Best creams for psoriasis, as recommended by a dermatologist

“When you have active psoriasis, emollients, which are thick and hydrating, such as creams and ointments, are so much better than lotions,” Dr Armstrong explains. Describing the appeal of Aveeno’s colloidal oatmeal formula, she praises the inclusion of glycerin as it “draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated”.

Other key ingredients included within the formula are allantoin – a soothing, humectant moisturiser – and distearyldimonium chloride, which acts to condition and smooth.

Describing how fragrances and perfumes “can irritate sensitive skin”, Dr Armstrong recommends CeraVe’s unscented moisturising cream. She likes it for its inclusion of hyaluronic acid which, “retains water in the skin, preventing dryness”.

Not only is the cream affordable for its generous 454g size, but it features three essential ceramides to nourish, plus the brand’s unique multivesicular emulsion which ensures a gradual, dosed release of moisture for all-day hydration.

A more pharmaceutical suggestion, Dr Armstrong cites urea – when included in low concentrations – as a good ingredient for psoriasis sufferers given how it “hydrates and softens thickened skin”. The formula also contains lactic acid – which Dr Armstrong notes “gently exfoliates and hydrates skin” – as well as glycerin and anti-inflammatory shea butter.

In a hefty 454g pot, with everything from urea and glycerin to shea butter included, Eucerin’s advanced repair cream comes recommended thanks to its ceramide-enriched formula.

According to Dr Armstrong, ceramides work to “help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture”. She adds that it’s “important to look for ingredients that soothe inflammation, reduce scaling, and repair the skin barrier”, which this cream promises to do.

Another recommendation from Dr Armstrong thanks to the inclusion of ceramides, this time for use on the face, La Roche-Posay’s cicaplast baume is not only a fan favourite with skincare buffs but uses vitamin B5 to heal, soothe inflammation, work against the signs of ageing and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Not to mention it’s a multipurpose balm and can be used on chapped lips, too.

The key ingredient in Bioderma’s hydrabio moisturiser, specifically for those with psoriasis, is salicylic acid. Dr Armstrong tells us that, as a treatment, salicylic acid is “a keratolytic agent [keratin softening] that removes scales and reduces plaque thickness”. The cream also features glycerin, oil-balancing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, making it a real all-rounder.

A slightly more premium option, and one that includes the same colloidal oatmeal as the Aveeno cream above, Dr Armstrong recommends Kiehl’s ultra facial cream because the oatmeal provides “soothing relief from itchiness and irritation”. The formula also contains antioxidant squalane, skin texture-remedying avocado oil and salicylic acid.

According to Dr Armstrong, this affordable Neutrogena moisturiser is an effective facial moisturiser for those with psoriasis owing to its inclusion of aloe vera, which she says “reduces irritation and helps with skin healing”. It’s not just packed with aloe vera, but you’ll also reap the benefits of the included glycerin.

A cult moisturising classic even outside the realms of psoriasis, L’Occitane’s shea ultra rich body cream is ‘skindulgence’ in a tin and Dr Armstrong says it’s a great pick for those with skin concerns. It’s rich in shea butter, which “hydrates and soothes dry, irritated skin”. Granted, it’s a touch more expensive, but a little goes a long way with this cream.

The affordable alternative to L’Occitane’s shea cream, Palmer’s cocoa butter balm is equally as nourishing; though, you might be surprised to discover it’s not its cocoa butter inclusion that piques Dr Armstrong’s interest. While the cocoa butter certainly aids inflammation and improves symptoms of psoriasis, it’s actually the inclusion of vitamin E that makes this formula stand out from the crowd because, according to Dr Armstrong, it “protects skin from oxidative stress and helps with healing.”

Clinique’s moisture surge hydrator landed a spot in our guide to the best moisturisers for oily skin and, with green tea extract featured on its impressive roster of ingredients, it makes for a great psoriasis-friendly facial cream, too. Dr Armstrong describes how the inclusion of green tea extract “reduces inflammation and protects the skin”, which works alongside glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to smooth and soothe psoriasis-prone areas.