Facial Moisturizers for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes red, scaly patches of skin to develop on the body, including the face. The condition is chronic, but there are several ways to manage flare-ups.

An effective facial moisturizer is essential to a psoriasis treatment plan, which means you’ll need to find at least one product that relieves your symptoms.

With an abundance of choices, you may wonder which facial moisturizers work best and how much money to spend. We took the time to select the best facial moisturizers for psoriasis, so you can narrow down your choices.

Read on to learn more about facial psoriasis, the best facial moisturizers for psoriasis, and what to look for when selecting one.

Where can facial psoriasis manifest?

Usually, facial psoriasis occurs on the face on the eyebrows, around the eyes, and on the ears. It may also develop on the hairline and upper forehead. Most people who have facial psoriasis also have scalp psoriasis. Less commonly, facial psoriasis occurs in and near the mouth.

Facial psoriasis is also associated with psoriasis on other areas of your body, including the elbows, torso, and knees.

Plaque psoriasis, the most common type of facial psoriasis, causes thick, scaly patches. Less common types include guttate psoriasis, which causes smaller pink spots, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

Are specialized skin care products worth it?

If you find a specialized or luxury moisturizer that works for you, it may be worth the splurge. However, there are plenty of affordable yet effective drugstore moisturizers.

The effectiveness of a product will vary between individuals and may depend on various factors, such as skin type, symptom severity, and weather conditions. Certain moisturizers may work better for specific symptoms, or at different times of the day.

Once you find a product or combination of products that work for you, create a skin care routine that includes regular moisturizing, and stick to it.

How we chose

To choose the best facial moisturizers for psoriasis, we considered the following:

  • Customer reviews. We selected moisturizers with mostly positive reviews reporting satisfaction with the quality and effectiveness.
  • Brand reputation. Our list includes moisturizers from companies dedicated to formulating skin care products for specific conditions, such as psoriasis. Several moisturizers have the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition, which indicates that the products are non-irritating and safe for people with psoriasis or sensitive skin.
  • Cost. We included products at a variety of price points, so you can test out a few options.
  • Ingredient profile. We chose products offering skin-healing benefits with active ingredients such as ceramides, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. We looked for natural moisturizers including aloe vera, vegetable oils, and shea butter.
Pricing guide

We included products with a range of price points using the following guide:

Our picks for the best facial moisturizers for psoriasis

Here is our list of the best facial moisturizers for psoriasis.

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

Price: $$$

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream contains lactic acid and salicylic acid, which gently exfoliate the skin to reduce flaking, scaling, and irritation.

The hydrating cream contains shea butter, urea, and ceramides to repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture. It helps alleviate redness, itching, and discomfort.

CeraVe developed this formula with dermatologists using patented technology that provides lasting hydration. The cream continues to release nourishing ingredients for up to 24 hours, making it great for people who don’t have time to reapply moisturizer throughout the day.

One drawback of this cream is that it may be too harsh for sensitive skin. Several reviewers mention that it burned their skin. A few customers complain that the cream isn’t thick or moisturizing enough to heal dry skin. Others mention that it doesn’t absorb well, leaves a residue, and doesn’t work well under makeup.

MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Multi-Symptom Moisturizing Cream

Price: $

Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation, this fragrance-free moisturizer contains 3 percent salicylic acid, which helps to soften, loosen, and remove scales.

It’s formulated with aloe, shea butter, and avocado oil to soothe and moisturize itchy, irritated skin. The cream absorbs easily and is light enough to use several times per day. It also helps reduce flaking, calm redness, and prevent flares.

According to customer reviews, this cream causes a tingling or burning sensation in some people.

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

Price: $$

Formulated in 1926, Weleda Skin Food remains a popular skin care product due to its deeply hydrating and nourishing properties that smooth dry, rough skin.

The botanical formula includes pansy, rosemary, and chamomile extracts. It also contains beeswax, sunflower oil, and sweet almond oil.

The thick cream helps reduce flaking, absorbs well, and brightens skin, making it a good makeup primer. It creates a dewy, healthy glow and prevents makeup from cracking or caking.

Weleda Skin Food has a fresh, light herbal scent that many people find pleasant. However, it might not be the best option for people who prefer fragrance-free products.

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream

Price: $$

Avène skin care products are created to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and scars. The XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream is formulated with thermal spring water to hydrate and soothe dry, irritated skin. It also helps reduce redness, itchiness, and inflammation.

The nourishing cream acts as an emollient to soften skin, lock in moisture, and strengthen the skin barrier. Its thick consistency is good for nighttime use, helping to balance and even out skin tone.

Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream is fragrance-free, though a few customers complain that the cream has an unpleasant smell. A few reviewers mention that the cream has a sticky texture and doesn’t absorb well.

Gold Bond Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream

Price: $$

This fragrance-free cream contains seven moisturizers and 3 percent salicylic acid, which acts as an exfoliant to soften skin and reduce scaling.

The cream is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation for its ability to alleviate itchy, irritated skin and prevent flare-ups.

A few reviewers mention that this cream caused a burning sensation, which is something to note if you have sensitive skin.

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

Price: $$

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer contains squalane, hyaluronic acid, and five ceramides that hydrate skin and lock in moisture without clogging pores.

The moisturizer is great for daytime use, and the gentle, lightweight formula works wells under makeup and around the eye area. The formula is free of irritants, including fragrance, parabens, and lanolins.

Though this product is formulated for sensitive skin, a few customers report that it caused irritation, stinging, and burning.

Psoriasis Honey Skin-Renewing Cream

Price: $$$

The Psoriasis Honey Skin-Renewing Cream contains 1.8 percent salicylic acid to help remove scales. It’s packed with natural ingredients, including beeswax, grapeseed oil, and sunflower seed oil.

The soothing formula is designed to moisturize, repair, and protect skin. You can use it anywhere on the skin, including the face and scalp. For extra nourishment, the cream doubles as a face mask.

Most negative customer reviews report that the product was moisturizing but didn’t improve their symptoms.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Soothing Therapeutic Multi-Purpose Cream

Price: $$$

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm is packed with nourishing ingredients, such as thermal spring water, shea butter, and glycerin. The active ingredient is dimethicone, which helps soften, smooth, and protect skin.

The thick soothing moisturizer hydrates cracked, rough skin irritations on the face and body, providing relief from the effects of air-conditioning and cold weather. The formula is free of fragrance, parabens, and lanolins.

A few reviews note that the cream didn’t absorb well and left behind a white, sticky residue.

Where can facial psoriasis manifest?

Usually, facial psoriasis occurs on the face on the eyebrows, around the eyes, and on the ears. It may also develop on the hairline and upper forehead. Most people who have facial psoriasis also have scalp psoriasis. Less commonly, facial psoriasis occurs in and near the mouth.Facial psoriasis is also associated with psoriasis on other areas of your body, including the elbows, torso, and knees. Plaque psoriasis, the most common type of facial psoriasis, causes thick, scaly patches. Less common types include guttate psoriasis, which causes smaller pink spots, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

Are specialized skin care products worth it?

If you find a specialized or luxury moisturizer that works for you, it may be worth the splurge. However, there are plenty of affordable yet effective drugstore moisturizers. The effectiveness of a product will vary between individuals and may depend on various factors, such as skin type, symptom severity, and weather conditions. Certain moisturizers may work better for specific symptoms, or at different times of the day.Once you find a product or combination of products that work for you, create a skin care routine that includes regular moisturizing, and stick to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I moisturize?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you need to apply moisturizer at least once per day. For best results, moisturize your skin immediately after a warm bath or shower.

Moisturize more frequently when your skin is really dry and during cold weather. When your skin feels itchy, resist the urge to scratch and apply moisturizer instead.

What should I do if over-the-counter moisturizers don’t relieve my psoriasis symptoms?

If you’ve tried several moisturizers and none are effective in relieving your symptoms, talk with your dermatologist or healthcare professional. They may recommend a prescription moisturizer or other treatment options.

Can I use different moisturizers in the morning and evening?

Depending on your skin type and symptoms, you may wish to use a lighter cream on your face during the day. At night, apply a thicker moisturizer to seal in moisture and repair your skin while you sleep.

Why do some moisturizers irritate my skin?

Certain ingredients, such as exfoliants that reduce scaling, may irritate sensitive skin. Test out a new product on less sensitive areas of your skin to see how your body reacts.

If the product is too irritating, blend it with a gentler moisturizer or swap it for another product altogether.

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