Essential Oils For Psoriasis
Psoriasis appears as red, dry and scaling patches around the body as a result of rapid cell growth. Presenting as either small or larger patches, psoriasis is extremely sensitive to external factors causing aggravation and irritation - not to mention, it can be incredibly uncomfortable.
Using essential oils can be an effective way to treat psoriasis naturally as they work to soothe inflammation and protect the skin’s protective barrier.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Psoriasis
Psoriasis causes extremely dry, irritated and flakey skin, leaving it exposed to bacteria, infection and harsh environmental elements. Using essential oils may help ease psoriasis naturally by hydrating the skin and preventing further aggravation. Some essential oils are now known to ease psoriasis symptoms through the following:
- Ease inflammation
- Soothe irritation
- Protect the skin’s barrier from environmental damage
- Fight bacteria production
- Promote sleep
Best Essential Oils For Psoriasis
The best essential oils for psoriasis are known to contain strong anti-inflammatory, cleansing and healing properties. Here are some of our favourite essential oils that may help ease psoriasis symptoms naturally:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil carries a floral, herbaceous aroma and is one of the most versatile essential oils. Packed with anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties, Lavender Oil is known to combat bacteria production in broken and irritated skin. It also contains antioxidizing properties to protect the skin from sun damage and pollutants.
How To Use Lavender Essential Oil for Psoriasis
- Diluting: Dilute in your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply to the affected area. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
- Moisturiser: Add Lavender Essential Oil to your chosen moisturiser and apply it to the skin. For facial application we recommend a 1 - 2% dilution.
Rose Geranium Essential Oil
With a sweet, floral aroma, Rose Geranium Essential Oil contains anti-inflammatory, healing and cleansing properties and in addition, it is also known to stimulate blood circulation. It may help with combating bacteria, reducing inflammation and balancing moisture retention to soothe psoriasis symptoms.
How To Use Rose Geranium Essential Oil for Psoriasis
- Diluting: Dilute in your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply to the affected area. We recommend a 1 - 2% dilution for skin application and a 1% dilution for facial application.
- Moisturiser: You can also add Rose Geranium Essential Oil to a chosen moisturiser and apply to the skin. For facial application we recommend a 1% dilution.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood Essential Oil has an earthy aroma with woody undertones and is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that work to soothe irritated and inflamed skin. It may also help to relieve itchiness and promote the healing of broken skin and wounds.
How To Use Sandalwood Essential Oil for Psoriasis
- Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply to the affected area. We recommend a 1 - 2% dilution for skin application and a 1% dilution for facial application.
- Moisturiser: You can also add Sandalwood Essential Oil to a chosen moisturiser and apply it to the skin. For facial application we recommend a 1% dilution.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
With natural antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Tea Tree Essential Oil is known to cool, cleanse and calm psoriasis irritation while fighting bacteria production. Tea Tree Oil also contains antimicrobial properties that assist with preventing skin patches from getting infected while further protecting the skin against environmental damage.
How To Use Tea Tree Essential Oil for Psoriasis
- Diluting: Dilute in your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply to the affected area. We recommend a 1 - 2% dilution for skin application and a 0.5 - 1% dilution for facial application.
- Moisturiser: You can also add Tea Tree Essential Oil to a chosen moisturiser and apply it to the skin. For facial application we recommend a 0.5 - 1% dilution.
Dilution Guidelines
Essential oils are extremely concentrated so it’s important to use a safe amount when diluting and applying to the skin. When using essential oils for skin we recommend diluting with a carrier oil. Some of our most popular carrier oils include:
- Coconut Oil
- Pomegranate Oil
- Argan Oil
- Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Rosehip Oil
If you are planning on implementing essential oils into your psoriasis treatment, please consult with your GP to discuss any potential concerns or risks.
You should apply a test patch on a small area of your skin before using on psoriasis affected areas. Discontinue immediately if you experience a reaction within 24 hours.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding we recommend consulting with your GP or healthcare professional before implementing essential oils into your routine.
Other Tips For Treating Psoriasis
Aside from essential oils, there are several other ways to help to reduce the flare-up of psoriasis symptoms, including:
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Maintain stress levels
- Applying aloe vera on psoriasis patches
- Taking fish oil tablets
- A warm bath with olive oil, milk, oatmeal or Epsom salts
Where To Buy Essential Oils For Psoriasis
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!
Essential Oil Safety
Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using essential oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your essential oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Essential oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils For Psoriasis’ section.