Even if you’re managing your psoriasis with a prescription medication, you likely still use over-the-counter products to moisturize your skin and spot-treat any lesions that may appear.
And that’s a good thing. “There are a lot of over-the-counter options available with anti-inflammatory ingredients that show promise for psoriasis,” says Danilo C. Del Campo, MD, a dermatologist at Chicago Skin Clinic.
But knowing exactly which ingredients to look for can feel overwhelming.
Rule number one? Check the ingredients listed on the label for things you want to avoid, such as fragrances, which can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
From there, look for the ingredients below, which experts say are beneficial for people who have psoriasis.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that can help lift and remove psoriasis scales, says Sonya Kenkare, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in Hinsdale, Illinois. It works by causing the outer layer of skin to shed.
Another benefit: Products with salicylic acid can “allow other topicals to penetrate the skin better by removing the scales that get in the way,” says Steven Daveluy, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at Wayne State University in Detroit.
Look for salicylic acid in creams, which can be applied to the areas of skin prone to scaling, such as the elbows and knees. Smooth it on after taking a shower to help lock in moisture.
If you have scalp psoriasis, look for salicylic acid in shampoos. “The scalp can have a lot of flaking,” Dr. Kenkare notes.
Coal Tar
The ingredients in coal tar send a message to your skin to stop turning over new skin cells so quickly, which occurs in people who have psoriasis, Dr. Daveluy explains.
One drawback, though, is the smell. “These products do have an odor like tar,” says Daveluy. But they often include other ingredients to help mask the scent. So it’s important to check the label to ensure they don’t contain any irritating fragrances.
You’ll typically find coal tar in shampoo, as it tends to be most effective for scalp psoriasis, says Daveluy. And don’t worry: If it’s in your shampoo, any unpleasant odor should go away once you rinse it out.
Ceramides
“Your skin naturally makes ceramides to help hold in moisture and form a barrier between your inside and outside world, so using products with ceramides helps increase these natural moisturizers,” says Daveluy.
Del Campo recommends looking for ceramide-based moisturizers, along with products that contain both ceramides and salicylic acid. “Ceramides are a moisturizer, which in itself is great, but a moisturizer plus salicylic acid is often better,” he says.
You can use a ceramide-based moisturizer anywhere on your skin, ideally after you shower to help lock in moisture. Products that contain salicylic acid should be reserved for areas where you have psoriasis lesions, Del Campo says.
Vitamin D
There is one drawback to the over-the-counter products. Because vitamin D is such a large molecule, “It has a difficult time getting through the epidermis,” says Del Campo. “It’s going to be hard for over-the-counter vitamin D to get into the skin. Prescription forms are better.”
Hydrocortisone
Prescription topical steroids are often used to treat psoriasis. But hydrocortisone is available over the counter. It’s best for people with very mild psoriasis, as it’s the weakest topical steroid, says Daveluy. If you need a stronger form, “Your dermatologist can prescribe more potent and effective steroids,” he says.
Next Steps for Psoriasis Skin Care
It may take some time to find the best products for yourself. A good place to start is by looking for ones that have the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition, which recognizes products that are safe for people with psoriasis.
If over-the-counter products aren’t enough to manage your symptoms — or only a small area of your body (less than 3 percent of your body surface) is affected — you may want to seek the help of a dermatologist, says Daveluy.
“We can treat psoriasis so effectively now,” he says.
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