If you've got psoriasis, you don't need us to tell you how difficult it can be to find a face wash that works for your sensitive skin condition. "Psoriasis is a condition in which your immune system gets angry at your skin, which leads to inflammation," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist in NYC. "It can cause red, scaly plaques that typically affect the elbows and knees. But it can also occur on the scalp and even the face." If you suffer from these painful scales, you've likely gone nuts searching for the best face wash for psoriasis. But are you sure you're looking for the right thing?
There are a few things to keep in mind, according to Zeichner. "You want to stick to gentle, hydrating face washes that will effectively clean the skin without disrupting the skin barrier or cause inflammation," he says. You should absolutely avoid exfoliation, however — whether it's physical or chemical — because it can just exacerbate the inflammation you're experiencing."
Most face washes that are formulated for sensitive skin should be fine for folks with psoriasis. But there are some that are better than others. Ahead, you'll find the five best face washes for psoriasis. Just because your immune system gets angry at your skin doesn't mean you have to, too.