What to Avoid in Skincare Products When You Have Psoriasis
Living with psoriasis means your skin needs extra care. Some ingredients in everyday skincare products can make things worse by triggering flare-ups, dryness, or irritation. If you’ve ever tried a new lotion or cleanser and ended up with red, itchy patches, you’re not alone. The good news is that knowing what to avoid can help you build a routine that calms and protects your skin.
Why Ingredients Matter for Psoriasis-Prone Skin
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that speeds up skin cell turnover. This causes thick, scaly patches that can be painful and itchy. Your skin barrier is already compromised, which means it reacts faster and more strongly to certain ingredients. That’s why picking the right products is key.
Let’s look at the top skincare ingredients to avoid with psoriasis and why they can be harmful. We’ll also share tips on what to use instead, so you can create the best skincare routine for psoriasis.
1. Sulfates: Too Harsh for Sensitive Skin
Sulfates are foaming agents found in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes. The most common ones are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
- Why they’re a problem: Sulfates strip away natural oils and damage your skin barrier.
- How they affect psoriasis: They can dry out your skin and trigger flare-ups.
Tip: Look for sulfate-free cleansers labeled as “gentle” or “for sensitive skin.” Many psoriasis-safe products now use plant-based surfactants instead.
2. Parabens: Linked to Skin Sensitivity
Parabens are preservatives used to prevent mold and bacteria in skincare products. You’ll often find them listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben.
- Why they’re a problem: Parabens can disrupt hormones and may cause skin irritation in some people.
- Psoriasis and parabens: If your skin is already inflamed, parabens can make it worse by increasing dryness or sensitivity.
Tip: Choose paraben-free products. Brands often label this clearly on the front of the packaging.
3. Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes: Hidden Triggers
Many lotions, scrubs, and soaps contain artificial scents and colors to make them more appealing. But those extras can be harsh on sensitive skin.
- Why they’re a problem: Synthetic fragrances and dyes can cause allergic reactions or irritation.
- Skincare products bad for psoriasis: Anything with “fragrance” or “parfum” listed in the ingredients can be risky.
Tip: Go fragrance-free and dye-free. Products labeled “unscented” may still contain masking agents, so check the ingredient list to be sure.
4. Alcohols: Not All Are Created Equal
Some alcohols in skincare are drying, while others are moisturizing. The drying types are usually found in toners, gels, and acne treatments.
- Bad alcohols: Alcohol denat, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol.
- Why they’re a problem: These alcohols evaporate quickly and can strip moisture from your skin.
- How they affect psoriasis: Dry skin makes scaling and flaking worse.
Tip: Look for fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol. These are actually good for your skin and help lock in moisture.
5. Essential Oils: Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
Essential oils are popular in natural skincare, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe for everyone. Some oils are too strong for sensitive or broken skin.
- Essential oils bad for psoriasis: Tea tree, peppermint, citrus, and eucalyptus oils are common culprits.
- Why they’re a problem: They can cause stinging, redness, or allergic reactions.
Tip: Avoid products with essential oils unless they’ve been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. When in doubt, skip them altogether.
6. Harsh Exfoliants: Too Much for Flare-Ups
Physical exfoliants like scrubs with walnut shells or sugar can damage your skin if you have psoriasis.
- Why they’re a problem: These rough particles can tear already inflamed skin and worsen flare-ups.
- What not to use on psoriasis skin: Avoid anything labeled “deep exfoliating” or “scrub.”
Tip: If you want to exfoliate, use a soft washcloth or a mild chemical exfoliant like lactic acid but only when your skin isn’t flaring.
7. Retinoids and Strong Acids: Use with Caution
Retinoids and acids like glycolic or salicylic acid are powerful skincare ingredients. They’re often used for acne or anti-aging, but they can be too much for psoriasis.
- Why they’re a problem: These ingredients increase cell turnover and can cause peeling or burning.
- Harmful skincare ingredients for psoriasis: Anything labeled “anti-aging” or “brightening” may contain these actives.
Tip: If you want to try retinoids, talk to your dermatologist first. They might suggest a low concentration or a prescription option tailored to your skin.
How to Build a Psoriasis-Friendly Skincare Routine
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s talk about what to include. The best skincare routine for psoriasis is simple, soothing, and consistent.
- Cleanse gently: Use a sulfate-free, fragrance-free cleanser once or twice a day.
- Moisturize often: Apply a thick, unscented moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day.
- Protect your skin: Use physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens can be irritating.
- Watch for reactions: Try new products one at a time and do a patch test first.
Quick Takeaways: Irritants to Avoid with Psoriasis
- Sulfates: Can dry and damage your skin
- Parabens: May increase irritation and sensitivity
- Fragrances and dyes: Common triggers for flare-ups
- Drying alcohols: Strip moisture and worsen scaling
- Essential oils: Too harsh for sensitive skin
- Scrubs and acid treatments: Can inflame already irritated areas
Final Thoughts
When you have psoriasis, your skin needs ingredients that help it heal, not hurt. Avoiding common irritants like sulfates, parabens, and strong fragrances can make a big difference. Remember, natural doesn’t always mean safe, and harsh doesn’t mean more effective.
Read labels, test products slowly, and listen to your skin. Simple swaps can lead to major improvements. For more psoriasis skincare tips and gentle solutions that work, keep exploring what’s right for you.