According to dermatologists these 15 Creams for Psoriasis Symptoms are the Best

It’s important to remember that even though they are soothing and well-formulated, these creams won’t treat severe cases of psoriasis. Psoriasis, which is an autoimmune condition, affects about two to three percent in the United States. According to Shari Marchbein MD, a New York City dermatologist, the majority of psoriasis cases are managed by prescriptions from dermatologists. She says that prescriptions can range from topicals and oral medications to injectables, depending on the severity of the condition.

Robert Finney MD, a New York City dermatologist, cannot stress enough how important it is to see a doctor if you have psoriasis symptoms, such as flaky red patches or thickened skin. This will help you determine the best treatment options for you. He tells us that it is a condition that can often require prescription medication. It can also affect the joints in some cases. This can cause irreversible joint damage. So it is always a good idea to consult an expert.

What is the role of OTC (over-the-counter) creams? Dr. Marchbein says that OTC creams can be used in mild cases or when prescribed. Both experts suggest that you look for formulas that include ingredients such as salicylic acid and lactic acid, or niacinamide and ceramides. These can help in softening the skin, decreasing flaking, and relieving itchyness.

We consulted the expertise of dermatologists to find the best OTC psoriasis treatments. Scroll down to see their top picks, many of which are available at your local pharmacy.

Dr. James Y. Wang MD, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist, recommends that psoriasis sufferers use Vanicream’s Moisturizing cream to soothe their skin. Dr. Wang says this rich, custardy lotion is a great psoriasis remedy due to its straightforward, non-nonsense ingredient list. He says, “It’s a deeply nourishing cream that is dye, paraben, and fragrance-free.”

Kim Nichols MD, a Connecticut-based dermatologist, is a strong supporter of hydrocortisone in soothing psoriasis. She says that hydrocortisone can be used for a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis. Although this ingredient won’t be a long-term treatment for psoriasis (it doesn’t treat the root cause), it can help with symptoms like itchiness, inflammation, and irritation. One of the best hydrocortisone-infused creams on the market is the Cortizone 10+ Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme, which contains the itch-relieving additive along with glycerin and petrolatum to lock in moisture.

The Sarna Eczema Relief Hydrocortisone Wax Foam is a great option if you are looking for a formula that will moisturize your skin without leaving behind a greasy feeling. Tiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Mohs micrographic and dermatologic surgery at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island, says this hydrocortisone-infused option soothes red, itchy skin and absorbs quickly, thanks to the whipped foam formula.

Hadley King MD, a New York City-based board certified dermatologist, recommends that you apply Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to irritated skin when it feels rough and flaky. She says that it is a great occlusive for psoriatic skin as it locks in moisture and improves skin barrier function. It contains only petrolatum, which is a great choice for people with sensitive skin who may be allergic to other skin-care ingredients.

Dr. King is a big fan of Dove’s Body Love Sensitive Care Body lotion for its rich, skin-conditioning texture. But there’s more than just the texture. The lotion is infused with moisturizing ceramides that soften dry patches without making the skin feel oily. Dr. King says, “This product is great for sensitive skin as it hydrates, supports skin barrier, locks-in moisture, and doesn’t contain any ingredients likely to be irritating, drying, or irritating.”

Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Cream, a drugstore staple that Dr. King loves, is a great choice. She says, “This cream is great for both the face and the body. It contains both hydrating and moisturizing humectants as well as emollients that lock in moisture. Cetaphil’s beloved cream includes a moisture-replenishing powerhouse blend of glycerin, glyceryl stearate (a conditioning emollient that softens the skin, according to Dr. King), sweet almond oil, and vitamin E.

Joshua Zeichner MD, a dermatologist who is also a director of cosmetic research and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, says that psoriasis can cause the skin to become dry and flaky. Moisturizers that soothe, protect, and remove excessive scaling can be helpful in managing symptoms and improving skin quality.

Eucerin’s roughness relief cream is recommended by him because it does all three: it exfoliates with the urea, soothes the skin with shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and protects the skin with hydrating gelcerin. This formula is consistent in that it feels rich but doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. It also sinks quickly into the skin so you won’t feel greasy on your skin or clothes.

Multiple dermatologists have recommended CeraVe’s Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream to their patients. It’s clear from the ingredients list that CeraVe’s Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream was highly recommended by multiple dermatologists. Dr. Zeichner says that the formula includes ceramides to heal the skin, urea for softening rough spots, and salicylic acids to remove excess skin scale. It also contains niacinamide (a vitamin B3 derivative that aids in skin moisture retention and soothing redness and irritation).

La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Balm+ Intense Repair Cream is another excellent choice, with a convenient pump. Dr. Adam Friedman, a Washington, DC-based dermatologist, recommends this formula for psoriasis affected skin. It contains soothing agents like shea butter, Glycerin, and Niacinamide, as well as prebiotic thermal water, which softens rough spots so they are easier to exfoliate.

“Aveeno Eczema’s Therapy Daily Moisturizing cream contains one percent colloidal oatmeal,” Pooja Sodha MD, a Washington, DC-based dermatologist. Although the formula is intended for people with eczema it can also be used to treat other symptoms such as redness, itching and dry skin patches. This makes it an excellent option for those suffering from psoriasis.

First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair cream Intense Hydration moisturizer is an approved pick by Dr. Wang and contains a variety of skin-calming ingredients. Colloid oatmeal is known to reduce redness and irritation. This buttery, rich cream is also loaded with shea butter, which contains vitamins A and E as well as essential oils to protect the skin’s barrier.

The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded Curel’s Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer a unique recognition. It is applied immediately after you have finished showering to ensure that your skin receives as much nourishment as possible. It is non-greasy and contains ceramides, which help retain moisture on the skin.

The MG217 Psoriasis cream 3% salicylic acid multi-symptom moisturizing cream is a great choice if you have dry patches or are particularly scaly. It contains ingredients that can break down skin cells to make it easier to remove. Sejal Shah MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, says that salicylic acid is a keratolytic, and it helps to soften and remove the psoriasis skin. This helps reduce flaking and redness. The Psoriasis cream by MG217 also contains avocado oil and shea butter as well as panthenol to further reduce skin redness and hydrate it.

Gold Bond’s Multi-Symptom psoriasis Cream contains salicylic acid, which helps to soften sandpaper-like flakes. This is why Dr. Libby recommends it. She says that it is also approved by the National Psoriasis Foundation. It is formulated with Ceramides to strengthen and repair the skin barrier. It also contains glycerin and aloe vera for healthy conditioning. The list also includes a lot of petrolatum, which is an occlusive that locks in moisture.

Cicalfate+ Restorative Protection Cream by Eau Thermale Avene is ideal for treating psoriasis. It’s made from a combination of thermal spring water from the brand, which is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, as well as what’s known as “C+ restore,” a prebiotic that helps to protect and repair the skin’s barrier. Dr. Friedman says that postbiotics are essential for treating psoriasis. Recent research has shown that bacteria have anti-inflammatory qualities and that “by lowering inflammation [postbiotics] could potentially help the skin balance and regulate itself.”

Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream contains moisturizing beeswax and hydrating glycerin. This helps to support healthy skin.