You can use certain skin care products when you’re living with psoriasis, but caution is the name of the game. Some ingredients could irritate your skin, especially while your symptoms are active.
In general, avoid products that have:
- Fragrances
- Essential oils
- Dyes
- Alcohol
You may have to spend a bit of time studying the label before you try something. Skin care products usually have many different ingredients, any of which could turn out to irritate your skin.
It’s important to test out a little bit of a new product on a small area of your skin before you apply it more widely. You can follow these steps:
- Put a bit of the product inside the fold of your elbow. The skin here is thin and sensitive.
- Apply it in the same spot once or twice a day for 3 to 4 days.
- Watch for any redness, itching, pain, or burning. These symptoms mean it’s best to avoid the product.
If you’re not sure whether a certain skin care product is right for you, talk to your dermatologist. They can help you choose. You can also shop for products that have the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition. These are intended to be safe for people with psoriasis.
