Risks When Using Essential Oils For Psoriasis
Although essential oils can be helpful for the treatment of psoriasis, it is important to research each essential oil before using it in your treatment plan. This is because each may have unique interactions or precautions to consider.
It is important to use caution when applying essential oils on the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin. It is a good idea to test a small area of your skin to determine whether you are sensitive or allergic before using essential oils on a larger area of skin.
Also, in general, essential oils are not recommended for breastfeeding or pregnant women. At the same time, it is a good idea to consult a health practitioner familiar with essential oils and how to use them.
Vitamin C Against Psoriasis
Antioxidants can be a powerful adjunct to the complex treatment of psoriasis. They are able to prevent skin damage associated with oxidative stress. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which is a good antioxidant, and may also be useful for treating psoriasis. This vitamin helps strengthen the bodys immune system. It shields the body against viruses, infections, toxins, as well as other diseases that cause psoriasis on the body and scalp.
In addition, it helps the production of collagen and helps maintain skin health. Because Vitamin C reinforces the blood capillaries, it helps to speed up the recovery, moisturizes the skin, and also reduces the risk of pain and inflammation of the joints associated with psoriatic arthritis. In addition, vitamin C can relieve itching and bleeding in scalp psoriasis.
This vitamin is obtainable directly from foods, as well as special food additives. Foods rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and berries.
Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits
- It has a high biological activity.
- It has antibacterial properties, so it is good to use sea-buckthorn oil with festering, long non-healing wounds, with any problems with the skin these properties also help in psoriasis treatment.
- It has analgesic properties.
- It is excellent in using oil for hair and psoriasis treatment. Sea-buckthorn oil accelerates the growth of hair. It is also recommended to use sea-buckthorn oil to get rid of dandruff.
- It protects skin from harmful UV rays.
- It is suitable for already aging, sluggish and wrinkled skin. It improves the tone, firmness and elasticity of flabby skin, and helps to smooth out existing shallow wrinkles on the face.
In particular, sea-buckthorn oil is recommended for dry skin, often suffering from rough and peeling. With excellent emollient, moisturizing and nourishing effect oil also prevents the first signs of skin aging and the formation of early wrinkles.
Sea-buckthorn oil is also effective in impaired skin pigmentation. For example, it can significantly lighten freckles and other different pigmented spots.
Besides, facial sea-buckthorn oil can be used as an external agent for the treatment of skin injuries and many skin diseases , including acne.
In addition, sea-buckthorn oil can be used in the care of the lips, the skin around the eyes, as well as to strengthen and nourish eyelashes.
You May Like: Best Way To Get Rid Of Plaque Psoriasis
Best Oils For Scalp Psoriasis
To get the most benefit from a psoriasis scalp oil it is often recommended that you apply it at night before you go to bed so it stays on your scalp for the maximum amount of time. During the night the oil will have time to soften and loosen the scaly build up from your scalp. Remember that a little bit goes a long way. You dont need to cover your hair in oil. A psoriasis scalp oil is designed for your scalp not your hair. Applying the oil from a bottle with a spout tip will allow you to apply the oil directly to the scalp without getting much on your hair. In the morning you should shampoo the oil out with a quality psoriasis shampoo. Some individuals who have psoriasis scalp scaling may benefit from gently massaging the scalp in the area of the scaly build up. Be sure not to scratch, scrape or rip the scales off your skin because this will irritate your scalp more. After shampooing take a fine tooth comb and run it through your hair to remove any scales that may have come loose. After drying your hair you should apply a psoriasis cream to the scalp using your fingertips.
Vitamin E Scalp Treatment For Dermatitis & Dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause a dry, red, and itchy scalp. Dandruff is a symptom associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes dry scalp and dandruff are confused.
Dandruff is caused by the scalps overaction to Malassezia and may be aggravated by a process called oxidative stress. So, how can vitamin E oil help an itchy and inflamed scalp caused by dermatitis?
Anti-inflammatory Properties
A study published by Wiley Online found that vitamin E significantly reduced the symptoms of dermatitis, and completely cleared it in some cases. Vitamin E may have helped to improve the bodys immune response thereby reducing inflammation in the skin. Researchers also found that wounds on the skin healed quicker than usual.
Hydrating Properties
When Vitamin E is applied topically, it can penetrate both the dermis and the epidermis. Vitamin E is one of the few lipophilic vitamins .
A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found vitamin E was more moisturizing to the skin than some other topical formulations . So, vitamin E could be the perfect antidote for a dry and tight scalp.
Treatment Suggestions
When we suffer from dandruff, our scalp tends to overproduce oil . As such, avoid leave-in vitamin E oil treatments because these might make the scalp too greasy.
Instead, try an intensive, wash-out scalp treatment:
Read Also: Light Therapy For Psoriasis Cost
The Mental Burden Of Skin Flakes In Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
You dont need a medical study to tell you that scaling and flaking is bothersome, but the evidence exists nonetheless: 65 percent of patients rank flaking, peeling, and shedding on their body as one of the top three most distressing symptoms they experience, per research published in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
The problem with any skin disease is that its on the outside. You have to deal with how the world is interacting with you and your skin disease. It can cause a lot of pain and suffering, says Amy Wechsler, MD, who is board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry and author of the book The Mind-Beauty Connection. For instance, if psoriasis flakes are on your hands, you may be worried about shaking hands in work or social settings to say hello.
The challenge then becomes controlling and responding to flares, cleaning up flakes, and explaining them to friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Generally, the more widespread the disease, or the more difficult it is to cover up, the greater the effect it has on quality of life, says Dr. Bressack.
How Does Hemp Oil Help With Scalp Psoriasis
Hemp oil helps with scalp psoriasis by boosting your immune system. The omega fatty acids in hemp oil are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive. As a result, hemp oil can stop the immune response of scalp psoriasis, slowing down the thickening and scarring of the scalp.
Hemp oil is a unique treatment because it can be used directly on the skin or as a supplement. Placing the oil on the skin will allow the omega fatty acids to moisturize and fill cracks and scratches. As a supplement, the anti-inflammatory fatty acids work on the inside strengthening the immune system.
Since its all about boosting your immune system, inside and out, you can also use hemp oil with other ingredients. For example, apple cider vinegar works with hemp oil in an immune-boosting energy shot.
Hemp oil nutrients help maintain the hair and scalp naturally. Vitamin E helps hair grow and moisturizes the scalp. While Vitamins D and A, in hemp oil, help slow skin cell growth. These vitamins take care of day to day hair maintenance while protecting the scalp from any skincare issues.
Massaging hemp oil into your scalp daily helps with circulation. The circulation works to reduce psoriasis flare-up. A massage also helps loosen the skin on your scalp and regulates rapid skin cell growth.
A gentle daily massage helps you continue to grow hair. Remember not to be too rough on your sensitive scalp or you could cause unnecessary hair loss.
Recommended Reading: Does Psoriasis Cause Hair To Fall Out
Geranium Oil For Psoriasis
Geranium oil can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and even work to relieve stress. It also promotes the growth and regeneration of healthy cells.
Dilute this oil well. You may experience minor side effects when applying this diluted oil to the skin. You should always do a patch test before application of any essential oil. Geranium oil commonly causes allergic or other skin reactions.
Geranium oil is known to slow or stop blood flow. Use caution if you have high blood pressure or youre at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
For skin issues ranging from acne to dermatitis, you can try mixing up to five drops of geranium oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply this mixture to affected areas twice daily until you see improvement.
How Can Hemp Oil Boost Your Immune System To Fight Psoriasis
Hemp oil can boost the immune system to fight psoriasis through omega-3 fatty acids. The healthy fats found in hemp seed oil reduce inflammation and promote a healthy immune response. Hemp oil reduces inflammation by stopping the build-up of skin cells.
The build-up of cells is what causes the flares in psoriasis. So if you can stop the build-up of cells, you stop flare-ups from occurring. Taking hemp oil then becomes a preventative measure for future flare-ups.
Information about psoriasis and hemp oil is new. Most studies done have included CBD products or marijuana. One study found cannabis to be useful for boosting the immune system, but it did not cover hemp oil alone.
What we do know is that hemp oil is anti-inflammatory and can manage pain. When it comes to inflammatory skin conditions the perfect ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids play a big role in boosting your immune system and fighting psoriasis.
Recommended Reading: What Do You Do For Psoriasis
What Are The Symptoms Of A Vitamin E Deficiency
Experts say, on an average, the vitamin E level in our body should range between 5.5 mg and 17 mg per litre. A vitamin E deficiency can affect both children and adults, damaging, among other things, skin and hair. It’s an essential antioxidant for our body. A vitamin E deficiency can result in oxidative stress that can lead to weak muscles. Such a deficiency can also wreak havoc on our immune system. The vitamin deficiency can also result from diseases such as celiac disease and cystic fibrosis.
What Are The Benefits Of Oil For Hair
Oils have been used for centuries, particularly in the Ayurvedic tradition, to improve scalp and hair health. This is one of the reasons were focusing on topical forms of vitamin E. So, besides being affordable and natural, why do oils make such good hair treatments?
- Oils can add a lustrous shine to the hair, so it looks healthier
- Oils lubricate the scalp, offering relief from dry and itchy skin
- Oils also lubricate the hair strands, allowing you to detangle hair without causing breakage
- They can seal down the hairs cuticle, preventing frizz and moisture loss from the hair shaft
- The fatty acids in oils help replace lipids, making the hair stronger
- Many oils have heat protective properties, so reduce the damage from UVA/UVB rays, flat irons, and curling irons
Given the myriad of health benefits, it makes sense to include oil in your hair regimen. With that in mind, lets explore how to apply oil to the scalp and hair.
Don’t Miss: Psoriasis On Arms And Legs
Q How Can Vitamin E Fight Oxidative Stress
A. Vitamin Es antioxidant properties are known to reduce what is known as oxidative stress and contain free radicals that damage cells in hair follicles thereby causing hair loss. Oxidative stress occurs when theres a mismatch between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to nullify their harmful effects with the help of antioxidants.
Ingredients To Look For In A Psoriasis Scalp Oil
Most psoriasis scalp oils start with a base oil like mineral oil or sweet almond oil. These oils can act as carrier oils and often are designed to lock in moisture on your skin. You will often find vitamins such as Tocopheryl Acetate , Retinol Palmitate and Ascorbyl Palmitate . These vitamins will help your body to produce healthy skin cells. In addition, you should look for various herbal essential oils in a psoriasis scalp oil. These oils are often plant based and could include plants such as marigolds, henna, goldenseal, hops, chamomile and more. The benefit of these oils is to help soften the scaling so it can be more quickly removed from your scalp.
Read Also: Scalp Eczema Vs Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis Skin Flakes: What Are They
Flakes in psoriasis are the dead cells at the outer layer of the skin that are being shed, saysMitchell Bressack, MD, a dermatologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago who specializes in treating psoriasis. The outer layer of the skin normally turns over every 28 days, which means that it takes about a month for the bottom layer of cells to make their way to the top.
In people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, however, the cells at the base of the epidermis multiply more rapidly than normal and they progress from the base of the epidermis to the surface more rapidly than normal, so theres an increase in the number of dead cells being shed from the surface of the skin on a daily basis, Dr. Bressack says. This appears as scales, which can flake off in large pieces.
Argan Oil For Psoriasis
Argan oil is a carrier oil, not an essential oil. Its rich in vitamin E, which is hydrating to the skin. It may also improve your skins metabolism, reduce inflammation, and protect your skin from the sun.
Argan oil may work on psoriasis because its both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. This means that the oil helps to reduce redness, dryness, swelling, and itchiness.
Note that culinary and cosmetic argan oils are not the same thing. You shouldnt ingest cosmetic argan oil. Allergic reactions are rare, and you should discontinue use if you experience discomfort.
Because argan oil isnt an essential oil, it can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with essential oils for a blend of results.
anthelmintic properties . It can help with a range of skin issues, from ones caused by psoriasis to ones caused by parasites.
It helps to soothe any inflammation while also speeding up the skins healing process. Black seed oil is an excellent moisturizer and can even reduce scale thickness.
Black seeds may slow blood clotting and lower blood pressure, so people with clotting disorders, diabetes, or low blood pressure should speak with a doctor before use. Pregnant women should also avoid using black seed oil. Black seed oil may also have a sedative effect.
Black seed oil is a carrier oil. You can apply black seed oil directly to the skin or mix it with an essential oil before application. This method should help soothe itch and moisturize skin.
Recommended Reading: First Line Treatment For Psoriasis
Vitamin E Against Psoriasis
Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that supports our immune system and protects our body against free radicals that can aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis. It can be taken orally or applied topically to the damaged areas. Vitamin E helps strengthen blood vessels, reduces inflammation, improves blood circulation, relieves pain and discomfort of psoriatic lesions. In addition, it promotes the healing of skin damaged by psoriasis.
This vitamin can prevent future outbreaks of psoriasis and reduce the risk of psoriatic arthritis. In a large number of patients with psoriasis the selenium level in the body is reduced, which is a powerful antioxidant. According to a study, the addition of vitamin E to the diet helps to increase the concentration of selenium in people with psoriasis. Since vitamin E and selenium are antioxidants, they also help protect our body from the oxidative stress that usually accompanies psoriasis.
Taking vitamin E in the form of a dietary supplement should be done under the supervision of a physician. Pumpkin seeds and spinach are the most vitamin E-rich foods.
Argan Oil And The Protective Skin Barrier
Argan oil contains an abundance of fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. Linoleic acid, in particular, has been found to help maintain the skins protective barrier and prevent water loss through the skin. This could help improve symptoms of psoriasis, as the disease can result in dry patches of skin.
Read Also: Photos Of Plaque Psoriasis On Scalp
Topical Treatments For Moderate To Severe Scalp Psoriasis
If your symptoms are more severe and the plaques on your scalp are thick, you will probably need prescription treatment. Your GP can recommend a topical treatment containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, or dithranol. Prescription products containing these ingredients include dermovate scalp application, locoid scalp lotion, dithrocream and dovobet gel.
You should use these treatment exactly as directed by your doctor. Make sure that you apply the medicated product directly to the scalp, and not to the hair.
In addition to these medicated treatments, you might also try using emollients on your scalp, as these can help to soften thick plaques. An emollient is a rich moisturiser which can prevent itching and inflammation, and create a protective barrier on the skin, sealing in moisture. One to consider using is grahams natural psoriasis cream, which is made from manuka honey and calendula. Formulated with natural ingredients, this moisturising treatment offers effective relief will helping to normalise the skins structure.
If you are going to use an emollient on your scalp, you should try the following method: