Fast answer
The best cream for psoriasis depends on the severity of your symptoms, where the psoriasis appears and whether you're experiencing an active flare-up. Medicated creams may be prescribed by a healthcare professional for more severe psoriasis, while gentle moisturisers and barrier-supporting creams can help reduce dryness, improve comfort and support the skin between flare-ups.
For a complete guide to managing psoriasis, visit our Psoriasis Hub. You can also explore our Psoriasis Collection for products developed to support dry, flaky and sensitive skin.
Why it works
• Explains what to look for in a cream for psoriasis.
• Helps you understand the difference between moisturisers and medicated treatments.
• Shares practical tips for supporting the skin barrier.
• Explains how to use creams as part of your daily routine.
• Helps you know when professional treatment may be needed.
Introduction
Living with psoriasis can be uncomfortable.
Dry, thick plaques, itching and cracked skin can make everyday activities frustrating, especially during a flare-up.
With so many creams available, it's understandable to wonder which one is best.
The answer depends on your individual symptoms.
Some people need prescription treatments during active flare-ups, while others find that using a gentle moisturising cream every day helps keep their skin more comfortable between flare-ups.
Understanding what different creams are designed to do can help you choose the most appropriate option for your skin.
Why moisturising is important for psoriasis
One of the biggest challenges with psoriasis is that the skin barrier doesn't function as effectively as healthy skin.
As moisture escapes, the skin becomes drier, tighter and more likely to crack.
Applying a moisturising cream regularly may help:
• Reduce dryness.
• Improve skin comfort.
• Support the skin barrier.
• Soften thick plaques.
• Reduce feelings of tightness.
Although moisturisers don't cure psoriasis, they are often an important part of everyday skin care.
What ingredients should you look for?
People with psoriasis often benefit from creams that focus on supporting the skin barrier rather than irritating already sensitive skin.
Many people choose products that are:
• Fragrance-free.
• Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Rich in moisturising ingredients.
• Designed to support the skin's natural barrier.
Avoiding heavily fragranced products may help reduce unnecessary irritation for some people.
Prescription creams for psoriasis
If your psoriasis is moderate or severe, a healthcare professional may recommend prescription treatments.
These may include:
• Topical corticosteroids.
• Vitamin D analogues.
• Combination prescription creams.
• Other medicated topical treatments.
These products work differently from moisturisers and should always be used according to the advice of your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist.
Can moisturisers replace prescription treatment?
Not usually.
Moisturising creams help support the skin and improve comfort, but they do not replace prescription medication when medical treatment is needed.
Instead, they are often used alongside prescribed treatments to help keep the skin hydrated and reduce dryness.
How often should you apply cream?
Many healthcare professionals recommend moisturising regularly, particularly after bathing or showering while the skin still contains some moisture.
Consistency is usually more beneficial than applying large amounts occasionally.
Following the routine recommended by your healthcare professional is always the best approach.
Choosing the right cream
When choosing a cream, consider:
• Where your psoriasis is located.
• Whether your skin feels dry, cracked or itchy.
• Whether you're currently having a flare-up.
• Whether you're already using prescription treatment.
A product that works well for one person may not necessarily be the best choice for someone else.
Can you use cream every day?
Yes.
For many people with psoriasis, applying a gentle moisturising cream every day is one of the simplest ways to help keep their skin comfortable.
Regular moisturising helps reduce dryness and may soften thick plaques, making the skin feel less tight and irritated.
Many people apply cream:
• After bathing or showering.
• Before bed.
• Whenever their skin feels dry.
• More frequently during colder weather.
Consistency is usually more beneficial than only applying cream during flare-ups.
What should you avoid?
If you have psoriasis, your skin may react more easily to irritation.
Many people find it helpful to avoid:
• Heavily fragranced creams.
• Products containing harsh alcohol-based ingredients.
• Aggressive exfoliating products.
• Very hot showers.
• Scrubbing plaques vigorously.
The goal is to support the skin barrier rather than strip away natural moisture.
Does cream remove psoriasis plaques?
A moisturising cream won't remove psoriasis plaques completely.
However, keeping the skin well hydrated may help soften scales, reduce cracking and improve overall comfort.
Prescription treatments may still be needed to reduce inflammation during active flare-ups.
Looking after your skin every day
Looking after psoriasis is about more than simply applying cream.
Many people also benefit from:
• Keeping showers short and warm rather than very hot.
• Moisturising soon after bathing.
• Wearing soft, breathable clothing.
• Avoiding scratching affected areas.
• Managing known flare-up triggers where possible.
Small daily habits often make a noticeable difference over time.
What we've learned from supporting people with psoriasis
One thing we've noticed is that many people spend a lot of time searching for a cream that will "cure" psoriasis.
Unfortunately, no moisturising cream can do that.
Instead, the people who often achieve the greatest day-to-day comfort are those who build a simple, consistent skincare routine.
We've also found that people frequently underestimate how important regular moisturising can be. Waiting until the skin feels extremely dry often means the skin barrier has already become compromised.
Supporting the skin every day, rather than only during flare-ups, often helps people feel more comfortable.
Real customer story
"I used to apply cream only when my skin became really dry. Once I started moisturising every day, my skin felt much softer and the tightness improved. It became much easier to stay on top of my psoriasis."
Shared with permission. Individual results will always vary.
Common mistakes people make
Finding the best cream for psoriasis isn't just about choosing a product. How you use it can make just as much difference as the cream itself.
Only applying cream during flare-ups
Many people wait until their skin feels tight, cracked or uncomfortable before reaching for a moisturiser.
However, keeping the skin well moisturised every day may help support the skin barrier and reduce dryness before it becomes severe.
Using too many products at once
When psoriasis isn't improving, it's tempting to try several new creams together.
Unfortunately, changing multiple products at the same time makes it difficult to know which one is helping or whether one is irritating your skin.
Introducing one new product at a time is usually a more sensible approach.
Scratching thick plaques
Dry plaques can become itchy, but scratching may damage the skin, increase inflammation and sometimes make symptoms feel worse.
Instead, focus on keeping the skin hydrated and following the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare professional.
Using heavily fragranced products
Fragrances don't bother everyone, but some people with psoriasis find they increase irritation, particularly during a flare-up.
Choosing products developed for sensitive skin may help reduce unnecessary discomfort.
Expecting one cream to cure psoriasis
There is currently no cure for psoriasis.
The best cream is one that supports your skin as part of an overall management plan, which may also include prescription treatments, trigger management and regular moisturising.
When should you seek medical advice?
Speak to a healthcare professional if:
• Your psoriasis is becoming more widespread.
• Your skin becomes painful, cracked or starts bleeding.
• You notice signs of infection.
• Over-the-counter products aren't helping.
• You're unsure which treatment is most appropriate.
A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and recommend prescription treatments if needed.
Common myths about psoriasis creams
Myth: One cream works for everyone
No.
The most suitable cream depends on your symptoms, where your psoriasis appears and whether you're using prescription treatment.
Myth: Moisturisers cure psoriasis
No.
Moisturisers help support the skin barrier and improve comfort, but they don't cure psoriasis.
Myth: The thickest cream is always the best
Not necessarily.
Some people prefer richer creams, while others find lighter formulations easier to use consistently.
The best cream is often the one you'll use regularly.
Myth: You only need cream when your skin feels dry
Many people benefit from moisturising every day, even when their skin appears settled.
Regular moisturising may help maintain the skin barrier between flare-ups.
Myth: If one cream doesn't work, none of them will
Psoriasis affects everyone differently.
Finding a routine that suits your skin may take time, and your healthcare professional can help if you're struggling to manage your symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cream for psoriasis?
The best cream depends on your individual symptoms. Prescription creams may be needed for active flare-ups, while gentle moisturising creams help support the skin barrier and improve everyday comfort.
Should I moisturise psoriasis every day?
Yes. Daily moisturising is commonly recommended to help reduce dryness, soften plaques and support the skin barrier.
Can moisturising cream remove psoriasis?
No. Moisturisers cannot cure or remove psoriasis, but they may help improve comfort and reduce dryness.
What ingredients should I look for?
Many people choose fragrance-free creams developed for sensitive skin that focus on supporting the skin's natural barrier.
Can I use moisturiser alongside prescription treatment?
In many cases, yes. Moisturisers are often used alongside prescription treatments, but you should always follow the advice of your healthcare professional.
How often should I apply cream?
Many people moisturise at least once or twice a day, particularly after bathing or whenever the skin feels dry.
Final thoughts
The best cream for psoriasis is one that supports your skin, fits easily into your daily routine and helps keep your skin comfortable between flare-ups.
Although moisturising creams cannot cure psoriasis, they play an important role in supporting the skin barrier, reducing dryness and improving day-to-day comfort. Combined with appropriate medical treatment where needed, a gentle skincare routine can make a meaningful difference.
For more information, explore our guides on Psoriasis, Scalp Psoriasis, Psoriasis vs Seborrheic Dermatitis, Scalp Psoriasis vs Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Treatment.
Real people. Real reviews. Real results.
At Bragan Skincare, we've helped thousands of people care for dry, flaky and sensitive skin.
Our products are developed to support the skin's natural barrier using carefully selected ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. While skincare cannot cure psoriasis, many customers tell us that a gentle, consistent routine has helped improve comfort and reduce everyday dryness.
Explore our Psoriasis Collection for products developed to support dry, sensitive and irritation-prone skin.
