Natural Ingredients for Psoriasis

Coconut Oil

Not only does coconut oil moisturize dry skin and hair, but it can help with psoriasis, too. That’s because it helps to hold in moisture, explains Burns. Dab a small amount on your skin in the same way you would apply a moisturizer. The oil can also be used as a scalp treatment to help loosen psoriasis scales.

Oatmeal

Found in many health and beauty products, oatmeal helps to relieve the itching and redness associated with dry skin and psoriasis. But if the idea of an oatmeal bath gives you visions of a potentially soggy mess, don’t fret. Here’s a neater way to do it: Burns suggests adding a half-cup of dry oats to a leg of pantyhose, knotting the top, and placing the package in your warm bath instead.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be helpful as an anti-itch remedy if used properly. But if you leave it on your skin for too long or don’t dilute it correctly, Burns says, there's a chance that the acidity of the vinegar will dry out your skin, causing more irritation. She recommends mixing one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water. Dab the mixture on your skin or scalp and leave it on for no more than 10 minutes, then rinse. Just don’t use it on areas that are cracked or bleeding.

Aloe Vera

“I love this plant,” Burns says. “It helps reduce inflammation and helps to speed up healing time.” Its many uses, she says, include soothing skin burns, minor cuts, and scrapes thanks to its strong antibacterial, antiseptic, and fungicidal properties. Aloe vera promotes cell growth and acts as a detoxifying agent. You can use pure aloe gel or look for creams with about 0.5 percent aloe content. Apply two to three times a day to help soften skin and calm psoriasis flares.

Baking Soda

Baking soda isn’t just for cooking and cleaning: It can be used in your beauty routine for anything from whitening your teeth to exfoliating dry skin. And its anti-fungal properties make baking soda effective for soothing the itchiness associated with psoriasis. Burns recommends mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste that you can apply to affected areas.

Dead Sea Salt

People have been traveling to the Dead Sea for thousands of years to wade in the body of water known for its healing properties. It’s 10 times saltier than the ocean, and rich in minerals. For home relief from itching and redness, add Dead Sea salts (or Epsom salts) to a warm bath and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. The salt helps to soften scales so that they'll fall off more easily. Be sure to apply moisturizer after your bath.

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