Our pharmacist recommends the best products for psoriasis
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by an inflammatory response in our skin cells. It presents as raised, scaly patches that are typically a different colour and thicker texture than other areas of skin.
Psoriasis can occur at any age and there is no permanent cure, however alongside treatment creams prescribed by your GP or dermatologist, board-certified Dr Luke Maxfield advises, "If you have psoriasis, just taking care of your skin and maintaining a healthy skin barrier could in theory help offset and decrease flare-ups."
Therefore, if you have psoriasis prone skin, please seek medical advice first and apply suitable over-the-counter skincare products only under the supervision of your healthcare provider when your psoriasis is under control.
Are there different types of Psoriasis?
Yes, there are different types of psoriasis. It can happen anywhere on the body, affecting any part of your skin – even your scalp. There are various types of psoriasis according to Psoriasis Association*, some people also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain and inflammation in their joints. Furthermore, Dr Luke explains, "The specific inflammatory pathway in psoriasis manifests heavily in the skin but also does present in a large portion of people with joint disease."
What is the difference between Psoriasis and Eczema?
Eczema presents itself as very dry itchy skin that leads to scratching causing inflammation to your skin on the body and face. In comparison Dr Luke states, "Psoriasis does have some unique characteristics in that it is elevated, vibrant, vivid, salmon-pink plaques on the skin. They’re raised up and they have a silvery scale."
He further adds, "The symptoms of psoriasis tend to be moderate itching at worst, mild itching more commonly, but otherwise, maybe irritation. But the symptoms are often a lot more subtle [than eczema]."
Are there any products for Psoriasis-prone skin for sensitive skin types?
From my pharmacy experience, soothing skincare products packed with hydrating ingredients can help moisturise sensitive skin, maintain a healthy skin barrier whilst working to reduce the feel of discomfort.
Opt for emollient cream moisturisers formulated with ingredients such as comforting ceramides, calming prebiotic oat complex, hydrating glycerin and emollient shea butter to help nourish and soften skin. Fragrance-free formulas are your best bet as they are gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
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RRP: £16.79Current price: £13.43
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£14.29
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RRP: £21.00Current price: £14.70
What are your top 5 products to help maintain a healthy skin barrier for psoriasis-prone skin?
When it comes to over the counter and skincare ingredients, I would recommend looking out for gentle daily use products formulated with the OG salicylic acid as your first point of call.Dr Luke also states, “With psoriasis you have a very thickened epidermis, and along with that thickened skin comes that textural change, and it’s almost like an extra barrier. Salicylic acid can soften that up in a way.” CeraVe SA smoothing cream is formulated with salicylic acid, lactic acid and 10% urea that work together to help remove dead skin buildup and help to smooth the appearance of dry rough skin. Alongside ceramides to help hydrate and support your skin barrier.
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£22.50
Try and help maintain your skin barrier as it can become disrupted with certain body washes. Add a scoop of the Westlab mineral-rich Dead Sea Salt into your bath to help your skin feel hydrated rather than stripped of essential moisture, known for its high-grade magnesium content to help restore your skin whilst calcium and potassium can help to replenish your skin barrier with moisture.
My top tip: make time in your schedule for a relaxing bath after a stressful day. Dr Luke explains how psoriasis, “can definitely be triggered internally through stress”, so it’s important to listen to your body and take care of its needs. Use lukewarm water in the bath instead of hot. Afterwards, apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp to help lock in moisture. Avoid using bath salts during psoriasis flare-ups until your skin has recovered.
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£6.00
A nourishing moisturiser formulated with 10% urea can help support exfoliation alongside help smoothen the appearance of very dry rough skin. Alongside urea, lactic acid can help soften the appearance of very rough skin, formulated in Eucerin’s urea repair moisturiser to help with very dry skin whilst helping to strengthen your skin barrier.
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£14.50
To help soothe and moisturise dry itchy skin, apply this balm formulated with the anti-irritating skincare ingredient: Avène Thermal Spring Water. This is known as mineral-rich water with hydrating properties. The Avène lipid balm moisturiser is also formulated with I-modulia® the first post-biotic active one of the key ingredients present in Avène Thermal Spring Water to help calm itching sensations.
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£22.00
Like the rest of your skincare routine your cleanser should be gentle, hydrating and calming. This mild hypoallergenic cleanser gel can help to remove impurities from your skin, without leaving your skin feeling dry. The gentle, low-foaming Perricone MD cleanser is suitable for sensitive skin types. Formulated with fermented rice water rich in minerals and antioxidants to help promote hydrated skin alongside glycerin to help retain moisture.
My top tip: try using it as a body and face wash. Protect your skin barrier and opt for a hypoallergenic cleanser like this one, to help minimise the risk of allergies. A gentle cleanser that can be used twice daily and is applied on damp skin.
RRP: £16.00Current price: £11.20
I am always keen to try new beauty products and love keeping up with the latest beauty trends and launches – it helps me to feel and look my best as a healthcare professional. I like to keep my skincare routine full of skin-beneficial ingredients. At the moment I’m enjoying the Indeed Labs Hydraluron range and Clinique’s three-step Anti-Blemish range.
