When you have psoriasis, new skin cells will grow quickly, which will be about ten times compared to the regular rate. The skin ends up being more sensitive and prone to irritation. It is dry, scaly, and unattractive. More often than not, those who have psoriasis suffer from lack of self-confidence because of their condition.
While there is no absolute cure for psoriasis, there is a way to relieve the symptoms and minimize the effects. One of the best solutions is to use the right lotion, including those that will be mentioned in the rest of this post. A top-rated lotion with exceptional ingredients will provide the hydration that the skin needs to prevent irritation and dryness.
Know the Different Types of Psoriasis
As a primer, before we proceed with our recommended products, let us first have a quick look at the different types of psoriasis.
Plaque Psoriasis
Also known as psoriasis vulgaris, this is the most common from all forms of psoriasis, which is estimated to be 85% of all the cases. The most common signs include having thick and red patches on the skin, specifically on the elbows, scalp, lower back, and knees. They will be painful and itchy. In the worst cases, the inflamed skin will end up cracking and bleeding.
Guttate Psoriasis
Common amongst children and young adults, it is characterized by the appearance of small and dot-like lesions that are red-pink, which will appear in the torso, scalp, face, thighs, and upper arms. It happens to only about 10% of psoriasis cases, making it the second most common type. One of the most common triggers of this form of psoriasis is a strep infection.
Inverse Psoriasis
This is the type of psoriasis that commonly happens in the parts of the skin with folds, such as in the groins, armpits, or under the breast. It makes the skin red and shiny. They do not usually have scales, which is basically because it is found in the areas where you commonly sweat, which is also why it usually does not become dry. Those people with inverse psoriasis are also prone to having psoriasis in the other body parts.
Pustular Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis appears in the form of white pustules that are surrounded by red skin. There will be pus with white blood cells. It is one of the most extreme cases, which makes it important to find the suitable relief. It can occur on the different parts of the body, although in most cases, it appears on the feet and hands. When you have pustular psoriasis, you can also have nausea, fever, and a fast heart rate.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Also called exfoliative psoriasis, this is extreme and rare. The affected part of the skin will look like it suffered from a severe burn. It can lead to the inability of the body to control its temperature, which is why it will need medical attention from a professional. You will also most likely suffer from liquid loss, making you weak.
Our Top Picks for Psoriasis Lotions
Psoriasis does not have to be a burden! Make your life easier by using the lotions that will be briefly mentioned in the rest of this post.
CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion
The brand name of this lotion is already enough reason to have it included as a part of your list. It is made specifically for rough and bumpy skin but will also be great for people who are suffering from psoriasis. It has salicylic acid, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid, among other ingredients that can provide exfoliation to dry skin cells. It also has essential ceramides for the restoration of the protective barrier of the skin to prevent further damage. Lastly, it has MVE-controlled release technology, which has been exclusively developed by the manufacturer. The latter helps in keeping the skin in its best condition.
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
This is an unscented therapeutic lotion that will be great for people who have psoriasis. After all, it is made by Aveeno, so you can already be confident about the quality of the product. One of its best features is the Triple Oat Complex, a special formulation that uses proprietary ingredients, which include oat flour, oat oil and extract, and shea butter. These ingredients will work together for moisturizing the skin, preventing its dry appearance. The lotion utilizes the power of nature for immediate relief from psoriasis. It is also steroid-free, which makes it perfect even for people with sensitive skin. This lotion can effectively provide 24-hour hydration.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for All Skin Types
With a non-greasy formulation, this is an excellent lotion even during the hot summer months. The lotion won’t feel sticky once you are out and under the scorching heat of the sun. Aside from psoriasis, it is also effective in providing relief from other common skin problems, which include eczema, rosacea, and even acne. It has a special formulation that will be effective in treating the chronic dryness of the skin, which is one of the most common symptoms associated with psoriasis. This is a claim that has been clinically proven, so there is no need to be in doubt! The lotion is absorbed by the skin quickly, which will allow you to immediately feel its effects.
Eucerin Original Healing Rich Lotion
Using this lotion will be effective in sealing in moisture to the skin, making it ideal for psoriasis as it provides relief from extreme dryness. It does not contain dyes, fragrances, and other ingredients that could possibly result in the clogging of the pores. It has an emollient-rich formula that allows the lotion to be quickly absorbed by the skin so that the results will be evident in an instant. The lotion is also recommended even by dermatologists, which should be enough to provide you with peace of mind regarding its effectiveness.
Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream
This lotion is specially formulated to provide psoriasis relief. It is thick, but it is not greasy upon application and it can also be absorbed quickly by the skin. It contains maximum strength 3% salicylic acid for the hydration of the skin. This is also the main ingredient that is responsible for preventing scaling and irritation, among other problems that are experienced by people who have psoriasis. Lastly, the company has been in the market of skincare products since 1908, which should be enough for you to trust this brand.
Oxipor VHC Psoriasis Lotion
Using this psoriasis lotion will be effective in providing relief from scaling, redness, and itchiness, among other symptoms of psoriasis. It slows down the regrowth of the skin cells, which is why it helps in psoriasis relief. It has coal tar, the main ingredient that is responsible for making sure that it will relieve the most common psoriasis symptoms. It contains 25% coal tar solution., which is equivalent to 5% coal tar. A double-blind and multi-clinic study has also been conducted with Oxipor as one of the subjects. The results showed that it was more effective compared to the other brand that has also been the subject of the research.
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Eczema and Psoriasis Therapy Lotion
Among others, the effectiveness of this lotion can be attributed to the use of shea butter as one of its main ingredients. It is effective in calming and clearing the skin of the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. All of the ingredients are natural and organic, providing an assurance that it won’t result in irritation, especially for people who have sensitive skin. Vitamin E and aloe are also two of the powerful ingredients that make it effective in restoring the health and appearance of the skin.
Natural Escapes Aloe & Olive Lotion
The brand name may not be as popular as the first products that have been mentioned in this guide, but you can be confident that it will be effective in providing psoriasis relief. It uses natural ingredients for moisturizing the skin, such as aloe vera and olive oil. The lotion also contains coconut oil, oat proteins, and avocado oil. To add, it has Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E. They all work together in nourishing the skin, providing antioxidants that can deter any further damage that can be caused by free radicals. This vegan lotion is also free of parabens, phthalates, petroleum, dyes, and fragrances, among other ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin.
Cortizone-10 Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis
With a maximum strength formulation, this lotion contains 1% hydrocortisone, which helps it to provide long and lasting relief from the various symptoms of psoriasis. It soothes inflamed and irritated skin upon the application of the lotion. There are seven healing moisturizers that help it fight uncontrollable itch. To add, there are also two vitamins that help in making it deliver a higher level of effectiveness. It also prevents skin irritation and rashes, which commonly appear in the skin of people who have psoriasis.
Gloves in a Bottle Shielding Lotion
This is a grease-free and fragrance-free lotion, making you feel comfortable throughout the day, unlike others that will feel sticky once you start to sweat. It provides natural exfoliation to the skin and will not be washed off. Aside from the hydration of the skin, it also provides protection from the harsh ingredients that could get in contact with the skin from soaps and other skincare products. Basically, as it is named, it is like a glove that protects the skin. It creates a shield that bonds to the outer layer of the skin. The outcome is that the natural oils and moisture will be locked in.
Ingredients to Look for in a Psoriasis Lotion
The options will be overwhelming. A quick online search will reveal a long list of results. As an intelligent buyer, one of the best ways to evaluate the alternatives would be through taking a look at the ingredients that are used. Here are two of the best ingredients that you should look out for, which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration:
- Coal Tar: This is an ingredient that is effective in slowing down the replenishment of the old skin cells. It also effectively reduces the itchiness and the swelling, making the skin look better.
- Salicylic Acid: The main function of this ingredient is to prevent the skin from looking scaly, and hence, eliminating the dry patches. It is keratolytic, which simply means that it is an effective agent for exfoliation. However, take note that using too much salicylic acid can irritate the skin.
Go for Organic and Natural
If possible, you should look for a lotion that uses natural ingredients. Plant extracts and botanicals can help relieve psoriasis symptoms while providing the confidence that they won’t lead to adverse effects, such as irritation. Some of the best natural ingredients that are commonly used in psoriasis lotions include aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil. They can effectively lock-in moisture to the skin and provide the hydration that is necessary to prevent dryness.
Stay Away from These Ingredients
As a part of being vigilant, it is also important to know some of the ingredients that should never be present in a lotion for psoriasis. Generally, you have to avoid phthalates, parabens, dyes, artificial fragrances, and sulfates, among other harsh chemicals that could only worsen your psoriasis. Especially if you have sensitive skin, it pays to read the label and be sure that the lotion does not contain any ingredient that could trigger an irritation.
Choosing a Lotion for Psoriasis
While there are countless options available, to help you narrow down the possibilities, these are some of the most important things to take into account:
- Look for a lotion that is non-greasy. This is especially important if you live in a place where it is hot. When you use a greasy lotion, chances are, you will feel sticky and uncomfortable once you are under the scorching heat of the sun.
- The lotion should also be absorbed quickly by the skin. This means that it won’t take long before the effects will become evident.
- You also have to take a look at the strength of the lotion. In most cases, if it is too strong, especially in terms of the concentration of the active ingredients, it can irritate the skin instead of providing relief from psoriasis.
- If you have a sensitive sense of smell, you have to choose a lotion that is fragrance-free. More often than not, a strong smell can irritate the nose and can be a trigger for an allergy attack.
- If you want to have peace of mind, it will also be best to look for a lotion that has been approved by dermatologists. This makes it better to rely on the big names as they have a better reputation. Also, a good lotion must have been clinically-tested and proven to be effective. The claims made by the manufacturer need to have a solid basis.
Psoriasis Relief Beyond Using a Lotion
There is no doubt that using a lotion will be effective in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis, especially if you pick one of the options that have been mentioned above. Nonetheless, this is not the only solution. Below are some of the things that can be done to prevent dryness, itchiness, and flaking, among the other symptoms of psoriasis.
- The best thing that you can do is to avoid scratching the skin, regardless of how tempted you are. Rubbing the skin will only exacerbate the situation. When it begins to itch, apply an anti-itch cream or lotion.
- Avoid having long hot baths. The high temperature of the water can irritate the skin, which will worsen your case of psoriasis. As much as possible, hot showers should be limited to ten minutes or less.
- For natural psoriasis relief, sunlight will prove to be exceptional. It will be good to have an exposure to ultraviolet lights as it will be effective in slowing down the fast-paced growth of new skin cells. However, when you go outside, do not forget to apply sunscreen.
- Live a healthy lifestyle. Specifically, you have to stop smoking and drinking alcohol as these are two of the most common triggers of psoriasis.
- You should have a complete skincare routine. Aside from using the right lotion, you should also choose the best soaps, body washes, creams, and ointments, among other skincare products that contain ingredients to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis.
Wrap Up
Psoriasis is a serious skin condition that can negatively affect the quality of your life in more ways than one. There is no cure for it, but the good news is that the symptoms can be relieved with the use of the right lotion, including those that have been mentioned above. These lotions will be effective in providing the hydration that the skin needs and to have a protective barrier that prevents more damage.