Sometimes you can’t even trust the label when buying a moisturizer. Although the label claims otherwise, several “extra-moisturizing” lotions can leave skin feeling oily and parched. Doctors recommend using a moisturizer for psoriasis that can go down into the dermis and help repair the dry, flaky skin that characterizes this condition. Find one by reading the label carefully and learning to recognize the active components.
Pyrithione Zinc
Pyrithione zinc, which is a component of the mineral pyrithione, is often used in anti-dandruff shampoos and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis plaques in various regions of the body.
Austin dermatologist Adam Mamelak, M.D., says it “is meant to assist in the regulation of the process by which skin cells form and function. It also contains anti-proliferation properties, which means that it stops scaly regions from expanding and functions as an agent that peels dead skin cells off the surface of the skin.”
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Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid, like pyrithione zinc, is “a keratolytic component,” which means it aids in the removal of dead, scaly skin cells, as explained by Zain Husain, M.D., founder of the New Jersey Dermatology and Aesthetics Center in Marlboro.
Getting rid of these dead skin cells has several benefits, including making the face smoother and allowing moisturizers to penetrate deeper.
Although this beta hydroxy acid is most often used to treat acne, it has also been shown to be quite efficient in calming down psoriasis flare-ups, according to physicians.
Aloe Vera
Psoriasis is something that aloe vera may be used to treat, despite the fact that it is most often used to treat sunburns.
After eight weeks of drinking aloe vera, 64% of people with psoriasis noted improvements in their skin condition, as stated by the conclusions of a research study that comprised more than 2,000 participants.
This is due to the fact that, in addition to supplying much-required moisture, it calms the irritation and itching that are both induced by the skin ailment.
Dead Sea Salts
Although salt isn’t something, you immediately think of when you need to moisturize, minerals in Dead Sea salts—including magnesium, sulfur, iodine, sodium, calcium, potassium, and bromine—have been studied for decades because of their potential to improve a variety of skin conditions.
It is believed that the anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits of Dead Sea salts contribute to overall skin health. According to research, people who immersed their arms in Dead Sea salts reported smoother skin than those who soaked in tap water.
It’s also suggested to utilize Dead Sea salts before undergoing UV phototherapy to maximize the treatment’s efficacy.
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Petroleum Jelly
It’s likely that you have some petroleum jelly on hand, whether or not you suffer from psoriasis, due to the product’s many purposes. For psoriasis, use a thick, oil-based moisturizer.
This component, commonly known as petrolatum, works by locking moisture into the skin to stop more scaling from occurring. Doctors have suggested Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly and Aquaphor Healing Ointment for decades.
Due to its low propensity to cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, petroleum is among the safest materials for use on the skin.
Psoriasis sufferers’ skin is very delicate; therefore, it’s always wise to do a patch test before using a new product all over their bodies.
This may be done by applying it to a tiny area of skin, like the inside of your wrist, and leaving it there for a week. If you break out in a rash, it’s possible that you’re allergic to one of the product’s components.