August – Psoriasis Awareness Month

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease causing the overproduction of skin cells.

This results in the excess skin cells piling up and creating inflamed scaly patches which produce silvery white flakes as the skin dies off. It also results in painful flare-ups of dry cracked skin which can bleed.

Psoriasis is not infectious. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure but treatments can alleviate symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and scaling. 

Here are a few over the counter treatments.

Prices correct at time of writing.

Products have been independently selected by our Fashion Editor, however, this article contains some affiliate links – if you click an affiliate link and buy a product it will not cost you more or affect your customer experience but we may earn a small commission from the sale, thank you!

FACE CREAMS

Eucerin UreaRepair 5% Urea Face Cream is a light and gentle everyday moisturising face cream for dry to very dry skin and suitable for psoriasis. It hydrates dry skin using two naturally occurring compounds, Urea and Lactate, to lock in and bind natural moisture in the skin, helping to reduce the feeling of tightness. This face cream is non-greasy for easy and quick absorption into your skin. Clinical studies have shown that this face cream significantly increases skin moisturisation and reduces dry skin within 1 week.

Price £13.50.

Eucerin UreaRepair Replenishing Face Cream 5% Urea for Dry Skin 50ml | Boots

E45 Psoriasis cream is a steroid-free cream formulated to treat and prevent psoriasis and dermatitis symptoms on both face and body.

E45’s Psoriasis Relief Cream is clinically proven to reduce scaling, itching, redness, roughness and hardening of the skin. The cream is formulated with nourishing ingredients that hydrate the skin and help to stabilise the skin’s barrier. The use of Ectoin® also helps to reduce inflammation, relieves irritated and damaged skin and supports the skin’s regeneration process. 

Another ingredient is Urea which is a keratolytic agent to soften and soothe the skin, It has hydrating and anti-itch properties locking in moisture in the outer layer of the skin. 

Cost £13.33.

E45 Psoriasis Cream 50ml | Boots

CREAMS

No7 Derm Solutions™ Psoriasis Treatment helps support the natural elimination of dead cells from the skin’s surface, helping to normalise the skin cell production. It stabilises the skin barrier providing moisturisation to the skin and preventing further dehydration. 

Suitable for sensitive skin, this product helps to reduce hardening, itching, scaling, roughness and redness of the skin.

This cream utilises the cell-protective molecule Ectoin®, an ingredient with inflammation-reducing properties. Ectoin® is a 100% natural ingredient obtained from microorganisms that live under extreme hostile environments (e.g. geysers, salt lakes, deserts). To protect themselves against the environmental stresses these micro-organisms produce Ectoin®.

Price £7.47.

No7 Derm Solutions Psoriasis Treatment Cream 30ml | Boots

Dermaloch products are safe to use for those who are prone to psoriasis as well as eczema and dermatitis.

Their Intensive spray is a deep penetrating moisturising spray which is ideal for those with sensitive skin as it is a fast absorbing moisturiser that requires no rubbing in. A daily moisturiser with soothing natural oils and natural plant extracts to hydrate and nourish dry, itchy and cracked skin. Use after  hand washing/ hand sanitising to prevent the drying and cracking of hands. 

Ingredients include mineral salts, glycerine, tea tree oil, buckthorn berry oil, sandalwood, swamp paperbark oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil Aloe barbadensis, grape seed oil and eucalyptus oil.

Cost £16 for 100ml, £24 for 200ml.

INTENSIVE – 100ML | Dermaloch

Rejuvaderm moisturiser penetrates deep into the skin, locking in moisture. A daily moisturiser for both face and body with soothing natural oils and natural plant extracts to hydrate and nourish dry, itchy and cracked skin.

Ingredients include: glycerin, jojoba seed oil, zeolite, castor seed oil, borage seed oil, linseed oil, olive fruit oil, urea, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate, phenoxyethanol.

Cost £16.

REJUVADERM – 100ML | Dermaloch

BATH SOAKS

If you can’t go to the Dead Sea then the Dead Sea must come to you!

Westlab Dead Sea Bathing Salt may help to ease pain, redness and itching by softening and soothing dry, itchy skin. It helps purify and cleanse the skin without stripping it of natural oils. Supports natural skin healing. 

Active ingredient is Maris Sal (Dead Sea Salt) which includes Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Bromide, Sulphates, Insolubles, Water of Crystallization.

Price £3.50.

Westlab Pure Mineral Bathing Dead Sea Salt 1KG | Boots

Epaderm Ointment is a 3-in-1 emollient – add to the bath for a relaxing soak, use as an alternative to soap to gently cleanse the skin or use directly on the skin.

The ointment is for extremely dry skin and can be used as an intensive overnight treatment. It helps to support and restore the skin’s natural barrier function. The Epaderm Ointment is both rich and hydrating with only three ingredients: Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax BP (contains Cetostearyl Alcohol and Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether 22), Yellow Soft Paraffin BP, and Liquid Paraffin Ph. Eur. The Epaderm Ointment provides a barrier to help soothe the skin.

Emollients are not steroids so you can use as much as you need. It should be applied generously and frequently – even when the skin has improved. Also free from parabens, SLS, fragrances and colourings.

Price £12.99 for 500g.

Epaderm Emollient Ointment 500g | Health | Superdrug

The Epaderm range offers specialised products designed to soothe and moisturise skin affected with psoriasis. The formulations creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and so reducing the dryness and scaling associated with psoriasis. This holistic approach aids in effectively managing the condition over time.

BODY CLEANSERS

Epaderm Cream is a 2-in-1 is a water based emollient which can be used as a gentle skin cleanser or left on the skin. Washing with emoilents instead of soap ensures the skin can be washed without losing additional moisture.

Epaderm Cream is non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin. The cream is hydrating, moisturising, and softening for the skin, providing a film barrier which aids moisture retention within the skin. Ingredients include plant based glycerine which promotes water retention within the outermost layer. Free from fragrances, colouring, parabens, SLS and steroids.

Price £12.49 for 500ml.

Epaderm Emollient Cream 500g | Health | Superdrug

QV Gentle Wash is suitable for conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It is a non-drying formulation, fragrance-free and propylene glycol-free. Dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, it is pH balanced, colour free  and lanolin free.

Ingredients include 15% glycerine for increased skin hydration. It can be used as a shampoo to help manage dry and sensitive scalps. It is also good for frequent handwashing as it hydrates the hands whilst gently washing away dirt and contaminants. Vegan friendly. 

Price £6.75.

QV Gentle Wash 500ml | Pharmacy2U

SHAMPOOS

Neutrogena® T/Gel® Therapeutic Shampoo is a fragranced medicated shampoo, which should be used as often as needed or as recommended by your dermatologist or doctor, for the treatment of itchy, flaky scalp disorders such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. Key ingredient is coal tar extract. Coal tar acts as a keratolytic agent which dissolves skin flakes and scales. Coal tar also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cost £4.99.

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo 125ml | Boots

Ameliorate Clarifying Scalp Exfoliant is a non-abrasive, fragrance-free exfoliating scrub formulated with naturally-derived scrub particles which help to remove dead skin cells and debris, for a clarified and smooth scalp. This transformational scalp treatment is trichologist approved, and clinically proven to improve the condition of the scalp.

Active ingredient is their unique LaH6 Skin Hydration complex which is a dual-action formula that gently exfoliates, deeply hydrates and encourages new healthy cells to the skin’s surface. LaH6 complex gets its name from: 

La: Lactic Acid – the hero ingredient because of its transformative power. In addition to exfoliating the skin, lactic acid helps stimulate skin cell renewal and keep the skin hydrated.

H: Hydration complex formula.

6: Six active ingredients: Lactic Acid, Urea, Sodium Lactate, Serine, Allantoin, Hydrolysed Milk Protein.

Price £20.

AMELIORATE Clarifying Scalp Exfoliant 125ml | Boots

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Floatation therapy helps reduce stress, improve sleep and your overall wellbeing. Stress and psoriasis are closely linked, with stress creating flare-ups and psoriasis causing stress. The sensory deprivation flotation pods allow total relaxation and so may benefit individuals with psoriasis.

In order to float the warm water is high in an Epsom salt concentration which can help soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. The magnesium in Epsom salts can be nourishing and hydrating.

However, do not use it if your psoriasis is active and raw as the salt can be irritating. Only book a session once your flare-up has died down. 

Floatation pods are available to buy but are expensive and bulky.  Floatation studios are on the increase so you may be lucky to have one nearby.  Yue Float in Battersea, South London offer a 1 hour session for £60 (prices increase in September). 

Float tank & floatation therapy london, uk | yue float

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