Finding the makeup and skincare products that work for you is hard enough but it becomes even more difficult when psoriasis is involved. The autoimmune condition, which affects 2% of people in the UK, varies from individual to individual, and can change with diet, stress levels, and weather.
Generally, the things to avoid putting on your skin include products with parabens, sulphates, and mineral oils – basically, anything that might make already sore and itchy skin even worse. Sometimes, going full-force with chemicals can really help – steroids or topical retinoid can clear up red and patchy sensitive skin.
If you suffer from psoriasis, choosing the makeup and skincare for you is a long journey – it’s a chronic disease that sees periods of calm before bouts of flare-ups, so what works one week might be unsuitable the next.
We spoke to Holly Dillon of Get Your Skin Out, a campaign that aims to raise awareness around the condition through open dialogue, events, and story-sharing, and now we’ve rounded up our favourite products to try if your skin just isn't cooperating.
Remember: psoriasis is a medical condition, currently without a known cure, that affects people differently, so there can never be one definitive product that is beneficial for everyone.
Industry favourite Sunday Riley includes tonnes of lovely ingredients in its products. This cleanser has cocoa butter, beeswax and chamomile to help soothe irritated, dry, flaky skin. The vanilla and tangerine oils will make your bathroom smell spa-like.
Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm, £46, available at Space.NK
This moisturising two-in-one foundation and concealer from Clinique is perfect for those extra-red days. It comes in a wide range of shades, is lightweight without just lying on top of skin, and pigmented enough to give high-density coverage.
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer, £25, available at Clinique
This much-loved classic is great for looking after dry and itchy scalps, and specifically targets at psoriasis.
Dermal Laboratories Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo, £9, available at Amazon
Weleda's facial oil is really gentle, with almond oil to soothe irritation and reduce overall sensitivity. Mix a few drops with your cleanser before bed for a hydrating fix.
Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Oil, £17.95, available at Weleda
Murad's three-step Redness Therapy Recovery Treatment series makes a real difference to angry skin. It uses azelaic acid to hydrate and zinc oxide and peppermint lead extract to cool and soothe while reducing the stinging of red patches.
Murad Redness Therapy Recovery Treatment Gel, £49.50, available at Look Fantastic
We cannot praise this concealer highly enough. It gives the best coverage, hiding scarring, under-eye darkness and redness, and the texture is so soft that it blends in naturally, rather than flaking by midday. It also comes in a great selection of shades.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, £23, available at Space.NK
A go-to for our meals and our skin, coconut oil is affordable, natural, and the hardest worker in our beauty arsenal. Psoriasis campaigner Lianne Hunter told us: "I use coconut oil for moisturising my body, parts of my scalp and removing makeup. It keeps my scales soft and isn't as harsh as other makeup removers on my skin."
Lucy Bee Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, £9, available at Amazon
Believe the hype around The Ordinary's products. Super-affordable, based on science, and rich in chemicals (of the good variety), the brand has a fast-growing and loyal customer base. The Buffet feels like food for the face, and adds a bit of slip to skin that can sometimes feel scaly.
The Ordinary Buffet Serum, £12.70, available at Love Makeup
Maria Nila's 100% vegan and cruelty-free shampoo and conditioner smell divine, are sulphate- and paraben-free, and have a guard complex for coloured hair. Try the anti-inflammatory mask for a weekly treat, too.
Maria Nila Head and Hair Heal Shampoo and Conditioner set, £54.95, available at Amazon
This multitasking genius can be used to highlight the Cupid's bow, eyebrow arches and the top of cheekbones. It doesn't look as bronze when applied, so it suits all skin tones, and includes coconut oil, beeswax, rosemary and cocoa to nourish skin rather than irritate.
RMS Beauty Master Mixer, £30, available at Cult Beauty
This luxe mask is made with antibacterial, skin-healing honey. It will leave you with ultra-soft skin, smells gorgeous – and the packaging won't look bad on your bathroom shelf, either.
Tata Harper Honey Blossom Mask, £57, available at Cult Beauty
Lush's cult cleanser is a hit among those with oily, blemished, and sensitive skin. Almond oil, rosewater, beeswax and honey calm inflamed skin, and the balmy texture is a welcome relief for faces beaten by harsher products.
Lush Ultrabland Cleanser, £7.95, available at Lush
This one is an investment: a little goes a long way. Containing 20% vitamin C, the drops brighten and even out skin tone, while the Omega-3 and Omega-6 create a barrier between sensitive skin and nasty environmental damage.
Zelens Power C High Potency Vitamin C Treatment Drops, £125, available at Zelens
French brand Indemne was founded in 2013, and has just launched in the UK. Founder Christine Simon began making the skincare range due to personal battles with eczema and psoriasis, so you can count on 100% natural ingredients. This lotion relieves and heals itchy skin, while creating a protective barrier.
Indemne Gimme Soothing! Anti-Irritating Lotion, £19, available at Indemne.
Alternatively, you can try LED treatment. Founder of Pfeffer Sal, Andrea Pfeffer, told us, "We have Dermalux LED Machines, an LED phototherapy technology which is non-invasive and promotes skin health, accelerates cell renewal, and can help to resolve problematic skin conditions including Psoriasis." According to Pfeffer, "the Tri-Wave light is much safer than the traditional UV phototherapy (which has been linked to skin cancer) and has been clinically proven to reduce plaque psoriasis."
Go Under the Light, £50 per session or £500 for a course of 12, Pfeffer Sal.
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