Our skin cells normally take around 21-28 days to flake off and replace themselves. For some people, however, it takes only 2-6 days, due to a genetic condition known as psoriasis. It is believed that this type of skin disorder is triggered by an overly active immune system, causing the skin to flake off faster than it should. Because of this accelerated replacement process, new and dead skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, forming red, flaky patches that are covered with scales.
Keeping the skin moist using creams and lotions can help in mild cases. Doctors usually prescribe certain medications although, in severe cases, the condition can be incurable that treatments would last for a lifetime. To provide much needed relief, many patients use essential oils. The following are some of the best essential oils for psoriasis that you can try:
The Best Essentail Oils For Psoriasis
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Great for:Its antiseptic, skin-smoothing properties.
Helichrysum is antiseptic and antimicrobial, so it is particularly useful in wound care. It helps speed the healing of wounds and cuts, and also minimises bruises.
Its ability to heal damaged skin tissue makes it popular as an ingredient in anti-aging products for skin and hair care. Helichrysum can help prevent wrinkles, as well as heal blemishes. Helichrysum is one of the strongest naturally occurring anti-inflammatories to be found, making it perfect for the natural treatment of psoriasis. You can apply helichrysum essential oil topically after diluting it with carrier oils such as jojoba or sweet almond oil.
Tea Tree Oil
Great for:Preventing breakouts with it’s powerful immune-boosting properties.
Tea tree oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It can help strengthen an immune system that is weakened by stress and illnesses. As psoriasis patients often scratch and cause the patches to bleed, tea tree oil can protect the skin from infection. To use, dilute (at a percentage of 5% tea tree) a few drops of olive oil and rub it onto your patches few times a day. This will relieve the itch and soften psoriasis plaques in mild cases.
Tea tree oil is only a topical treatment and shouldn’t be ingested.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Great for: Preventing infection and soothing itchy skin
Chamomile essential oil can help stimulate white blood cell production and fight infection. It’s great for the skin as it can improve elasticity and heal dry, itchy patches. It is useful for treating blisters, burns, boils, and wounds.
Chamomile is also effective against acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, and psoriasis. To use, mix this essential oil with a carrier oil such as avocado, jojoba or apricot kernel oils. The ideal blend would be 20 drops of chamomile oil for every 5 tablespoons of carrier oil. You can rub it to the affected areas 3 times daily or as needed.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Great for: Moisturizing and softening dry and hard skin
This essential oil has moisturizing property that can help soften the skin. This benefit makes sandalwood a powerful anti-aging product. It also has anti-inflammatory, toning, and astringent properties that are useful for soreness and itching.
It can soothe the effects of acne, eczema and psoriasis. Simply dilute a few drops of it in jojoba oil before applying onto your skin.
Chamomile oil also has a soothing, calming properties, which are great if you’e feeling stressed. adding a few drops to a hot bath before bed can do you the world of good.
As of now, there are no known permanent treatments for psoriasis. The best thing you can do is to follow your doctor’s recommendations and take advantage of the benefits of essential oils for psoriasis provide. This natural approach to treating such skin condition is not only safe, but also effective and deeply relaxing.
