A Dermatologist’s Guide to the Best Psoriasis Creams for Every Skin Type

What is the Best Psoriasis Cream? A Complete Guide to Soothing and Treating Psoriatic Skin

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches (plaques) on the skin.

While prescription treatments—including injectables and oral medications—are highly effective, they take time to work.

During that waiting period, and especially for milder cases, a good psoriasis cream can bring essential relief.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best creams for psoriasis, how they work, and what ingredients to look for based on your symptoms.

How Do Psoriasis Creams Work?

There are four main categories of psoriasis creams, each serving a different purpose:

Soothing and Hydrating Psoriasis Creams

Psoriasis Creams That Remove Scales

Medicated Over-the-Counter Psoriasis Creams

Prescription Psoriasis Creams

Let’s explore each one in more detail.

1. Soothing and Hydrating Psoriasis Creams

These creams focus on relieving dryness and itching—two hallmark symptoms of psoriasis. They don’t treat the underlying inflammation but offer crucial comfort and barrier protection.

Best Ingredients for Hydrating Psoriasis Creams:

Argan Oil – Rich in linoleic acid, a soothing fatty acid

Stearic Acid – A moisturizing fatty acid that prevents water loss

Glycerin – A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin

MLE Technology – Mimics the skin’s natural lipid barrier to lock in hydration

Top Picks:

For the Body:

Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream

Fragrance-free, non-staining, and deeply hydrating—ideal for body plaques.

Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore

Lipid-rich formula softens plaques and reduces roughness and itch.

For the Face & Neck:

Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer

Best for dry, scaly facial psoriasis. Hydrates and prevents further moisture loss.

Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer

Ideal for facial psoriasis that’s red or inflamed. Contains calming niacinamide and argan oil.

For the Eyelids:

Zerafite Hydrating and Protecting Eye Serum

Gentle, steroid-free formula with niacinamide to protect delicate skin around the eyes—an area easily irritated by psoriasis medications.

2. Psoriasis Creams That Remove Scales

These exfoliating creams help lift and remove the thick silvery scales often associated with psoriasis. Most contain exfoliating acids.

Best Ingredients for Scale Removal:

Salicylic Acid (BHA) – Loosens scales and soothes inflammation

Lactic Acid (AHA) – Hydrates while gently exfoliating

Glycolic Acid or Gluconolactone – Additional options for exfoliation

⚠️ Note: These can sting, especially on cracked or raw skin. Avoid on open areas.

Top Picks:

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

Combines salicylic acid and lactic acid to soften plaques while maintaining hydration.

NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream

High in AHAs, ideal for thick skin on knees, elbows, and heels. Fragrance-free and emollient-rich.

3. Medicated Over-the-Counter Psoriasis Creams

These creams usually contain low-dose corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone) or other active ingredients that provide moderate anti-inflammatory effects.

Hydrocortisone Creams

Mild and suitable for short-term use on the face and sensitive areas.

Should be used under guidance, especially near the eyes.

Coal Tar Creams or Shampoos

An old-school treatment that slows skin cell growth.

Still used for scalp psoriasis but less popular due to strong odor and staining.

4. Prescription Psoriasis Creams

For moderate to severe psoriasis, prescription creams are often required. These are more potent and must be used under medical supervision.

Common Prescription Options:

High-potency corticosteroids – Reduce inflammation but risk side effects with long-term use

Vitamin D analogs (e.g., Calcipotriol) – Slow skin cell overgrowth

Topical Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) – Improve turnover and reduce plaques (not suitable during pregnancy)

Immunosuppressants (e.g., Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus) – Help reduce immune-driven inflammation

Anthralin – Slows cell growth but can irritate and stain skin/clothing

A dermatologist will help decide which is best based on severity, location, and medical history.

Natural Oils for Psoriasis Relief

Natural oils can support mild psoriasis by restoring skin barrier function—especially those rich in linoleic acid.

Best Natural Oils for Psoriasis:

Argan Oil, Safflower Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Borage Seed Oil

Try: PAORR 100% Organic Argan Oil – affordable, effective, and soothing.

Avoid:

Coconut Oil – Low in linoleic acid and can clog pores or worsen psoriasis.

What About Essential Oils?

Despite popular belief, essential oils do not treat psoriasis. They lack the fatty acids required to repair the skin barrier and can cause irritation.

Cream, Lotion, Ointment, or Oil—What’s Best?

For psoriasis, skip the lotion. Here’s a breakdown:

Form Best For Why

Cream Daily hydration Balanced water/oil content for comfort

Ointment Severe dryness & scaling Occlusive and helps medication penetrate

Oil Mild symptoms or natural care Easy to apply, soothing, non-irritating

Lotion ❌ Not recommended Often too light, may contain alcohols

When Should I Apply Psoriasis Creams?

Apply prescription medications first, directly to the skin.

Then, layer a moisturizer or barrier repair cream on top to lock it in.

This layering helps:

Improve medication absorption, Reduce dryness and itching, Prevent rubbing off onto clothes

Why Moisturizers Are Crucial for Psoriasis

Even if you’re using powerful prescription treatments, a moisturizer is essential. It helps:

Calm itching and dryness

Reduce scale buildup

Enhance medication effectiveness

Protect the skin barrier

The Final Word on Psoriasis Creams

Psoriasis can be persistent, but with the right combination of treatments—both medical and moisturizing—you can manage symptoms effectively.

Whether you opt for a soothing cream, exfoliating treatment, or prescription medication, consistency is key.

And remember: For moderate to severe cases, always consult a board-certified dermatologist. Want a personalized skincare plan based on your skin type? Let’s find your perfect psoriasis routine together.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected