Maybe it was the weather that triggered it, or maybe it was not eating well last week or a stressful month that had you on edge. It could have appeared on your scalp, your hands or your torso. Whatever the cause, the result was the same: dry, itchy, scaly skin.
Psoriasis is an uncomfortable condition that starts with the immune system and primarily presents on the skin. As anyone who has it knows, a flare can make you wonder if you’ll ever have calm skin again.
The primary line of defense is being careful to keep skin regularly moisturized and, when flares occur, being diligent about using creams and lotions. Although moisturizing won’t cure a psoriasis flare, it can help speed recovery and make patches less painful.
A good moisturizer soothes skin, locks in moisture and helps release dead skin buildup. With that in mind, we scoured through forums, reviews and dermatologist recommendations for the most effective moisturizers for psoriasis. Here are the top contenders.
Excipial
With a formula that includes 20% urea, this cream helps moisturize and slough off dead skin.
Excipial Urea 20% Intensive Healing Cream, available on Amazon
Vanicream Lite Lotion
This oil- and fragrance-free lotion is a good face moisturizer for sensitive, psoriasis-prone skin.
Vanicream Lite Skin Care Lotion, available on Amazon
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Formulated with three essential ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this cream is free of fragrance and other irritants and can be used on both face and body.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, available on Amazon
Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair
An excellent choice for mild psoriasis, Lubriderm replenishes skin’s moisture without making it feel greasy.
Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Lotion, available on Amazon
Triderma Psoriasis Control
Formulated to combat against dryness, itching, flaking and dead skin buildup, Triderma can be used on the scalp as well as the face and body.
TriDerma Psoriasis Control, available on Amazon
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
For those with mild psoriasis, Cetaphil’s gentle, lightweight lotion is fragrance-free and nonirritating to rough skin.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, available on Amazon
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
A little goes a long way with this cream, which many of its reviewers say was recommended by their dermatologists.
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, available on Amazon
Aveeno Skin Repair
This cream with ceramide and oats is gentle on sensitive skin but powerfully moisturizing.
Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Cream, available on Amazon
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