Individuals with psoriasis often incorporate new remedies into their skincare routine to manage their symptoms, and some may opt for natural alternatives due to their effectiveness. One such natural option is argan oil.
Argan oil is derived from the Argania spinosa tree and can be used alongside prescribed treatments to help manage psoriasis symptoms. While it cannot cure psoriasis, it may alleviate skin dryness, itching, redness, and scaling.
In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of using argan oil for psoriasis and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Benefits of Argan Oil for Psoriasis
Argan oil has several potential benefits for managing psoriasis symptoms. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Moisturizes the skin: Psoriasis can cause dry and scaly skin, and argan oil can help moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Reduces inflammation: Argan oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis.
- Relieves itching: Psoriasis can cause itching, and argan oil may help alleviate this symptom due to its emollient properties.
- Improves skin elasticity: Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of psoriasis-related skin damage.
- Enhances absorption of other topical treatments: Argan oil can help enhance the absorption of other topical treatments prescribed for psoriasis, making them more effective.
- Promotes wound healing: In some cases, psoriasis can cause skin lesions or wounds. Argan oil may help promote wound healing and reduce scarring.
How to use Argan Oil for Psoriasis
Argan oil can be used in a variety of ways to help manage psoriasis symptoms. Here are some tips for using argan oil for psoriasis:
- Apply the oil directly to affected areas: Apply a few drops of argan oil directly to the affected areas of the skin and massage gently. This can help moisturize the skin and alleviate dryness, itching, and scaling.
- Combine with other skincare products: You can also mix a few drops of argan oil with your regular moisturizer or lotion to enhance its effectiveness.
- Use as a hair conditioner: Psoriasis can also affect the scalp, causing dryness and flaking. Applying argan oil to the scalp and hair can help moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Use as a carrier oil: Argan oil can be used as a carrier oil to dilute other essential oils that may help manage psoriasis symptoms, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil.
- Apply after bathing: Applying argan oil immediately after bathing can help lock in moisture and provide relief for psoriasis symptoms.
How Argan Oil Can be Used for Treating Psoriasis
Here are some ways that argan oil can be used to help manage psoriasis:
- Moisturizing: Psoriasis can cause dry and scaly skin, and argan oil can help moisturize and soothe the skin. Applying argan oil to affected areas can help alleviate dryness, itching, and scaling.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Argan oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis. This can help reduce redness and discomfort.
- Emollient properties: Argan oil has emollient properties, which means it can help soften and soothe the skin. This can help alleviate itching and discomfort associated with psoriasis.
- Enhances absorption of other topical treatments: Argan oil can help enhance the absorption of other topical treatments prescribed for psoriasis, making them more effective.
- Reduces scarring: In some cases, psoriasis can cause skin lesions or wounds. Argan oil may help promote wound healing and reduce scarring.
- Scalp treatment: Psoriasis can also affect the scalp, causing dryness and flaking. Applying argan oil to the scalp and hair can help moisturize and soothe the skin.
How to Apply Argan Oil for Psoriasis: Step-by-Step Instructions
When using argan oil for psoriasis, it’s important to know how to apply it correctly for maximum benefit. Here are some tips on how to apply argan oil for psoriasis:
- Cleanse the affected area: Start by cleansing the affected area with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. This will help remove any dirt, oil, or debris from the skin, allowing the argan oil to penetrate more effectively.
- Apply a small amount of argan oil: Use a dropper to apply a small amount of argan oil to the affected area. You can apply it directly to the skin or mix it with your regular moisturizer or lotion.
- Gently massage the oil into the skin: Use your fingertips to gently massage the oil into the skin in circular motions. This will help the oil penetrate the skin and provide maximum benefit.
- Allow the oil to absorb: After applying the oil, allow it to absorb into the skin for a few minutes before dressing. You can also apply the oil before bedtime and leave it on overnight for extra hydration.
- Repeat as needed: You can apply argan oil as often as needed to help manage psoriasis symptoms. It’s best to apply it at least once a day, or more frequently if your skin is particularly dry or irritated.
While argan oil is generally safe for topical use, it’s always best to do a patch test before applying it to larger areas of skin. This can help you determine if you have any allergies or sensitivities to the oil.
Cons of Argon Oil for Psoriasis
While argan oil can provide some benefits for managing psoriasis symptoms, there are also some potential drawbacks to using this natural remedy. Here are some cons to consider:
- Limited scientific research: While there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that argan oil can help manage psoriasis symptoms, there is limited scientific research to support these claims. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential drawbacks of using argan oil for psoriasis.
- Possible skin irritation: While argan oil is generally safe for topical use, some people may experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction to the oil. It’s important to do a patch test before applying the oil to larger areas of skin to determine if you have any sensitivities.
- Not a cure for psoriasis: While argan oil can help manage psoriasis symptoms like dryness, itching, and inflammation, it is not a cure for the condition. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for psoriasis that may include both topical and systemic treatments.
- Expensive: Argan oil can be relatively expensive compared to other moisturizers or natural remedies for psoriasis. This can make it challenging for some people to incorporate argan oil into their psoriasis skin care routine on a regular basis.
- Potential for counterfeit products: Due to the high demand for argan oil, there is a risk of counterfeit products on the market. It’s important to purchase argan oil from a reputable source to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.
In conclusion, if you’re interested in trying argan oil for your scalp psoriasis, it can be easily purchased online or at a natural health store. To get the most benefits, be sure to choose a product that’s organic and cold-pressed. While improvements may be seen within a few weeks of using argan oil, it’s important to continue using the oil even after your symptoms have cleared up to prevent a recurrence. Give it a try and see if it works for you!