Psoriasis and eczema are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that significantly impact the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Both are characterized by persistent dryness, intense irritation, and patches of inflamed skin, often leading to discomfort and damage. Psoriasis involves an accelerated skin cell life cycle, resulting in thick, scaly plaques. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is associated with a compromised immune response that causes red, intensely itchy rashes. Exploring natural oil remedies offers a complementary approach to traditional treatments, providing symptomatic relief by addressing dryness and inflammation.
How Oils Support Compromised Skin Barriers
The core issue in both psoriasis and eczema is a compromised skin barrier, the outermost layer of the skin designed to protect against irritants and prevent moisture loss. This barrier dysfunction leads to an increased rate of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), where moisture escapes from the skin into the atmosphere.
Oils function as emollients and occlusives to reduce water loss. As occlusives, oils form a protective, hydrophobic film on the skin’s surface, acting like a temporary seal to block the escape of water vapor. This film helps maintain water concentration in the stratum corneum, improving skin hydration and supporting barrier function. Emollient properties allow the oil to fill microscopic gaps in the damaged skin barrier, softening the rough, dry texture common in these conditions.
Oils for Hydration and Barrier Repair
Oils that excel at barrier repair and deep hydration often have a fatty acid composition that closely mimics the skin’s natural lipid structure. These oils contain high amounts of essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, which are necessary for maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier integrity. A higher ratio of linoleic acid to oleic acid is preferred for barrier repair, as excessive oleic acid can sometimes disrupt the skin barrier.
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, making it easily absorbed and deeply hydrating. Lauric acid also exhibits antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial for irritated skin prone to secondary infection from scratching. Jojoba oil is unique because it is technically a liquid wax, and its chemical structure is similar to human sebum. This similarity allows it to balance moisture and support the skin’s natural healing processes without feeling heavy or overly greasy.
Sunflower seed oil contains a high concentration of linoleic acid and vitamin E, which helps maintain the skin’s water permeability barrier. Its use improves skin hydration and protects the stratum corneum without causing irritation or redness. Linoleic acid also acts as an agonist for a receptor called PPAR-α, which enhances lipid synthesis and is important for the creation of new skin cells.
Oils Targeting Inflammation and Redness
Beyond simple hydration, some oils possess specific compounds that directly address the underlying inflammation and redness characteristic of psoriasis and eczema flares. These therapeutic oils often contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts into anti-inflammatory mediators. This conversion helps modulate the immune response and reduce the intensity of inflammatory signaling proteins in the skin.
Borage oil is notable because it contains one of the highest concentrations of GLA among all seed oils, typically around 20-24%. Topical application of borage oil is believed to benefit skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Evening primrose oil is another source of GLA, traditionally used to soothe irritated skin and reduce itching. The anti-inflammatory action of these oils is particularly helpful in managing the intense burning and redness that accompany flare-ups.
Chamomile oil, often used in a diluted form, contains compounds like chamazulene and bisabolol that demonstrate soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. These components help calm the skin and reduce the visible signs of irritation and redness associated with chronic skin disease. Specific types of olive oil also contain anti-inflammatory components, including various phenolic compounds and oleic acid, which may contribute to a reduction in swelling and redness.
Safe Application and Usage Protocols
Incorporating oils into a regimen for irritated skin requires a careful approach to ensure safety and maximize benefit. A patch test is necessary with any new oil, especially for sensitive skin, involving application to a small patch of skin twice daily for a week to check for adverse reactions. Undiluted essential oils are highly concentrated and must always be properly diluted in a carrier oil before being applied to the skin to prevent irritation or allergic contact dermatitis.
The most effective time to apply oils is immediately after bathing or showering, while the skin is still damp. This timing is important because the oil seals in the water the skin has absorbed, enhancing its ability to retain moisture and combat dryness. Oils should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation, which can cause them to become rancid and potentially irritating. Users should consult a dermatologist if symptoms worsen, if new signs of infection appear, or if the current regimen is not providing adequate relief.