Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes the skin to regenerate itself at a faster than normal rate, resulting in raised, itchy, and scaling patches. Since skin is more sensitive and likely to get irritated, skin care is very crucial in the management of the symptoms.

Even though I was diagnosed with mild psoriasis at a young age and studied medicine and health science, I still had no idea that my skincare could be the problem.

My naturopath told me that people with psoriasis have what they call ‘leaky skin’ – the skin barrier is damaged, allowing irritants to penetrate the skin and disturbing the skin microbiome. It turned out that not even the "gentle", "for sensitive skin" products were safe for me.

Over time, I got better at identifying the ingredients in products and figured out what was best for my skin.  If you have psoriasis, here are some common skincare ingredients you should avoid and what to use instead.

1. Fragrance and Essential Oils

One of the most common causes of skin irritation is fragrance. It consists of a mix of chemicals, including many that are endocrine disruptors and can cause inflammation. Many people, including myself, don’t realise that essential oils like lavender and tea tree, often found in 'natural' skincare, can be just as irritating as synthetic fragrance, especially for psoriasis-prone skin.

When my naturopath told me I needed to stay away from fragrance in my routine, I didn’t think it could make such a huge difference initially. But when I switched to fragrance free products, my skin was less irritated.

What to use instead? Opt for skincare and personal care products without fragrance and essential oils. Instead, look for carrier oils like jojoba or avocado, which nourish the skin without triggering inflammation. Also, try not to spray perfumes or apply them directly on the skin.

2. Sulfates (SLS and SLES)

Sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate  (SLES) generate foamy lather in cleansers, shampoos and toothpaste.  Although this may make our self care routine more enjoyable, sulfates rob the skin of its natural oils and only serve to further dehydrate and irritate psoriasis affected skin.

Look for gentle, non-toxic cleansers, body washes and toothpaste with no sulfates instead. 

3. Alcohol Based Products

High amounts of alcohol are often added to skincare and personal care products to make them last longer and feel lighter. However, it also strips moisture from the skin, which in turn leads to inflammation of the skin.

Alcohol removes the oils from the skin and makes the barrier skin weak. This will lead to more inflammation.

Please be aware! Some brands do not always label alcohol as “alcohol". Look for terms such as ethanol, methanol, or isopropyl alcohol too. 

 Aloe vera based hydrating toners or alcohol-free products should be used.

4. Synthetic Preservatives 

(Parabens and Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents)

Preservatives are additives used in products to increase their shelf life, however, some of them, parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, can act as irritants that trigger the skin’s inflammation and redness through the skin’s microbiome.

Skincare brands that use safe, non-toxic preservatives such as vitamin E or natural plant extracts should be chosen.

5. Harsh Exfoliants and Scrubs

I used to love my exfoliating scrubs, and thought it would help make my skin smooth like a baby. But they only worsened my psoriasis. Physical exfoliants remove dead skin cells, but they can also cause damage to our skin. Some scrubs that contain micro beads or have rough grains can lead to skin micro tears. 

Try using gentle enzyme exfoliants or mild acids like lactic acid to reduce flaking, but only if your skin isn't inflamed. You should never use exfoliants on active psoriasis. 

6. Heavy, Blocking Ingredients

Thick creams with petroleum jelly or mineral oil can trap bacteria and make inflammation worse. While they seal in moisture, they also prevent the skin from breathing properly. Opt for a lightweight, clean moisturiser with squalane or jojoba oil.

7. Artificial Dyes and Colourants

Many skincare and makeup products contain artificial dyes that serve no purpose other than making them look more aesthetically appealing. These dyes can cause allergic reactions and increase inflammation. Let’s stick to natural skincare products without added colours and synthetic dyes.

Additional Skincare Tips for Managing Psoriasis

• Avoid hot water/shower, as they can dry out and irritate the skin.
• Keep your skincare routine simple—fewer ingredients mean fewer chances of irritation.
• Always patch-test new products before using them on larger areas.

Final Thoughts

As the founder of AusCleanBrands, I know how frustrating it is to deal with skincare that worsens psoriasis. I’ve tried countless products, and the key is keeping it simple and choosing ingredients that support skin health. 

When I switched to non-toxic, clean skincare suggested by my naturopath, my skin became noticeably clearer and my psoriasis flare-ups reduced. Another benefit is my skin starts to glow and I look noticeably younger due to all the healthy skincare routine, and clean lifestyle of course! 

If you're struggling like I was before, start by eliminating harsh chemicals and stick to soothing, natural alternatives. Once you start paying attention to what you put on your skin, you can manage your psoriasis more effectively and feel more confident in your own skin.