Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the appearance of red patches on the skin. This condition may be accompanied by itching, swelling, and burning sensations. In addition to the topical and systemic treatments that exist to treat psoriasis, it is possible to relieve the symptoms with skin care products suitable for psoriatic-prone skin.
To learn more about psoriasis and fully understand how to treat it, we interviewed Rachelle Séguin, our co-founder and chemist who completed a master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences on the therapeutic potential of various molecules on plaque psoriasis.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting mainly the skin, but also other organs of the human body. This pathology affects between 2 to 4% of the population in Western countries and affects both men and women.
Plaque psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of red patches covered with whitish scales on the skin. Plaques are usually found on the elbows, knees and scalp. This condition may also be accompanied by itching, swelling and burning sensations.
The exact causes of psoriasis remain unknown to this day. However, it is recognized that the development of psoriasis can be influenced by environmental factors such as stress, as well as genetic factors. Fortunately, there are many treatments to treat psoriasis, as well as treatments adapted to psoriatic-prone skin to reduce the symptoms.
How to treat psoriasis?
To date, there is no cure for psoriasis. Fortunately, a wide range of treatments exist to alleviate the symptoms. The most common treatments fall into three categories: topical treatments, phototherapy and systemic treatments.
Topical treatments are often the first line of treatment and include retinoids. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. Finally, systemic treatments can be of great help in treating moderate to severe cases of psoriasis and include biological agents.
What Skincare Treatments Can Help Relieve the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
Although these treatments are effective, undesirable side effects are often developed during their usage. This is why the use of suitable treatments for psoriatic-prone skin is recommended in parallel to assist the skin during these treatments.
A gentle cleanser to gently wash your skin
The moisture barrier of psoriatic skin is weakened, allowing both moisture to escape from the skin more easily and external pathogens to enter more easily. It is therefore important to opt for a gentle body cleanser without soap that respects the skin barrier.
Cera, syndet or surgras cleansers, which are adapted to the skin's pH, are ideal for providing protection to the skin and thus preserve the hydration in the skin. Free of sulfates, soap and fragrance, these types of cleansers help protect the skin's moisture barrier.
It is also recommended to avoid hot showers or hot baths which tend to dry out the skin. Opt for shorter showers with cool or lukewarm water.
A moisturizer suitable for psoriatic-prone skin
It is important to moisturize your skin daily to ensure the protection of the hydration barrier which is weakened in psoriatic skin. We recommend that you opt for a Smoothing Body Cream rich in soothing ingredients, moisturizers and exfoliants.
A moisturizer containing urea is particularly recommended for psoriatic-prone skin. Urea has both moisturizing and exfoliating properties that help keep the skin hydrated while preventing the build-up of scales on the skin's surface.
To relieve the itching and tightness caused by psoriasis, your moisturizer should also contain soothing ingredients such as chamomile and vitamin E.
A soothing treatment to relieve itching
Psoriasis can be accompanied by itching and feelings of discomfort. However, to avoid further weakening the psoriatic skin, it is recommended to avoid scratching the plaques to not aggravate the inflammation.
During plaque flare-ups, it is strongly recommended to have mineral water at hand, which instantly soothes burning sensations. For example, the Aquifer Water and Spray Waters are rich in minerals that instantly soothe.
The thermal waters can be applied as many times as necessary, and as much on children as on adults. Thanks to its minerals and carbonates, aquifer water can also soothe burning sensations following insect bites or during eczema flare-ups.
In short, psoriasis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of red patches on the skin. In addition to clinical treatments, psoriasis symptoms can be relieved with treatments that help protect the skin's moisture barrier. We recommend that you consult your dermatologist to establish a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
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