How to Avoid Skin Care Scams When You Live with Psoriasis

Navigating an industry built on false hope and magical “cure-alls” can be challenging when you’re seeking chronic condition support.

As someone who has lived with psoriasis for most of my life, I have come to strongly believe that we’re navigating an industry built on false hope. By this, I mean there are brands out there taking advantage of the fact that people who live with chronic conditions will often try almost anything and pay nearly any price to relieve their symptoms.

Studies have shown that skin care companies will promote unproven, vague, or even entirely false, claims about products to attract consumers.

They recognized an opportunity and have run with it. They promise “cures” to the incurable.

Over the years, I have spent thousands on an ever-growing collection of creams, lotions, and potions that lay, barely used, accumulating dust on my bathroom shelves. None of them delivered on the promises written on their bottles.

So now, there are certain rules I follow when purchasing.

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6 tips for psoriasis skin care shopping

1. Beware of buzzword packaging

In any pharmacy or supermarket, you’ll likely find rows upon rows of products specifically targeting people with psoriasis. For me, seeing “psoriasis” written in bold text across the packaging is a red flag.

Personally, I’ve never found relief from using any of these products that have “psoriasis” as a buzzword on the package.

Instead, opt for products that explain why they’re suitable for those with psoriasis elsewhere on the bottle, in the smaller print.

There’s just something more honest about it, and in my experience, these products tend to be more effective.

2. Look at the ingredients

I love discovering products that have a positive effect on psoriasis but are not specifically trying to lure in the psoriasis community.

The difference usually comes down to the ingredients. Look for products with ingredients that address the specific concerns you’re experiencing.

I often ask myself, “What symptoms am I trying to alleviate?”

If built-up, thick scales are your main concern, look for products that contain urea. Urea has both moisturizing and keratolytic (peeling) properties. I’ve found it can help break down scales while also hydrating skin.

Concentrations of up to 10% urea have a moisturizing effect, and those with over 10% also have a keratolytic effect. The higher the percentage, the greater the peeling action.

If burning or heat is your main concern, consider products that include aloe vera, menthol, or panthenol to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation. In my experience, a little goes a long way when it comes to menthol. A small amount offers me an intense cooling sensation.

Panthenol can be especially good for relieving the burning sensation experienced with inverse psoriasis. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid may also help boost hydration.

If your main concern is dryness or itchiness, I suggest products with oats, vitamin E, and lanolin. For centuries, oats have been used to relieve both itchiness and dryness. Personally, I find oat-based products to be the gentlest on my skin.

Essentially, skin irritation stems from the disruption of the skin’s barrier. Vitamin E can help hydrate and add moisture back into the skin. Lanolin repairs, protects, and builds upon that barrier by locking in moisture — though it can cause skin irritation for some people.

If you experience cracks or breaks in the skin, try products containing shea butter, calendula, or honey. These are known to assist in healing and repairing the skin.

Topical corticosteroids may also help reduce the intensity of scales. Using a petroleum-based product around the area may also help protect the cracks as they heal.

For scalp psoriasis, some shampoos have coal tar to help reduce the rapid growth of scalp skin cells.

3. Size matters

When choosing a product, I consider which part of my body I’m going to use the product on and how frequently.

Often, products come in quantities too small for the area you need them to cover. For instance, if you need a full-body moisturizer that you’ll be applying multiple times a day, you’ll need quite a lot of it.

If you find a product that comes in a small size at a high price (especially if it’s marketed for use on a large area or applied often), I would question it.

Look for products that come in a size that makes sense for their intended purpose and required dosage.

4. Is the price right?

I don’t buy into the notion that more expensive means more effective. While this might not always be the case, I’ve noticed that products specifically targeted to people with psoriasis tend to come at a higher price than other products in the aisles surrounding them.

Of course, many factors contribute to price, like the size of the manufacturing company, where the product is made, and what ingredients are in it.

Still, I always ask myself, “Based on what I know about the company and the product, does the price make sense?”

5. Consider who made it and why

Read up on the brand, its story, and the research behind the product. There’s always an “about us” or “our story” section on a brand’s website that can offer some insight into the background of the product. This context can help you determine the brand’s intentions.

I find that knowing the brand better and understanding the thought process behind a product can create a sense of trust.

Generally, I’m skeptical when I see products aimed at the psoriasis community made by a big brand. I am far more likely to trust smaller brands.

Many brands I trust are run by fellow psoriasis warriors. I often feel like only those who live with the condition can truly understand what it’s like to live with it.

One example is Lanolia, which is run by a mother-daughter duo, Shirley and Karin, who both live with psoriasis. All of their products are made using natural, botanical ingredients. Shirley, an herbalist, handpicks the products from their family-run farm in Kenmare, Ireland.

Lanolia was founded out of a desire to help people, like themselves, to effectively care for their skin.

6. Ask for samples

The mistake I made for years was buying before testing. Ask for samples; there’s no shame in it.

The last thing you want is to invest in an expensive product only to realize it doesn’t agree with your skin. At that point, it’s too late to return it and you’ll have wasted your money.

The takeaway

Over the years, I’ve often purchased products on impulse. I bought any product recommended to me or marketed toward those with psoriasis without questioning its suitability.

You live, and you learn. Listen to your body and pay attention to what it’s telling you. Take note of its likes and dislikes and what it reacts well to.

Ask yourself, “What symptom do I want to treat, and what result am I hoping to see from using this product?”

Before you buy, consider why you’re buying a product. Will it address your needs? Or are you just buying it because the label says it’s for psoriasis?

It can be a good idea to discuss any treatment changes or questions with a primary care professional or dermatologist. They can tell you the most up-to-date research around effective and safe skin care products geared toward managing psoriasis.