INTRODUCTION
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a clinical presentation of scaly, erythematous plaques, which have a compromised epidermal barrier.1 Despite that epidermal skin barrier dysfunction is a key aspect of psoriasis, the role of skincare in this disease is not commonly addressed in the medical literature.1 However, intelligent utilization of skincare products can have a marked impact on psoriasis. When used along with medical therapy, a good skincare regimen can improve symptomatic relief and provide therapeutic benefits associated with epidermal barrier repair.1
According to Alexis et al, moisturizing psoriatic skin may “help normalize hyperproliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis” in the epidermis and may also have anti-inflammatory actions.1 These products effectively reduce scaling and itching, help heal skin cracks, and can facilitate penetration of topical medications.1 It has been reported that abnormal ceramide composition in psoriasis lesions is a factor in epidermal barrier dysfunction, along with increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL).2,3 Studies have shown that regular use of a moisturizer and moisturizer plus gentle cleanser improve skin hydration and appearance in up to 75.8% of patients and relieve symptoms for 84.8% of patients.4,5 Similarly, Li et al conducted a randomized controlled study (N=178) of moisturizer as adjunct to topical corticosteroids and then as maintenance after medical therapy resulted in continuous improvements of body surface area (BSA) involvement, investigators’ assessment, and patient quality of life.6 In 2022, Alexis et al discussed evolving options in psoriasis and based on a review of the literature, recommended the use of pH-balanced, gentle cleansers and ceramide-containing moisturizers to reduce xerosis and pruritus in patients with psoriasis.
Although literature on the benefits of skincare in psoriasis remains limited, existing evidence on its role in supporting the epidermal barrier suggests that integrating skincare regimens into psoriasis management may be beneficial for both clinicians and patients. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a skincare regimen (Cetaphil®
According to Alexis et al, moisturizing psoriatic skin may “help normalize hyperproliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis” in the epidermis and may also have anti-inflammatory actions.1 These products effectively reduce scaling and itching, help heal skin cracks, and can facilitate penetration of topical medications.1 It has been reported that abnormal ceramide composition in psoriasis lesions is a factor in epidermal barrier dysfunction, along with increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL).2,3 Studies have shown that regular use of a moisturizer and moisturizer plus gentle cleanser improve skin hydration and appearance in up to 75.8% of patients and relieve symptoms for 84.8% of patients.4,5 Similarly, Li et al conducted a randomized controlled study (N=178) of moisturizer as adjunct to topical corticosteroids and then as maintenance after medical therapy resulted in continuous improvements of body surface area (BSA) involvement, investigators’ assessment, and patient quality of life.6 In 2022, Alexis et al discussed evolving options in psoriasis and based on a review of the literature, recommended the use of pH-balanced, gentle cleansers and ceramide-containing moisturizers to reduce xerosis and pruritus in patients with psoriasis.
Although literature on the benefits of skincare in psoriasis remains limited, existing evidence on its role in supporting the epidermal barrier suggests that integrating skincare regimens into psoriasis management may be beneficial for both clinicians and patients. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a skincare regimen (Cetaphil®
