What is the Best Psoriasis Cream?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, scaling plaques. There are many new psoriasis treatments in addition to injectable prescription psoriasis treatment medications that can control moderate to severe psoriasis, but skin can be dry and itchy for weeks until these medications work. A psoriasis cream can be used to moisturize the skin while you are waiting for the prescription medications to begin working.

If you have mild psoriasis, you can try our recommendations first and see if you can control psoriasis naturally. However, we recommend discussing treatment options with your dermatologist because there are many new oral and topical treatments in addition to injectable treatments that are very effective for psoriasis.

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How do Psoriasis creams work?

There are four main types of psoriasis creams available, they are:

psoriasis creams that soothe and hydrate the skin

psoriasis creams that remove scales;

medicated psoriasis creams

prescription psoriasis creams

Below, I’ll take an in depth look at each of these categories of psoriasis creams, as well as relevant subcategories.

hydrating psoriasis creams

1. Psoriasis Creams That Soothe and Hydrate Skin

The most effective soothing psoriasis creams will contain lipids and oils, which are essential for skin hydration, and work to soothe the skin and decrease itching. If your psoriatic skin is dry and itching, look for a psoriasis cream that has oils such as argan oil, stearic acid (a hydrating fatty acid), and glycerin.

Psoriasis creams that contain MLE Technology are also very effective at soothing dry itching skin. MLE Technology contains a multilamellar emulsion, which mimics the natural skin barrier through layers of lipids. It was originally invented to treat eczema but is also found in psoriasis creams. It is not a psoriasis medication and does not treat psoriasis itself, but helps soothe and hydrate the skin while waiting for prescription psoriasis mediations to work.

Zerafite is one of our favorite barrier repair moisturizers that contains MLE Technology; a sophisticated blend of soothing and hydrating lipids called Myristoyl/palmitoyl oxostearamide/arachamide MEA. Zerafite uses MLE technology in two face creams, eye cream and body cream that are all safe to use if you have psoriasis. The Zerafite Moisturizers are perfect for easing the symptoms of psoriasis, though the best soothing psoriasis cream option for you will depend on the area of the body that has psoriasis patches.

Soothing Psoriasis Creams for the Body

Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream is the best body cream for psoriasis. This psoriasis cream is fragrance-free, so is safe to use anywhere on the body without the risk of irritation that scented body lotions can so often cause. Furthermore, it will not stain clothing. Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream contains argan oil and stearic acid to provide hydration and protect the skin against water loss. While it is a rich cream, it does not feel greasy on the skin.

Another soothing body cream to use on psoriasis plaques is Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore. This lipid-laden cream softens psoriasis plaques, helping decrease skin roughness and itching.

Psoriasis creams for neck and face

Soothing Psoriasis Cream for the Face and Neck

Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer is an ideal face cream for psoriasis if the main issue is dryness and scaling on the face or neck, but there is not much facial redness. This soothing cream uses MLE technology and contains stearic acid, which acts as an emollient, and glycerin, which hydrates the skin and relieves dryness. Both stearic acid and glycerin help protect the skin against additional water loss.

Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer, on the other hand, is the best psoriasis cream for the face if the psoriasis plaques are pink or red. Argan oil and niacinamide help reduce inflammation and calm the skin. Argan oil in particular is a good oil to calm and moisturize the skin because it has a large amount of the soothing fatty acid called linoleic acid.

Soothing Psoriasis Creams For The Eyelids

While less common, psoriasis can sometimes affect the eyelids, which can be incredibly uncomfortable since the skin in this area is so thin and sensitive. It is essential to select an eye cream to soothe psoriasis around the eyes that is gentle and protects the eye area from other irritants without irritating the delicate eye area.

Zerafite Hydrating and Protecting Eye Serum protect the delicate eye area from steroids and other psoriasis medications that are used on the face at night, which can irritate the thin skin around the eyes. This psoriasis cream for the eyes contains niacinamide, which helps to strengthen the skin barrier and seal in moisture.

Psoriasis creams that remove scales

2. Psoriasis Creams That Remove Scales

To effectively remove the silver scales that are so common in psoriasis, look for a psoriasis cream that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, gluconolactone or lactic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that softens and lifts the scales. It is also effective at lifting dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, as well as calming inflammation.

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), and milder than salicylic acid. However, lactic acid is equally as effective in psoriasis as it also helps to lift the scales and provides an anti-inflammatory benefit. The only downside to lactic acid is it can have a sour milk smell.

Given the low pH of both lactic acid and salicylic acid, however, they can cause a stinging sensation on the skin. If skin stinging in areas of psoriasis is a concern, choose a Soothing Psoriasis Cream instead as discussed above.

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream is a good psoriasis cream that contains both salicylic acid and lactic acid to relieve the scales and smooth the skin while maintaining hydration.

NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream is a fragrance-free psoriasis cream that is perfect for even the tougher parts of the body, such as the elbows, knees or heels. It contains a high level of AHAs to exfoliate severely dry, rough and thickened skin while providing an emollient and skin conditioning effect. In addition, it may help relieve the itch that psoriasis can cause.

Medicated Psoriasis creams

3. Medicated Psoriasis Creams

Over-the-counter, medicated psoriasis creams may be beneficial for you if you have moderately severe psoriasis. Most over-the-counter psoriasis creams contain hydrocortisone, which is a steroid known to reduce inflammation.

However, over-the-counter hydrocortisone has only a mild mechanism of action, so is often used in combination with other treatments to get the best benefit. For the elbows and knees, in particular, stronger treatments will almost definitely be needed.

Coal tar is another over-the-counter treatment that was popular in the past, but is rarely used these days- it is an old-school psoriasis treatment. Coal tar can help to improve the appearance of the skin and prevent the overgrowth of skin cells that is a symptom of psoriasis. However, it really does not smell good at all and stains clothing, so understandably, the majority of my patients prefer a more subtle treatment option. Coal tar shampoos are still commonly used to treat scalp psoriasis but they can dry out the hair.

Prescription psoriasis creams

4. Prescription Psoriasis Creams

For more severe cases of psoriasis, it is vital to consult with your dermatologist to find a psoriasis cream that will work most effectively for you.

There are a number of prescription-only treatment options for psoriasis available, including higher-strength steroid creams and ointments, retinoids, vitamin D treatments, immunosuppressive treatments and Anthralin.

High-strength steroid creams are often the first-line treatment for psoriasis but should be used only under the direction of your dermatologist as they can cause side effects such as thinning of the skin, bruising and stretch marks.

Retinoids, which are made with vitamin A, can help to speed up skin cell renewal to prevent the formation of plaques but should be avoided in pregnant women.

Vitamin D psoriasis creams are safer than steroid creams if used long-term, but can irritate the skin. They work by making the skin grow more slowly to help prevent the build-up of skin scales.

Immunosuppressive treatments for psoriasis, like Elidel or Protopic, are another treatment option your dermatologist will try if nothing else has worked. They act by easing the inflammation that psoriasis causes.

Finally, Anthralin, which is often used in conjunction with other medications, also eases inflammation and slows the growth of skin cells, but can stain clothing and irritate the skin with long-term use.

Fatty acids in oils

Natural Oils to Treat Psoriasis

Many people want a natural option to treat psoriasis, but moderate ad severe psoriasis requires prescription psoriasis medications. If you have mild psoriasis and want an organic or natural treatment option, oils with linoleic acid are a good choice. Safflower oil, Grapeseed oil, Argan oil, and Borage seed oil are the best oils to soothe psoriasis. One good oil to treat psoriasis is PAORR 100% Organic Argan Oil. Coconut oil is not a good oil to treat psoriasis. Coconut oil only has about 2% linoleic acid and therefore is not a very soothing oil. In addition, coconut oil can make psoriasis worse and can cause acne. Argan oil and safflower oil are the best oils to treat psoriasis- they are easy to find and affordable.

Essential Oils for Psoriasis

Dermatologists are often asked for a good recipe for essential oils to treat psoriasis. There are no essential oils that treat psoriasis. Why don’t essential oils work as a psoriasis treatment? Essential oils do not treat psoriasis because they are not true oils. Essential oils are distillates of the essence or fragrance of the oil and do not contain the soothing fatty acids that are needed to treat psoriasis. Linoleic acid is an example of a soothing fatty acid.

Psoriasis cream, lotion, ointment, or soothing oil?

Should I Use a Psoriasis Cream, Lotion, Ointment or a Soothing Oil?

Creams, ointments and oils are the better choices to treat psoriasis, as lotions just don’t meet the emollient requirements necessary for psoriasis. Always avoid products with alcohol on psoriasis plaques because alcohol can lead to drying and itching.

Psoriasis creams that work to hydrate skin should contain soothing oils like argan oil. Psoriasis ointments are greasy, but medications penetrate better in ointments, so psoriasis treatments often come as an ointment.

Do I Use a Psoriasis Cream Before or After a Psoriasis Medication?

Always put your prescription medications closest to the skin and apply the moisturizer after the medication. You can layer a barrier repair moisturizer, a hyaluronic acid-containing moisturizer or an occlusive oil over your psoriasis medication to help the psoriasis medication get in the skin better. Never put the moisturizer on first and follow with prescription medication.

Why do i need a psoriasis moisturizer?

Why Do I Need A Psoriasis Moisturizer?

A psoriasis cream that moisturizes the skin is an essential step in your daily skincare routine as it soothes and hydrates the skin, as well as helping to reduce scales and itching. It can also help hold the medication on the skin so it does not rub off onto your clothing.

The Final Word on Psoriasis Creams

Psoriasis can be a tough skin condition to manage and live with, but new treatments are very effective. There are many psoriasis treatment options available to ease the symptoms and keep the skin soothed and hydrated.

Regardless of whether you require a medicated treatment or prescription medication for your psoriasis, using a moisturizer for psoriasis can help soothe skin while you are waiting for treatment. See if there is an STS-approved dermatologist near you to discuss the best psoriasis treatment options for you.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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