Itchy, flaky, scaly skin is the hallmark of psoriasis. While some cases need medical attention from a health care professional, many people manage this skin condition at home. They use moisturizing creams and the best body washes to nourish dry skin.
Following are our top picks for moisturizing body washes that relieve and reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
Best Body Washes & Soaps for Psoriasis According to Dermatologists
1. Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Body Wash, Fragrance-Free
Aveeno’s Active Naturals Skin Relief Body Wash is a favorite purchase for many people with psoriasis. It’s free from artificial fragrances, which are a common irritant of sensitive skin. And it’s mild enough to use every day or even as a shaving lotion.
The formula is free from soaps and eyes, too. But the main itch-relieving ingredient is oatmeal. This moisturizing body wash contains both oat kernel oil as well as oat flour. And if that’s not enough to stop the scratching, check out the next skin care product below.
2. Aveeno Fragrance-Free Soothing Bath Treatment Body Wash
Aveeno’s soothing bath treatment is 100% pure colloidal oatmeal divided into single-use packets. The oatmeal is milled to a very fine powder that makes bath water look like milk. If you are experiencing a flare-up of psoriasis, try soaking in a lukewarm bath to soften the skin and relieve the irritation.
Interestingly enough, the bath treatment can replace shower gel. That’s because grime sticks to the oatmeal particles which then rinse away clean.
3. NIVEA Creme Moisture Moisturizing Body Wash
Nivea’s Crème Moisturizing body wash is like a soap version of their classic cream. It calms dry skin and seals in water to hydrate dry skin. Some users comment that they don’t even bother with lotion after incorporating this product in their skin care regime.
4. Cetaphil Pro Restoraderm Gentle Body Wash
The Restoraderm Gentle moisturizing Body Wash is safe to use on anyone over the age of three months. It cleanses very dry skin without stripping natural oils. Moreover, it’s recommended for people with eczema and psoriasis as well as those prone to atopic dermatitis.
The list of ingredients resembles a body lotion more than a soap. That’s because you’ll find shea butter, glycerin, sunflower seed oil, and niacinamide. These are all components that lock in moisture.
5.The Seaweed Bath Co. Purifying Detox Body Wash
The detox body wash from the Seaweed Bath Co. comes in three fragrances with natural scents. All of these skin care products are vegan and free of parabens and gluten. Moreover, their main ingredients include coconut oil, vitamin-rich bladderwrack seaweed, spirulina, and green coffee bean extract. It’s a recipe sure to nourish your skin.
6. Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash
The Eucerin Skin Calming wash doesn’t foam up much, but it washes away grime without stripping moisture from the skin. It’s free of fragrances, detergent, and dyes. Plus, it’s packed with oils to soothe and calm itchy dryness.
7. Everyone 3-In-1 Soap, Lavender plus Aloe
The Everyone Soap with lavender and aloe doubles as a shampoo and a shave cream. It relies on cocoa-sulfate to create a pleasant lather. Therefore, it doesn’t have harsh drying sulfates, artificial scents, or parabens.
8. Aloe Vesta Body Wash & Shampoo
The Aloe Vesta body is also a shampoo. This fact allows it to treat psoriasis on your scalp and body in the shower or in the bath. In a pinch, you can use it as a no-rinse cleanser, too.
9. Dove DermaSeries Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Dove’s fragrance-free moisturizing body wash defends sensitive skin from itching and dryness. It’s clinically proven to be very gentle but moisturizing. Furthermore, the formula has plant oils and lipids and plant oils to moisturize the skin.
10. ApotheCARE Essentials The Nourisher Body Wash
Well-known soap manufacturer Unilever released the ApotheCARE Essentials nourishing body wash packed with natural ingredients. It’s specifically made for very dry skin. And the list of ingredients sounds quite tasty.
It includes cold-pressed sweet almonds, hand-pollinated vanilla, and crushed Moroccan argan oil. But there’s also burdock and sage to purify the skin, white willow to soothe it, and seabuckthorn to rejuvenate it. Also, there are no dyes or sulfates.
11. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil’s Gentle Cleanser is a frequent purchase for persons with very sensitive skin. It guards against irritation by cleaning without stripping oils. It can even be used to wash without water. Additionally, it’s hypoallergenic and free of fragrances.
12. Organic African Black Soap from Sky Organics
The liquid African Black Soap contains unrefined organic shea butter, coconut oil, and plantain skin ash. The last ingredient is rich in vitamins and minerals. This combination promotes healthy skin while it seals in moisture.
Fans of this soap say that it leaves their skin smooth and soft. Not only does it gently exfoliate, but it also revitalizes dry skin. In summary, if you don’t love it, the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee.
13. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
The CeraVe moisturizing body wash contains ceramides that enhance the skin’s natural barrier against dryness. As a result, this formula is often suggested by dermatologists. Moreover, it lacks artificial fragrances, sulfates, and parabens.
14. Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar 100% Organic & Natural
The Dead Sea Mud Bar is a much-loved soap for customers who want to purify their skin. It draws out toxins as it washes away dirt, but it doesn’t have preservatives or other chemicals. Plus, it has a mild exfoliating effect to get rid of dead skin.
According to the manufacturer, the soap is safe to use on both your body or your face. It’s created for men and women who want relief for dry skin caused by psoriasis or eczema. Finally, if you’re not happy to purchase, the company offers a full refund.
15. Coal Tar Soap from Soap Works
If coal tar shampoos relieve psoriasis on the scalp, then coal tar soap can alleviate symptoms on the body. This traditional formula doesn’t have sulfates or phosphates although it has a fragrance. The fragrance is derived from geranium, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils.
16. Human + Kind Normal to Sensitive Skin Body Wash
The Human Kind body wash does not contain harsh sulfates. Instead, it has aloe and calendula that soothe irritation and draw in moisture. Users report that they love its mild apple fragrance.
17. Cetraben Emollient Bath Additive
If you find that there just isn’t a body wash that adequately hydrates your skin, try the Cetraben Emollient Bath Additive. You can use it in the bath or the shower. It contains emollient oils that clean and soothe dry skin. As a result, you can enjoy it every day.
Tips for managing psoriasis and reducing symptoms
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many ways you can reduce the symptoms and manage outbreaks. Of course, the way you bathe has a big impact on the health of your skin.
Bathing
For example, it’s customary to shower at least once a day to remove excess oil, bacteria, and dirt. But for persons with psoriasis, this can be a difficult experience as it can dry out their skin.
Whenever you shower or bathe, use lukewarm water, not hot. This avoids irritating the plaques and releasing too much moisture from your skin.
If you like to soak in the tub, use a product like Aveeno’s Bath Treatment or the Hydromol Emollient. They will protect help with the health of your skin. If you don’t have either one available, try plain oatmeal, Epson salt, or olive oil. But keep bathes to 15 minutes or less.
When there is an especially itchy spot, try covering it with a cold, wet cloth for a while. Adding moisture to your skin will help relieve the problem. Then follow up with your customary lotion or cream.
After you rinse well, pat dry instead of rubbing with a towel. Then always apply moisturizer.
Clothing
It’s a good idea to run your clothes through the rinse cycle twice. This gets rid of soap and fabric softener residue.
Next, you’ll probably find that natural fibers like linen, cotton, and bamboo are much more comfortable than synthetics or wool. Choose a soft fabric that isn’t too tight and doesn’t rub sensitive areas. Plus, if you wear light colors, it’s harder to notice flakes.
Sunshine
While too much time in the sun can lead to burning and irritate acne prone skin, a little bit will help clear up psoriasis. Studies show that UV light in small doses can speed up healing and slow down scale formation.
Moisturize
It’s worth it to invest in one of the best body washes to protect your skin from dryness. Plus, it’s vital to use a high-quality moisturizing body wash as well. Speak to your doctor about using occlusion to seal in hydration while you sleep. Covering the cream or ointment on your skin will help the treatment to penetrate and soften scales.
Removing scales
It’s possible to remove the buildup of dead skin that psoriasis causes safely. But it requires patience and a little work. As tempting as it may be, it’s not wise to pick them off with your fingers. You could cause a secondary infection that creates additional problems.
Once you remove the extra layers, it makes it easier for topical treatments to penetrate. There are a few ways to exfoliate the dead skin without harming the layers underneath.
One method is to use chemical exfoliants like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid. Coal tar is another favorite ingredient in psoriasis shampoos. But harsh abrasives with particles of apricot seeds or nut shells can tear the skin on a microscopic level, so avoid them if possible.
A second technique is to use a moisturizer with exfoliating ingredients like urea. Urea takes a while to work, but it relieves itching by acting as a mild anesthetic.
A faster solution might be taking a bath with Epson salt to soften the scales. Then you can carefully loosen them a little at a time.
Finally, you can sleep on it. Apply a thick layer of your favorite cream or natural oil and let it work overnight. Chances are, in the morning you’ll be able to peel off the plaque.
Conclusion
The best body wash for psoriasis will help you get clean without overly drying your skin. Not only do they moisturize, but they also relieve itching. We hope we helped you find the best bath soap to care for sensitive, dry skin today.
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