CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream Review With Photos

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I’ve had scalp psoriasis for a few years now and I’m happy to say I have it mostly under control. I use a prescription shampoo from the dermatologist a few times a month and an over-the-counter (OTC) one for seborrheic dermatitis the rest of the time. My favorite is Philip B. Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo ($60). This keeps any flakes or red rashes at bay.

But recently, I was worried when I saw those same scaly patches popping up on my body, mostly around my neck, down my shoulders, and in my armpits (the latter is called inverse psoriasis). If you’ve ever touched a psoriasis patch, you know the dry and scaly feeling that’s unlike typical dry skin. It also itches — a lot.

I headed to the dermatologist thinking another prescription was in my future, but I was happy to learn my case is still on the mild side and can probably be handled with OTC treatments. Still, I wanted to nip it in the bud before it got worse. The CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream ($24) is the product that helped the most — here’s my review.

About the CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

What I Like About the CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

My skin is pretty itchy regularly, so my bathroom is full of heavy moisturizers. Moving to a dry climate like Los Angeles made my skin even drier and itchier than it was when I lived in humid NYC. But for my psoriasis patches, even my most hydrating cream wasn’t cutting it.

Psoriasis creams are unlike typical dry skin moisturizers in that they include some type of chemical exfoliant to gently remove the dead skin cells that live on top of psoriasis patches.

Here’s the regimen that ended up working for me: I applied my regular lotion to my body and added CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream to the scaly areas. I could have used the CeraVe cream on my whole body, but I was nervous the salicylic acid would irritate my sensitive skin. Fortunately, it didn’t. In fact, when I woke up, I noticed how much softer the red rash areas were literally overnight. They weren’t gone, but they were lighter in color and a lot less itchy.

After using CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream for a few weeks, I pretty much forgot about my psoriasis altogether. It’s not the only product I use — this Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) Bar Soap ($13) saves my underarms — but I’m so impressed with CeraVe’s quality for the price, it’s front-and-center in my rotation.

How to Use the CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

Although CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream is gentler than I was expecting, I still only use it in the areas I need it most. I don’t love the way the exfoliating ingredients make my skin feel post-shave (too sensitive!), so I skip my legs and focus on my neck, shoulders, and underarms. I also don’t feel the need to use it all the time, only when I’m having a flare-up.

What to Consider Before Trying the CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

I always recommend seeing a dermatologist before starting a new routine to save time and money, and to ensure you’re treating the right condition. If I had gone sooner, I wouldn’t have tried dozens of dandruff shampoos without realizing it was actually psoriasis. Your derm can also decide if you should use a topical steroid in place of or in addition to an OTC cream, as those with moderate to severe psoriasis often need stronger treatment.

Where Is the CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream Available?

The CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream is available at Amazon and CVS.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Elizabeth Denton is the lead editor of Unique Beauty and a freelance journalist and consultant. She previously held positions at StyleCaster, Allure, L’Oréal, and Seventeen. In addition to PS, her work has been featured in Nylon, Fashionista, TZR, and more.