Why Harsh Chemicals Make Psoriasis Worse (and Natural Oils Do Not)

If you live with psoriasis, you already know how unpredictable the condition can be. One small trigger can lead to patchy flare ups, intense itching, redness or day and night of discomfort. What many people do not know is that the skincare they are using every day might be silently making their psoriasis condition worse and worser. Even products that claim to be suitable for sensitive skin can cause irritation if the ingredients are not barrier friendly. Yes!

This blog explains what makes psoriasis worse, how certain chemicals irritate psoriasis, and why natural oils are usually a better choice when it comes to psoriasis skincare.

What Makes Psoriasis Worse

Psoriasis is linked to chronic inflammation and a sensitive skin barrier. (1) Some everyday habits and products can trigger or worsen a flare up. Here are some common triggers and why they affect the skin.

For many of you, the biggest trigger is often your own skincare routine — without you even realizing it.

Chemicals That Irritate Psoriasis

When choosing psoriasis skincare, it is important to avoid ingredients that are known to irritate the skin and weaken the barrier. These are the most common chemicals that irritate psoriasis.

1. Fragrance or Perfume

Whether it is natural or synthetic, fragrance is a top irritant for psoriasis prone skin. Even small amounts can lead to burning, redness or itching.

2. Sulphates such as SLS and SLES

These foaming agents are commonly found in body washes, shampoos and cleansers. They remove essential moisture and make skin more sensitive. SO go for soap free cleansers like coconut based surfactant containing cleanser 

3. Parabens

Preservatives that can cause irritation for people with compromised skin barriers.

4. Alcohol Based Gels and Toners

They dry the skin quickly and make scaling, cracking and soreness worse.

5. Harsh Exfoliating Acids

Strong AHA or BHA acids and gritty scrubs can cause micro tears. This often leads to sudden flare ups.

6. Coal Tar (with frequent use)

Although used in medical ointments, long term use can make the skin sensitive for some people. (3)

If an ingredient causes stinging or tightness, it is usually not suitable for psoriasis.

How Harsh Chemicals Damage Psoriasis Prone Skin

Psoriasis skin already has a fragile barrier. Harsh ingredients cause the following:

• Increased water loss which leads to more scales and cracks
• Micro irritation that heightens the immune response
• A weakened barrier that becomes reactive to weather and allergens

Over time, the skin becomes more vulnerable and flare ups become frequent. Healing the skin barrier is the most important step in psoriasis care.

Why Natural Oils Work Better

Natural oils are gentle, barrier friendly and support skin that is irritated or inflamed. They do not strip moisture. Instead they nourish and protect the skin, which is exactly what psoriasis prone skin needs.

Some skin loving oils for psoriasis skincare

These oils support the barrier while easing dryness and itching. They do not cure psoriasis but make the skin more comfortable and less reactive.

Simple Psoriasis Friendly Skincare Routine ( create infographic also)

A gentle routine is more effective than a long routine. Here is a simple daily plan.

Morning

1. Use a mild sulphate free cleanser
2. Apply a barrier strengthening moisturiser with natural oils
3. Use a fragrance free mineral sunscreen of SPF 30 and above

Night

1. Wash with lukewarm water or a gentle cleanser
2. Apply a soothing moisturiser with natural oils
3. Use a calming salve or balm on active patches

Apply moisturiser within three minutes after bathing. This helps lock in moisture and prevents tightness.

Do's and Don'ts for Psoriasis Skincare

Do

• Choose fragrance free products
• Patch test any new product
• Use soft cotton towels
• Keep showers short and use lukewarm water

Do Not

• Use scrubs or exfoliators on psoriasis patches
• Use too many new products at once
• Peel or pick flakes as it worsens scaling

Barrier Safe Skincare for Psoriasis

Many over the counter skincare products contain fragrance, sulphates, parabens or alcohol. These are common triggers for people with psoriasis. The Good Hygiene Company(TGHC) focuses on dermatologist guided formulations that avoid these irritants and support the skin barrier.

TGHC formulations are created with sensitive skin in mind. The focus is on gentle, fragrance free, sulphate free and paraben free products that suit people who experience recurring irritation. Ingredients such as calendula, oat, chamomile, ceramides and nourishing plant oils are used to comfort and protect the skin. If someone has an allergy, formulations can be customised so the skin stays calm and safe.

This approach helps users build a psoriasis friendly routine without worrying about hidden irritants.

Let us answer few doubts

1. What skincare products make my psoriasis worse

Products with fragrance, sulphates, parabens, alcohol, harsh exfoliants or foaming agents can worsen psoriasis. Anything that dries your skin or damages the barrier often triggers redness and scaling.

2. Why do chemicals make my psoriasis worse

Psoriasis skin has a weak barrier. Harsh chemicals damage the barrier further. This increases inflammation, dryness and itching which leads to flare ups.

3. Is fragrance really bad for my psoriasis

Yes. Fragrance is a top irritant for psoriasis prone skin. Even if the label says mild or natural fragrance, it can still cause stinging, burning or redness.

4. Can natural oils actually help my psoriasis

Natural oils can support the skin by moisturising and calming irritation. They do not cure psoriasis but they help reduce dryness and make the skin more comfortable.

5. Which ingredients should I avoid if I have psoriasis

Avoid fragrance, SLS, SLES, alcohol based products, parabens and strong AHA or BHA exfoliants. These are chemicals that irritate psoriasis and can trigger flare ups.

6. What skincare routine should I follow if I have psoriasis

Keep it simple. Use a mild cleanser, a barrier repairing moisturiser and a mineral sunscreen in the morning. Use a soothing moisturiser and calming balm at night.

7. Should I exfoliate my psoriasis

Avoid exfoliating active psoriasis patches. It can make the skin sore and increase flare ups. Softening the scales with oils and moisturiser is safer.

8. Is coconut oil or jojoba oil better for my psoriasis

Both offer benefits. Coconut oil suits very dry and flaky skin. Jojoba oil is closest to natural skin oils and suits sensitive or reactive skin. If unsure, begin with jojoba oil.

9. Can natural oils cure my psoriasis completely

No. Psoriasis is an immune related condition. Natural oils help relieve discomfort and reduce dryness but they do not cure psoriasis.

10. Why does my skin sting when I apply moisturiser

It usually means the product has fragrance, alcohol or actives that irritate your skin. It can also be a sign of a damaged barrier. Choose fragrance free and barrier focused moisturisers.

Conclusion

Managing psoriasis is not only about treating flare ups. It is about protecting your skin barrier every day. Harsh chemicals often worsen the condition. Natural oils and gentle, fragrance free skincare help keep the skin calm and nourished. With the right routine and products that respect sensitive skin, flare ups become easier to manage and the skin feels more comfortable.

References:

1. Psoriasis genetics: breaking the barrier - 2011 Sep - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2957827/#:~:text=Abstract,the%20epidermis%20predispose%20to%20disease. 

2. Psoriasis as a Systemic Disease - 2024 Jul - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11635804/#:~:text=Triggers%20of%20psoriatic%20disease,salts%2C%20and%20immune%20checkpoint%20inhibitors. 

3. Use of Topical Coal Tar Foam for the Treatment of Psoriasis in Difficult-to-treat Areas - 2010 Sep - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2945847/#:~:text=15,16