Living with psoriasis requires meticulous care of your skin to manage symptoms and avoid flare-ups. One of the essential components of an effective skincare routine for psoriasis is the right moisturizer. Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, leading to scaling and inflammation; this condition can make skin extremely dry, flaky, and itchy. To alleviate these symptoms, using moisturizers specially formulated for psoriasis-prone skin can provide much-needed relief and improve your skin’s overall health.
Key Features to Look for in Moisturizers
When looking for the best moisturizer for psoriasis, consider these critical features:
- Hydration: The primary role of a moisturizer is to hydrate the skin. Opt for creams, ointments, and lotions that provide intense hydration and help retain moisture.
- Soothing Ingredients: Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or oats, which have calming and soothing properties to reduce irritation and redness.
- Fragrance-Free: Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin, so it’s essential to select products labeled as fragrance-free or hypoallergenic.
- Barrier Repair: Ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin help repair the skin’s barrier and protect against further damage.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Some moisturizers contain anti-inflammatory components like niacinamide and calendula that can help reduce inflammation.
Top Moisturizers for Psoriasis-Prone Skin
Here is a list of some of the best moisturizers available in the market, each offering unique benefits for managing psoriasis:
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is renowned for its deeply hydrating formula, which includes essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. It provides 24-hour hydration and is fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive, psoriasis-prone skin. Its non-comedogenic formulation ensures it won’t clog pores, which is crucial for preventing acne breakouts alongside psoriasis.
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream is another top choice for individuals with psoriasis. It features ceramides and other essential compounds that work together to provide intense hydration and repair the skin barrier. Additionally, the cream’s lightweight texture ensures it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
3. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream is known for its colloidal oatmeal content, which helps to soothe itching and irritation. Although primarily developed for eczema, it is effective for psoriasis-prone skin as well. The cream is also free from steroids and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, enriched with hyaluronic acid, provides instant hydration and helps lock in moisture. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula is particularly beneficial for people who dislike the heaviness of traditional creams and ointments. Although it is a water gel, it provides long-lasting moisture increments.
- MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Coal Tar Formula
This medicated moisturizer targets severe psoriasis symptoms with a 3% coal tar formula to reduce itching, scaling, and inflammation. The inclusion of natural moisturizers ensures your skin remains hydrated and comfortable. While coal tar can irritate some skin types, for many, it’s a proven remedy.
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a versatile product that offers profound hydration and barrier protection without potentially irritating ingredients. Perfect for extremely dry, cracked skin, this ointment locks in moisture and protects affected areas from external irritants. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, ideal for those with very sensitive skin.
- La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ is a rich, nourishing balm designed to restore the skin barrier and relieve severe dryness. It contains essential ceramides and shea butter to hydrate and protect the skin while niacinamide soothes inflammation. Its fragrance-free formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin types.
- Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is another excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin. This product is free from dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde, reducing the risk of irritation. Its rich, non-greasy formulation ensures that your skin remains hydrated and protected.
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Calming Body Moisturizer
Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Calming Body Moisturizer targets both eczema and psoriasis symptoms. Packed with skin-restoring ingredients such as filaggrin, this moisturizer helps to relieve dryness, itching, and irritation. It is clinically proven to enhance the skin’s moisture levels and improve its overall appearance.
- Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is a multi-purpose product ideal for people with psoriasis who need extra nourishment and hydration. It is formulated with a blend of plant oils and vitamins to improve skin elasticity and texture. While not a traditional cream, it provides deep hydration and can reduce the appearance of scars and uneven skin tone.
- Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Relief Treatment
Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Relief Treatment is specifically designed to provide relief from itching associated with dry, sensitive skin. It contains colloidal oatmeal and other soothing ingredients that calm the skin while offering intense hydration. This fragrance-free formula is perfect for those experiencing moderate to severe psoriasis symptoms.
- Gladskin Eczema Cream with Micreobalance
Gladskin Eczema Cream with Micröbalance is known for its innovative approach to eczema and psoriasis treatment. The cream restores balance to the skin microbiome, which can significantly reduce inflammation and discomfort. Its steroid-free, fragrance-free formula makes it a safe option for long-term use.
- Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion is infused with aloe and various vitamins to nourish and repair psoriasis-prone skin effectively. It offers 24-hour hydration and helps to relieve immediate discomfort caused by dryness. Its non-greasy formula ensures it absorbs quickly without clogging pores.
- Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Cream
Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Cream is designed for individuals with eczema and psoriasis. It contains natural ingredients like sunflower oil distillate and avocado perseose that soothe and protect the skin. This product is safe for both adults and children, offering gentle yet effective relief from dryness and itching.
Now that we have listed some of the best moisturizers let’s delve deeper into how they benefit psoriasis-prone skin and why choosing the right moisturizer is crucial for managing this condition.
How Moisturizers Benefit Psoriasis-Prone Skin
Moisturizers play a vital role in managing psoriasis due to the following reasons:
- Prevents Dryness: Psoriasis causes excessive skin cell turnover, leading to dry, flaky skin. Regular use of moisturizers helps retain moisture and prevent dryness, which can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
- Reduces Itchiness: The intense itching and irritation caused by psoriasis can be unbearable. Moisturizers provide a protective barrier to the skin, reducing discomfort and itchiness.
- Improves Skin Barrier Function: Psoriasis damages the skin’s natural barrier, making it more prone to infections and irritants. Moisturizers help strengthen this barrier by providing essential nutrients and lipids, improving overall skin health.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Psoriasis-Prone Skin
Not all moisturizers are created equal when it comes to managing psoriasis symptoms. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a product:
- Ingredients: Look for moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, as they help repair and maintain the skin’s barrier. Avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can irritate the skin.
- Consistency: Creams are usually thicker and more hydrating than lotions or gels. For individuals with severe psoriasis symptoms, a rich cream may be more suitable for providing deep hydration.
- Added Benefits: Some moisturizers come with added benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties or UV protection. Consider these factors when choosing a product to address specific concerns related to your psoriasis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping the skin hydrated and nourished is essential for managing psoriasis. With a variety of moisturizer options available, it’s crucial to choose one that works best for your unique skin needs. Consult with your dermatologist to determine which product is ideal for you and incorporate it into your daily skincare routine for optimal results. So, always choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and provides long-lasting hydration. Remember, healthy, well-hydrated skin can help manage psoriasis symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
References:
- National Psoriasis Foundation (n.d.). Moisturizers. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/life-with-psoriasis/moisturizers
- WebMD (n.d.). Best Moisturizers for Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/moisturizer-psoriasis
- Healthline (2018). The Best Moisturizers for Psoriasis, According to Dermatologists. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/best-moisturizer-for-psoriasis#best-nonsteroidal-option # End of Document.
Additional Resources:
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema and psoriasis: What’s the difference? Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/dry-skin-treatment
- Medical News Today. (2020). What to know about using moisturizers for psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323389#what-to-know-about-using-moisturizers-for-psoriasis
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840 – National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Understanding the eczema and psoriasis connection. Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-psoriasis-connection/ – National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d.). Psoriasis Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/moisturizers
- Healthgrades Editorial Staff. (2020). Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/psoriasis/choosing-the-right-moisturizer-for-your-psoriasis
