What oil can I put on psoriasis?

One of the natural remedies that some people use for psoriasis is essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants that have various properties and benefits. They are not a cure for psoriasis, but they may help reduce inflammation, itching, and infection.

However, not all essential oils are safe or effective for psoriasis. Some may even worsen your symptoms or cause allergic reactions. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor before using any essential oils for psoriasis.

You should also do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any oil to a larger area. Here are some of the essential oils that may help with psoriasis, according to some research and anecdotal evidence:

Tea tree oil: This oil comes from the leaves of a plant native to Australia. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that may help prevent infections in psoriasis lesions. However, it may also dry out your skin if used too much, so you should dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.

Lavender oil: This oil is known for its calming and relaxing effects. It may also help reduce inflammation and itching in psoriasis. Lavender oil may also promote wound healing and prevent scarring.

Geranium oil: This oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help soothe psoriasis. It may also balance the production of sebum (oil) in your skin and prevent dryness or excess oiliness.

Peppermint oil: This oil has a cooling and refreshing effect on the skin. It may help relieve pain and itching in psoriasis. However, it may also irritate sensitive skin, so you should use it with caution and dilute it well.

Bergamot oil: This oil has a citrusy scent that may uplift your mood and reduce stress. Stress can trigger or worsen psoriasis flare-ups, so reducing it may help improve your symptoms. Bergamot oil also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help heal psoriasis lesions.

Argan oil: This oil is extracted from the nuts of the argan tree, which grows in Morocco. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which nourish and moisturize the skin. Argan oil may also help reduce inflammation and redness in psoriasis.

Black seed oil: This oil comes from the seeds of a plant called Nigella sativa, which grows in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antimicrobial properties that may help treat psoriasis. Black seed oil may also modulate the immune system and reduce the overproduction of skin cells in psoriasis.

Aloe vera gel: This gel is derived from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, which grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It has soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties that may help improve psoriasis symptoms. Aloe vera gel may also reduce scaling and inflammation in psoriasis.

To use essential oils for psoriasis, you should dilute them with a carrier oil such as jojoba, olive, or coconut oil. A general rule of thumb is to use 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. You can then apply the mixture to the affected areas of your skin twice a day or as needed.

You should avoid using essential oils on broken or infected skin, as they may cause irritation or worsen the infection. You should also avoid exposure to sunlight after applying citrus oils such as bergamot, as they may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.