Do you (or does someone you know) suffer from psoriasis? If so, you’ve likely experienced the challenge that comes with finding a good soap for your body. If you’re looking to keep your psoriasis symptoms at bay, stay far away from these types of soaps (known to make symptoms significantly worse).
5 Soaps To Avoid When Suffering From Psoriasis
For individuals with psoriasis, choosing the right soap is crucial to prevent exacerbating symptoms and maintain skin health. There are 5 types of soaps you will want to avoid.
- Fragrance-Filled Soaps: Fragrances are commonly added to soaps to enhance their appeal. However, these fragrances often contain chemicals and additives that can irritate sensitive skin, triggering flare-ups in people with psoriasis. Opting for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic soaps can help reduce the risk of irritation and minimize skin reactions.
- Antibacterial Soaps: While antibacterial soaps are marketed for their ability to kill bacteria and germs, they often contain harsh ingredients like triclosan and alcohol, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its delicate balance. For individuals with psoriasis, this can lead to dryness, itching, and inflammation, worsening their condition. Instead, choose gentle, moisturizing soaps that cleanse without causing excessive dryness.
- Exfoliating Soaps: Exfoliating soaps typically contain abrasive particles or chemicals that help slough off dead skin cells. While exfoliation is beneficial for many skin types, it can be too harsh for those with psoriasis. Scrubbing the skin vigorously can cause irritation, micro-tears, and inflammation, exacerbating psoriasis symptoms and increasing the risk of infection. It’s best to avoid exfoliating soaps and opt for gentle cleansing alternatives instead.
- Alkaline Soaps: Soaps with high pH levels, also known as alkaline soaps, can disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation. Psoriasis-prone skin is already more susceptible to irritation and inflammation, making alkaline soaps particularly problematic. Choosing pH-balanced or neutral soaps can help maintain the skin’s natural acidity, which is essential for its health and protection.
- Sulfate-Based Soaps: Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are common foaming agents found in many soaps and cleansers. While they effectively remove dirt and oil, sulfates can also strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and vulnerable. For individuals with psoriasis, this can exacerbate symptoms and compromise skin barrier function. Opting for sulfate-free or mild cleansers can help minimize irritation and maintain skin hydration.
Selecting the right soap is essential for individuals with psoriasis to manage their condition effectively. Avoiding fragranced, antibacterial, exfoliating, alkaline, and sulfate-based soaps can help prevent irritation, inflammation, and flare-ups, promoting healthier, more comfortable skin. Consulting with a dermatologist can provide personalized recommendations based on individual skin needs and preferences. By choosing gentle, non-irritating cleansers, individuals with psoriasis can support their skin’s health and overall well-being.