Psoriasis: Can oils help?

The psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily manifests in the skin and joints. It presents as red, thick plaques that shed. Psoriasis is characterised by an excessive renewal and accumulation of epidermal cells, leading to a local inflammation. Therefore, it is a relatively common disease, which is neither contagious nor of psychological origin.

Although psoriasis cannot be permanently cured, it is possible to opt for natural solutions that soothe the skin from inflammation and itching caused by psoriasis and improve the quality of life of patients. Let's discover together which vegetable oils to favour to alleviate psoriasis.

Theborage oil is moisturising. Thanks to its richness in omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-9 (oleic acid), it helps to maintain the hydrolipidic film. The abundance of gamma-linolenic acid in borage oil also gives it anti-inflammatory properties. Indeed, this acid is a precursor of type 1 prostaglandins and it is capable of inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as type 2 prostaglandins (PGE2) and leukotrienes. It is also capable of reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, borage oil can soothe itching and calm the skin.

Theblack seed oil contains thymoquinone, which endows it with numerous pharmacological properties. Indeed, a study showed that in rats affected by IMQ-induced psoriasis, a cream containing black seed oil dosed at 5 mg/kg helped to reduce the severity score of psoriatic lesions. Notably, thymoquinone helps to block the synthesis of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins 2, 6 and 1β (IL-2, IL-6 and IL-1β) and limit the proliferation of keratinocytes. Furthermore, thymoquinone has an inhibitory effect on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme that catalyses the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2. This latter is an inflammatory molecule that contributes to increasing itchiness.

Hemp oil possesses moisturising properties due to its richness in omega 3, 6, and 9. These fatty acids protect the skin from dehydration by forming a film on the surface of the epidermis. Omega 3 also has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the transcription factor NF-kB, thus preventing the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. This oil helps to soften your skin and prevent it from dehydration.

Thejojoba oil is a friend to dry and dehydrated skin. Its richness in omega 6 and omega 9 allows it to strengthen the hydrolipidic film and form a protective layer to limit transepidermal water loss. A study has shown that jojoba oil has positive effects on psoriasis. This can be explained by its positive keratoplastic effect and its slight keratolytic effect to treat excessive skin flaking. However, its mode of action is not known.

Theolive oil can be utilised for its nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in omega 6 and omega 9, it strengthens the skin's barrier by preventing skin dehydration. The triterpenes found in olive oil accelerate the healing process, particularly in the case of micro-lesions. The phenolic compounds and vitamin E have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from external aggressions and promote cellular regeneration for the healing process. Thus, olive oil helps to maintain your skin's hydration while promoting the healing process.

Flaxseed oil is composed of 50% omega-3. This composition allows it to form a protective film to combat transepidermal water loss. Its anti-inflammatory properties make this oil an ally in soothing skin from itching and irritations caused by psoriasis.

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