukewarm water and a few drops of cleanser. Gently cleanse the area and rinse thoroughly.
What To Choose?
Choose a gentle, non-soap, hydrating cleanser that is fragrance-free. A good example is the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
Examples:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (https://www.cetaphil.com/gentle-skin-cleanser/)
Moisturisers
What Do They Do?
Moisturisers for psoriasis help to keep the skin hydrated, reduce redness and itching, and can help to reduce scaling.
When Should They Be Used?
Apply moisturiser immediately after bathing or showering and throughout the day as needed.
How Should They Be Used?
Apply a thick layer of moisturiser to your skin, paying particular attention to psoriasis patches.
What To Choose?
Choose a thick, creamy, fragrance-free moisturiser. Look for products containing salicylic acid, which can help to exfoliate and remove scales.
Examples:
CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturising Cream (https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/psoriasis-moisturizing-cream)
Sunscreen
What Do They Do?
Sunscreen protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays, which can cause skin damage and potentially exacerbate psoriasis.
When Should They Be Used?
Use daily in the morning, regardless of the weather or season.
How Should They Be Used?
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin.
What To Choose?
Choose a sunscreen that is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and broad-spectrum.
Examples:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (https://www.eltamd.com/product/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46/)
Serums
What Do They Do?
Serums for psoriasis are designed to deliver powerful ingredients directly into the skin, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.
When Should They Be Used?
They're commonly used in the morning and evening.
How Should They Be Used?
Apply to the skin after cleansing but before moisturising.
What To Choose?
Look for serums containing ingredients like salicylic acid and retinol, which can help to exfoliate and renew the skin.
Examples:
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201.html)
Retinoids
What Do They Do?
Topical retinoids can help to slow down the rapid growth of skin cells in people with psoriasis.
When Should They Be Used?
Topical retinoids are generally applied once daily in the evening.
What To Choose?
Choose a product that has been recommended by your doctor or dermatologist, as these are prescription medications.
Tar
What Do They Do?
Tar can help to slow the rapid growth of skin cells and alleviate symptoms of psoriasis.
When Should They Be Used?
Tar products can be used once a day or as directed by your healthcare provider.
How Should They Be Used?
Apply tar shampoo or tar cream to the affected areas as directed.
What To Choose?
Choose a product that contains between 0.5% and 5% coal tar. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is a popular option.
Examples:
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo (https://www.neutrogena.com/products/haircare/tgel-therapeutic-shampoo-original-formula/6809200.html)
Vitamin D Analogs
What Do They Do?
Vitamin D analogs are synthetic compounds that emulate the natural effects of Vitamin D in the body. Their primary function is to decelerate the speedy growth and shedding of skin cells, characteristic of psoriasis. This action results in reduced scaling and thickness of the skin.
When Should They Be Used?
Vitamin D analogs are typically used once or twice a day. They can be included in both morning and evening skincare routines, or as advised by your healthcare provider.
How Should They Be Used?
These compounds should be applied in small amounts directly onto affected areas, steering clear of healthy skin. They can be used either before or after moisturisers, but it's important to make sure your skin is clean and dry before application.
What To Choose?
Vitamin D analogs are usually available as creams, ointments, or scalp solutions. Some commonly prescribed options include Dovonex (Calcipotriene) and Vectical (Calcitriol).
Moisture-Wrapping
What Do They Do?
Moisture-wrapping is a technique used to lock in moisture after applying a thick layer of moisturiser to the skin.
When Should They Be Used?
Moisture-wrapping can be done in the evening or overnight.
How Should They Be Used?
Apply a thick layer of moisturiser to the skin, then wrap the area with plastic wrap or wear cotton gloves or socks.
Psoriasis Skincare Guide - The Conclusion
Remember, your psoriasis skincare routine might need some tweaking over time as your condition changes or new products become available. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist to ensure your routine is safe and effective for managing your psoriasis. You'll find example skincare routines, from the basics to expert levels, within the app.
