Scaly & Psoriasis-Prone Skincare
Gentle, coal tar-free skincare for adults with scaly, flaky and psoriasis-prone skin. Scaly, psoriasis-prone skin builds up rough, dry patches that can look red or silvery, feel tight or sore, and shed visible flakes, often over the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. The PSOregon range is built around Oregon Grape Root and rich, naturally derived moisturisers to soften scaly patches, help reduce the look of redness and flaking, and keep skin comfortable, using dermatologically tested formulas.
Shop skincare for scaly, flaky and psoriasis-prone skin
What is scaly and psoriasis-prone skin?
Scaly and psoriasis-prone skin is skin that builds up rough, dry, flaky or scaly patches that can look red or silvery, feel tight or sore, and shed visible flakes. Scaling happens when skin cells build up on the surface faster than they are shed.
The most common reason for persistent scaling is psoriasis, a long-term condition in which the immune system speeds up skin cell growth, although very dry skin and other skin conditions can cause scaling too. Psoriasis often appears on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, and comes and goes in flare-ups. Because psoriasis is a medical condition, it is worth seeing a GP or dermatologist for a diagnosis. Whatever the cause, scaly, flake-prone skin benefits from the same daily care: regular moisturising to soften and lift scale, gentle products, and avoiding known triggers.
Thick, raised patches of skin, known as plaques.
Redness, or darker patches on deeper skin tones.
Itching or a burning feeling in the affected areas.
Dry, silvery-white or grey scale that flakes away.
Soreness, cracking, or a tight, uncomfortable feeling.
Scaly patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, hands or lower back.
If patches are painful, cracked or bleeding, cover large areas, affect your joints, or are not improving, please see your GP or a dermatologist, as psoriasis is a medical condition that often needs medical treatment.
Stress
Infections, such as a sore throat
Alcohol and smoking
Skin injury, such as cuts, scratches or sunburn
Cold, dry weather and low humidity
Some medicines (check with your GP or pharmacist)
Learning your own triggers, alongside moisturising regularly to soften and lift scale, can help reduce how often flare-ups happen and keep skin more comfortable.
What to look for
- Rich, regular moisturising to soften and lift scale
- Gentle, coal tar-free, fragrance-free products
- Ingredients suited to scaly, flake-prone skin
- Naturally derived, dermatologically tested formulas
- A gentle way to lift loosened scale, such as after a bath
What to avoid
- Harsh soaps, scrubbing, or picking at scaly patches
- Very hot baths and showers
- Letting skin dry out
- Your known personal triggers, where you can
- Stopping any prescribed treatment without medical advice
Why we recommend PSOregon for scaly and psoriasis-prone skin
PSOregon is our range developed specifically for adults with scaly, flaky and psoriasis-prone skin, across the body and scalp. Each product is coal tar-free and made with naturally derived ingredients chosen to soften scale, moisturise and keep skin comfortable, without added perfume or harshness. PSOregon is dermatologically tested and made in Britain.
At the heart of the range is Oregon Grape Root (Berberis Aquifolium), a plant extract studied for its role in the skin processes linked to excessive scaling and plaque build-up, and the signature active across every PSOregon product.
PSOregon benefits
Vegan (PETA Approved) and cruelty-free. Free from coal tar, parabens, SLS, MI and added perfume, and formulated for sensitive, scale-prone skin.
Rich, naturally derived moisturisers help soften thick, dry scale and flaking so it lifts away more easily, leaving skin smoother and more comfortable.
Helps reduce the appearance of redness and scaling, so skin looks and feels calmer day to day.
Built around Oregon Grape Root (Berberis Aquifolium), a plant extract studied for its role in the skin processes linked to excessive scaling and plaque build-up.
Free from coal tar, so it has a mild, natural scent and is gentle enough for regular, everyday use on scaly, flake-prone skin.
A complete range for scaly and psoriasis-prone skin across the body and scalp, from a daily moisturiser and a targeted serum to a shampoo and conditioner.
Lightweight, non-greasy formulas absorb quickly, moisturise scale-prone skin and will not mark clothing, so they suit daily use over larger areas.
A daily Maintenance Cream keeps larger areas soft and comfortable, while the concentrated Intensive Serum targets smaller, more stubborn scaly patches.
A simple daily routine for scaly and psoriasis-prone skin
Apply PSOregon Maintenance Cream to larger areas of dry, scaly skin, morning and evening, ideally straight after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp. It softens and moisturises plaque-prone skin, helping to keep larger areas comfortable.
For smaller, sore or stubborn hard-to-clear areas, apply PSOregon Intensive Serum morning and evening for more targeted care. Use it on the areas that need the most attention, alongside the Maintenance Cream on the wider areas.
Where you can, choose loose cotton clothing over synthetic or tight fabrics on affected areas so the skin can breathe, and cotton nightwear after applying your products in the evening. Patch test before first use and stop if any irritation occurs.
Massage PSOregon Anti-Plaque Shampoo into a wet scalp and hair until it lathers, rinse with warm water, then repeat. Use daily to cleanse the scalp and help lift and reduce scale, flaking and build-up. It is gentle enough for frequent washing.
Follow with PSOregon Anti-Plaque Conditioner, massaging it into the scalp and through the lengths. Leave on for two to three minutes, then rinse with warm water. It softens scale, soothes the scalp, conditions the hair and helps soften the shampoo's natural scent.
+ For best results
Whenever you can, wrap wet hair in a warm towel for ten to fifteen minutes after conditioning to let the products work, and let hair air-dry rather than blow-dry, which is gentler on a sensitive scalp.
Real results from real customers
Scaly, psoriasis-prone skin does best when it is moisturised consistently, not only during a flare. Softening and lifting scale, day to day, is what keeps larger areas comfortable. I recommend the PSOregon range because it is built around Oregon Grape Root and rich, naturally derived moisturisers to soften scale and reduce the look of redness and flaking, on the body and scalp, alongside any treatment from a GP or dermatologist.
Psoriasis is a medical condition. If patches are painful, cracked or bleeding, cover large areas, or affect your joints, please speak to your GP or a dermatologist, and never stop a prescribed treatment without medical advice. PSOregon skincare is designed to soften scale and moisturise the skin, and is not a replacement for medical treatment.
Scaly skin and psoriasis: frequently asked questions
1. What causes scaly, flaky skin?
Scaly, flaky skin happens when dead skin cells build up on the surface faster than they are shed. The most common cause of persistent scaling is psoriasis, but very dry skin and other skin conditions can cause it too. If scaling is widespread, sore or not improving, it is worth seeing a GP or dermatologist to find out what is behind it.
2. What is psoriasis, and what does it look like?
Psoriasis is a common long-term condition in which skin cells are made and shed much faster than normal, so they build up into thick, scaly patches called plaques. These often look red with silvery-white scale, or as darker patches on deeper skin tones, and appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It is a medical condition, so a GP or dermatologist can confirm it.
3. Can psoriasis be cured?
Psoriasis cannot currently be cured, but for most people it can be managed well, and many have long spells of clear, comfortable skin between flare-ups. Moisturising regularly to keep scale soft, avoiding triggers, and using treatment from a GP or dermatologist where needed are the mainstays of keeping it under control.
4. What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema?
Both leave skin dry and can be itchy, but they differ. Psoriasis produces thick, well-defined plaques with silvery scale, caused by skin cells growing too quickly. Eczema tends to be itchier, less sharply defined, and linked to a weakened skin barrier. Because they can look similar, it is best to have a GP or dermatologist confirm which you have.
5. What is the best moisturiser for scaly, psoriasis-prone skin?
The best moisturisers for scaly, psoriasis-prone skin are rich and used regularly to keep scale soft so it lifts away, and are gentle, fragrance-free and ideally coal tar-free. The PSOregon Maintenance Cream is built for this, with Oregon Grape Root and naturally derived moisturisers to soften scaly skin and reduce the look of redness and flaking.
6. What is Oregon Grape Root, and how is it used in PSOregon?
Oregon Grape Root (Berberis Aquifolium) is a plant extract that has been studied for its role in the skin processes linked to excessive scaling and plaque build-up. It is the signature active across the whole PSOregon range, from the shampoo and conditioner to the cream and serum, chosen for skin and scalps prone to scaling.
7. Is coal tar-free better for scaly, psoriasis-prone skin?
Coal tar is a traditional option for scaly skin but can be messy, strong-smelling and can stain. PSOregon is coal tar-free, which makes it a gentler, milder-scented choice for everyday use. It is not a like-for-like replacement for a medical treatment, so if you need clinical treatment, speak to your GP or dermatologist.
8. What triggers psoriasis flare-ups?
Common triggers include stress, skin injury such as cuts or sunburn, infections such as a sore throat, cold and dry weather, alcohol, smoking, and certain medicines. Triggers vary from person to person, so it helps to notice your own and, alongside daily moisturising, avoid them where you can.
9. Can I use PSOregon on my scalp?
Yes. The PSOregon Anti-Plaque Shampoo and Scalp Conditioner are made for scalps prone to scaling, flaking and psoriasis, while the Maintenance Cream and Intensive Serum are for the body and face. Many people use the scalp and skin products together as one routine.
10. Can I use PSOregon on my face?
The Maintenance Cream is light enough for everyday use on the face. The Intensive Serum is more concentrated, so patch test first, introduce it gradually, and use it with care on facial skin. Avoid applying either to broken or bleeding skin.
11. Can I use PSOregon alongside prescribed psoriasis treatment?
Many people do. Do not stop a prescribed treatment without medical advice, and if you want to use PSOregon alongside it, check with your GP or pharmacist about how to layer them. Introduce one product at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
12. Is PSOregon vegan and suitable for sensitive skin?
The PSOregon skincare, the Maintenance Cream and Intensive Serum, is vegan and PETA Approved. The Scalp Conditioner is vegetarian, as it contains honey. All are coal tar-free, dermatologically tested and made without added perfume. As with any product for sensitive skin, patch test before first use.
Explore other skin concerns
