Discover the top 10 oils praised for their anti-inflammatory, healing, and moisturizing properties, alongside their antimicrobial benefits. Learn about essential precautions such as patch testing and dilution, while also understanding the value of combining modern medicine with Ayurveda for comprehensive psoriasis care.
In this engaging blog post, readers are invited to explore the world of natural oils in managing psoriasis. Discover the top 10 oils praised for their anti-inflammatory, healing, and moisturizing properties, alongside their antimicrobial benefits. Learn about essential precautions such as patch testing and dilution, while also understanding the value of combining modern medicine with Ayurveda for comprehensive psoriasis care.
Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition characterized by its manifestation as red, itchy, and scaly skin patches, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. With the ongoing treatments that you are on, availing yourself of natural remedies is always a bonus to expedite healing and reduce discomfort.
With their unique properties, natural oils have emerged as a complementary approach for some seeking relief. However, every individual’s journey with psoriasis is different. So, discussing what’s ideal for your skin before regularly using any of the essential or natural oils we will highlight in this guide is highly recommended.
This article explores 10 natural oils with potential benefits for psoriasis and the scientific reasoning behind their use.
Understanding Psoriasis and How Natural Oils Can Help
Psoriasis is a complex condition triggered by an overactive immune system. This leads to rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in the characteristic plaques. Various factors, including stress, weather changes, and certain medications, can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.
The use of natural oils for psoriasis can provide relief by:
Reducing inflammation
Most patients struggling with psoriatic symptoms experience inflammation and discomfort in their skin. Certain natural oils possess anti-inflammatory properties that have proven benefits in soothing irritated and inflamed psoriatic plaques.
Promoting healing
Struggling with psoriasis usually leads to the stark appearance of red, itchy, and irritated skin. Certain natural oils may accelerate skin healing and regeneration, thereby reducing the prominence of the symptoms on the skin.
Moisturizing the skin
Dryness can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Oils with moisturizing properties can help keep the skin hydrated and supple. Hence, timely and regulated application of the correct kind of natural oils on the skin of a psoriatic patient can promote quicker healing and better management of the symptoms.
Providing antimicrobial benefits
In some instances, the lesions and breakage of the skin due to psoriatic plaques often lead to skin infection. Some natural oils have antimicrobial properties, which may prevent these risks of infections, thereby preventing further aggravation of the symptoms.
Important note:
While these potential benefits exist, it’s essential to remember that natural oils do not replace conventional psoriasis treatment. This is one of the reasons we encourage our patients at Kayakalp Global to have open discussions with our specialists to ideate the best treatment route for them, including moderate use of natural oils for managing the symptoms of psoriasis.
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The Power of 10 Natural Oils for Psoriasis
Now that you have a comprehensive idea of how natural oils can benefit psoriasis, we can discuss and highlight the best oils for psoriasis.
We have sorted out the top 10 natural oils worth paying attention to:
1. Tea Tree Oil
One of the most prominent symptoms of psoriasis is the visible plaques that occur due to the overactive immune system. These plaques are also at risk of getting inflamed and appearing more irritated on the skin.
Tea tree oil, primarily known for its has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce inflammation and redness. Given that the use of this natural oil is quite common for treating other inflammation-related skin disorders like acne, it might have promising benefits for psoriasis, too.
However, due to its potency, tea tree oil needs to be diluted with some kind of carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before topical application to psoriasis lesions.
2. Olive Oil
The use and benefits of olive oil traverse multiple realms outside of cooking. Olive oil also boasts potential benefits for psoriasis. Its rich content in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, may contribute to skin moisturization and barrier function.
Given that psoriatic patients often struggle with dryness, redness, and irritation on the skin, applying olive oil can improve skin hydration and elasticity, helping manage the symptoms better.
3. Coconut Oil
When it comes to discussing the the best natural oils for psoriasis, it makes sense that coconut oil would make it to the top three. It is known for its emollient nature, which is moisturizing and antibacterial.
Its high concentration of medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, provides excellent hydration for dry, inflamed skin in psoriasis. Additionally, coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory effects may help alleviate itching and redness associated with psoriatic plaques.
Given its easy accessibility and affordability, coconut oil is often considered one of the best natural oils for psoriasis.
4. Lavender Oil
This can be a bit controversial, and, to be fair, there aren’t enough studies to confirm the efficacy of lavender oil in treating psoriasis symptoms. This essential oil is particularly known for its calming aroma and therapeutic properties, but does it actually help with psoriasis?
Lavender oil is enriched with linalool and linalyl acetate, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These help manage flare-ups and discomfort and often reduce the pain associated with symptoms. They also significantly reduce itching.
Moreover, its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress may indirectly improve psoriasis symptoms, as stress is a known trigger for flare-ups.
5. Geranium Oil
Extracted from the Pelargonium species, geranium oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which again promise to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.
Its ability to help to regulate and balance the sebum production and to promote skin regeneration makes it suitable for managing psoriasis symptoms, particularly in cases where excessive dryness or oiliness is present.
Geranium oil also contains high levels of citronellol and geraniol, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can potentially reduce redness and irritation, which is quite common in psoriatic lesions.
6. Peppermint Oil
When you think of peppermint oil, you are immediately reeled to candies, a cool and calm vibe, and the chewing gums. However, beyond those shared realms, peppermint oil is often used to treat various skin disorders, including psoriasis.
Its main active compound, menthol, possesses analgesic and anti-itch properties, relieving itching and discomfort associated with psoriasis. The antimicrobial nature of this essential oil has been found to be beneficial in preventing secondary infections, which are common in psoriatic lesions.
However, it is a powerful essential oil. So, before you apply it, mix it with some carrier oil and then do a patch test before applying it to the lesions.
7. Bergamot Oil
It is extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange and is known for possessing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Again, given the rarity of this particular natural oil, there is very limited research on its use in treating psoriasis symptoms.
Bergamot oil is enriched with active compounds like limonene and linalool. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, which can be beneficial for soothing inflamed skin and preventing infections in psoriasis.
One quick tip about bergamot oil is that it is phototoxic. So, if you are planning on stepping out of your home, it is ideal that you avoid applying bergamot oil to the skin since sun exposure can worsen things.
8. Argan Oil
Next on the list of the best essential oils for psoriasis is argan oil. It is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E and is known for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties. Studies indicate that the topical application of argan oil improves skin hydration and elasticity.
If your psoriasis symptoms are worsening and flare-ups are becoming more frequent, adding argan oil as part of your healing journey with psoriasis can eventually make the symptoms better.
Also, the high concentration of linoleic acid promotes skin repair and regeneration, which explains why it is such a great choice for managing psoriasis symptoms.
9. Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is hands down one of the least talked about natural oils. It has a plethora of benefits for the skin. It has been used for centuries and is known for its therapeutic properties.
Rich in thymoquinone, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, black seed oil exhibits immunomodulatory effects that may help regulate the immune response in psoriasis. Furthermore, it has antimicrobial properties, which eliminate the risks of infections common in patients suffering from psoriasis.
We must remember that research concerning the use of black seed oil in psoriasis is limited. So, we recommend that you discuss your ideal treatment route with specialists at Kayakalp Global before proceeding.
10. Rose Oil
Last but not the least on the list of the best natural oils for psoriasis is rose oil. It is known for its intoxicating fragrance and skincare benefits, mainly because it contains vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
While rose water is very popular in the skincare niche, rose oil often takes a backseat. It has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are vital when managing psoriasis symptoms.
Timely application of rose oil can soothe dry, inflamed, and irritated skin in psoriasis. It also improves skin texture and promotes cell regeneration, which is beneficial for symptom relief.
Related Blog – Psoriasis Mein Kya Khaana Chaiye Aur Kya Nahi
Essential Precautions When Using Natural Oils for Psoriasis
Due to the nature of essential oils and their potency, certain precautions should be taken when applying them to your skin.
- Ensure that you conduct a patch test by taking some oil and applying it on the inner forearm and waiting for one or two days to see if your skin reacts adversely to the oil. If it does, it’s ideal to skip using it.
- Essential oils are concentrated and very potent, which can irritate the skin and worsen psoriasis symptoms. Hence, dilute them using some kind of carrier oil.
- Some essential oils, like bergamot oil, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure after application, and consult your dermatologist for guidance.
Note: We have to reiterate that using natural oils for psoriasis is never a replacement for the ongoing medical treatment you are undergoing. If you are struggling with psoriasis and aren’t on a treatment plan, we encourage you to contact our team at Kayakalp Global and schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.
Conclusion
Natural oils show potential in managing psoriasis symptoms; however, it’s imperative to exercise caution and seek adequate information before incorporating them into long-term use. At Kayakalp Global, our specialists advocate for an integrated approach to psoriasis treatment, combining modern medicine and Ayurveda. If you’re contemplating the use of natural oils like Psorcure Oil of Kayakalp to relieve symptoms, we’re here to guide you through this process.
