Psoriasis is a skin disease of the immune system in which the skin develops an itchy rash and scaly patches. The condition typically affects the knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk. Common triggers include stress and anxiety, exposure to frigid conditions, and certain underlying infections.
Psoriasis affects a sizable fraction of Singapore’s population. According to findings published in the Singapore Medical Journal, some 40,000 Singaporeans (about 0.7% of the country’s 5.4 million people) suffer from this autoimmune condition.
But while psoriasis can make life unbearable while it lasts, it’s great to know that you can manage the disease using various topical products, including creams.
Below are the five key things to remember while treating psoriasis with creams in Singapore.
1. Diligently Shop for a Psoriasis Cream
There are hundreds of beauty and skincare stores in Singapore where you can purchase a psoriasis cream. But as you might expect, not every shop delivers high-quality products. That underscores the significance of due diligence while scouting for a supplier of psoriasis cream Singapore.
A good place to start is by insisting on reputable skincare brands. You can determine a store’s reputation by checking its duration in business and reviews from its previous customers. Reliable skincare brands tend to be those with a relatively longer industry presence and higher approval ratings.
Altheys Laboratoire is a globally renowned manufacturer of high-end skincare products, including psoriasis creams, shower gels, bath washes, and shampoos. Psoriasis creams by this brand feature all-natural ingredients, making them ideal for different skin types.
While Altheys Laboratoire is based in France and largely operates in Europe, the company also makes its products available to Singapore and other Asian markets.
2. Study a Product’s Active Ingredients
Psoriasis creams can be formulated from a broad spectrum of ingredients. Be sure to research each compound carefully to establish its efficacy against the disease.
Plantago lanceolata is one of the top ingredients in high-quality psoriasis creams. The plant boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential remedy for psoriasis flare-ups. Plantago lanceolata extracts also possess antioxidant abilities. If applied alongside other therapeutic compounds, such extracts might help improve overall skin health by countering oxidative damage caused by too many free radicals on the skin cells.
Besides plantago lanceolata, psoriasis creams should also contain moisturizing and rehydrating agents. Noteworthy mentions include aloe vera, olive, grape seed, and jojoba oils.
As you study the primary active ingredients in psoriasis creams, keep your eyes out for potential toxins. Insist on products free from allergy-triggering compounds like parabens, fragrances, and sulfates.
3. Know Your Skin Type
Different skin types react differently to skincare products. So, even after finding what promises to be an effective psoriasis cream, do not apply the substance before you understand what type of skin you are.
Below are the five major skin types;
Normal Skin
Normal skin is characterized by balanced sebum production and hydration levels, giving it a smooth and even complexion.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common psoriasis symptom and is moisture-deprived and prone to flaking.
The skin may also feel unusually rough or tough.
Oily Skin
This is the opposite of dry skin. It’s marked by excess oiliness due to overactive sebaceous glands.
Oily skin is a major risk factor for acne.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is dry in some areas (typically the cheeks) and oily in others (mostly the T-zones).
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is prone to hypersensitive reactions, including rashes, itchiness, and inflammation.
Be extremely cautious before using a psoriasis cream formulated with synthetic ingredients, as the product could prove more harmful than beneficial.
4. Go Slow On It
No matter your skin type, you’ll only enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a psoriasis cream if you apply it moderately. Resist the urge to overdo the cream even if your severe condition appears.
To apply psoriasis cream, start by wetting your palm or a makeup sponge and squeeze a generous amount of the cream into it. Then, work the cream into a lather as you gently massage it into your skin.
Let the oil sit as long as desired before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. Repeat the routine for several days as you track the progress.
Using other cosmetic products like makeup to clean your skin before applying psoriasis cream is best. Cleansing helps to unclog your pores, allowing the cream to penetrate deep into your skin’s surface.
5. Combine Psoriasis Cream with Other Interventions
Psoriasis cream alone may not provide fast results, especially if your condition is chronic. Fortunately, you could apply many other psoriasis remedies in conjunction with the cream.
First, remember that psoriasis skincare products come in many formulations besides creams. They include cleansers, body washes, shampoos, etc. You might want to integrate all these topicals into your skincare and makeup routine for compounded benefits.
You could also explore phototherapy (light therapy). Phototherapy mainly targets psoriasis-induced inflammation by reducing the synthesis of skin cells.
Certain over-the-counter medications might alleviate psoriasis.
Lastly, you could take a proactive approach to treating psoriasis by minimizing the triggers. Avoid trigger factors like stress, anxiety, and extreme cold.
Wrap Up
Psoriasis creams are the first port of call for many Singaporeans suffering from this autoimmune condition. However, the efficacy of psoriasis creams depends on choosing a high-quality product and applying it correctly.
Remember to use psoriasis creams alongside the disease’s other treatment options for fast, reliable results.