How can moisturizers help with psoriasis?

The Psoriasis Strategy™ By Julissa Clay This eBook is known as a reliable source to help you in getting your psoriasis cured day by day. Thousands of people have used it to cure their irritable and annoying skin condition by following the instructions provided in this eBook. In this eBook, its creator has provided complete information about this skin condition and its causes. She has suggested the ways which you can follow to cure the condition of your skin without worsening its condition or harming your skin.

How can moisturizers help with psoriasis?

Moisturizers play a crucial role in managing psoriasis by addressing some of the key symptoms of the condition, such as dryness, scaling, itching, and inflammation. Psoriasis causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to dry, flaky patches that are prone to cracking and irritation. Regular use of moisturizers can help soothe and protect the skin, improving comfort and skin health. Here’s how moisturizers can help with psoriasis:

1. Hydrate Dry Skin

Restoring Moisture: Psoriasis often leads to extremely dry skin because the skin’s natural barrier is compromised. Moisturizers help replenish and retain moisture in the skin, preventing dryness and keeping the skin soft and smooth.
Preventing Scaling: By keeping the skin well-hydrated, moisturizers can reduce the buildup of dead skin cells that cause scaling. This helps lessen the appearance of thick, scaly patches associated with psoriasis.

2. Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Barrier Protection: The outer layer of skin (the epidermis) acts as a barrier that protects against irritants, allergens, and infections. In people with psoriasis, this barrier is often weakened, making the skin more susceptible to irritation and cracking. Moisturizers help restore the skin’s protective barrier by replenishing lipids (fats) and other essential elements that help the skin retain moisture and resist external damage.
Reducing Water Loss: Moisturizers that contain occlusive ingredients (like petrolatum, lanolin, or mineral oil) create a protective layer on the skin that helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping the skin hydrated for longer periods.

3. Soothing Itching and Irritation

Calming Itchiness: Psoriasis often causes intense itching, which can lead to scratching and worsening of symptoms. Moisturizers with soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, shea butter, or calendula help reduce itching and irritation, providing relief from discomfort.
Cooling Sensation: Some moisturizers are formulated with ingredients like menthol or cucumber extract, which provide a cooling effect on the skin, further relieving the itchiness and discomfort associated with psoriasis flare-ups.

4. Reduce Scaling and Plaques

Smoothing Rough Skin: Psoriasis causes thick, scaly plaques to form on the skin’s surface. Moisturizers containing ingredients like salicylic acid (a keratolytic agent) can help gently exfoliate the skin, softening and removing dead skin cells. This reduces the appearance of plaques and helps smooth the skin’s texture.
Promoting Plaque Shedding: Moisturizers with urea or lactic acid can help break down the excess dead skin cells that accumulate in plaques, allowing the skin to shed these cells more effectively.

5. Reduce Cracking and Bleeding

Preventing Skin Cracks: Severe dryness can lead to cracks in the skin, which are not only painful but can also lead to infections. By keeping the skin moisturized and elastic, moisturizers help prevent cracking, especially in areas prone to stretching or friction, such as the elbows, knees, and hands.
Healing Support: Moisturizers with healing ingredients like vitamin E, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid can support the skin’s natural healing processes, reducing the risk of further irritation or bleeding from cracked skin.

6. Enhance the Effectiveness of Psoriasis Treatments

Improving Medication Absorption: Moisturizing before applying topical medications (like corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs) can enhance the absorption of these treatments, making them more effective. Soft, hydrated skin absorbs topical treatments better than dry, flaky skin.
Preventing Overuse of Steroids: Regular use of moisturizers can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, which may decrease the need for steroid-based medications. This can help avoid potential side effects from long-term use of steroids, such as skin thinning or resistance.

7. Prolonging Remission Between Flare-Ups

Maintaining Healthy Skin: Moisturizing daily can help maintain the skin’s overall health, reducing the likelihood of psoriasis flare-ups. When the skin is consistently well-hydrated, it’s less prone to the triggers (such as dryness or irritation) that can lead to a flare.
Supporting Long-Term Management: Regular use of moisturizers supports a long-term approach to managing psoriasis by keeping the skin in a healthier, more resilient state, even between flare-ups.

8. Improving Overall Comfort

Reducing Tightness: Psoriasis can cause the skin to feel tight and uncomfortable, especially during flare-ups. Moisturizers relieve this tightness by restoring elasticity and flexibility to the skin, improving comfort.
Enhanced Quality of Life: By providing relief from dryness, itching, and scaling, moisturizers can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with psoriasis, allowing for better comfort in daily activities.

9. Preventing Secondary Infections

Protection Against Infection: Dry, cracked skin is more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. Keeping the skin moisturized and intact helps prevent these secondary infections, which can complicate psoriasis and lead to further treatment.

10. Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Psoriasis

When selecting a moisturizer for psoriasis, look for the following ingredients and types:

Emollients: These soften the skin and reduce roughness. Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or jojoba oil.
Humectants: These attract moisture from the environment and deeper layers of the skin to the surface. Glycerin, urea, and hyaluronic acid are common humectants.
Occlusives: These form a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. Petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin are effective occlusives.
Fragrance-Free: Choose fragrance-free or hypoallergenic moisturizers to avoid irritation, as fragrances can sometimes trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Conclusion

Moisturizers are essential in managing psoriasis because they hydrate dry skin, reduce itching and irritation, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and help prevent cracking and infections. Incorporating a regular moisturizing routine can improve skin comfort, enhance the effectiveness of psoriasis treatments, and prolong periods of remission between flare-ups. By selecting the right moisturizer and using it consistently, you can significantly improve the condition of your skin and overall quality of life.