About half of people with psoriasis develop symptoms on their face. Facial psoriasis can make it hard to find foundation or concealer that looks and feels good.

“It’s easy for people to say, ‘Put on makeup,’” wrote a MyPsoriasisTeam member. “They don’t know how drying it is! It starts to peel halfway through the day!”

Some members prefer to forgo makeup altogether. “I try hard to not wear makeup when at all possible in order to give my skin a break,” wrote one member. “It seems to have helped greatly this weekend.”

Another admitted their face “seems so happy not having to wear makeup” and even appears clearer.

You should never apply makeup to raw, irritated, or open psoriasis lesions. Otherwise, deciding to cover up your psoriasis (or not) is entirely up to you — there’s no wrong choice. Here are some everyday makeup tips to make foundation and concealer work for you.

Start With Moisturizer

Hydrated skin provides the best base for a smooth, consistent application of foundation and concealer. However, the dryness and thick, discolored psoriasis patches can get in the way of even coverage.

As one MyPsoriasisTeam member said, “Any makeup I use sticks to the flaky patches and makes me look a million years older than I really am!”

Foundation, concealers, and setting powders can become cakey when applied over dry, scaly psoriatic skin. If you have psoriasis, prepping the skin by keeping it hydrated is a crucial step before applying makeup.

When choosing an over-the-counter moisturizer for your face, look for the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition. The seal highlights products that are nonirritating and safe for people living with psoriasis and very sensitive skin.

You should also check the ingredients list and keep an eye out for key ingredients that may help or worsen your psoriasis symptoms. As always, talk to your dermatologist before trying new products.

Choose the Best Foundation for Facial Psoriasis

Foundations fall on a spectrum from sheer (light coverage) to opaque (full coverage), depending on how fully they cover the skin. Sheer coverage gives you a chance to build up the coverage in certain areas while preventing excess makeup from clinging to psoriasis patches.

Sheer coverage foundations may be found in tinted moisturizers, beauty or blemish balms (BB creams), and color correction creams (CC creams). If you’re new to makeup or looking for a lighter “no makeup” aesthetic, you may prefer a lightweight sheer coverage over full coverage.

Still, some MyPsoriasisTeam members swear by full-coverage makeup. “Full coverage foundation does wonders,” wrote one member. Another praised high-coverage makeup for covering their facial psoriasis.

In addition, liquid and powder foundations (such as mineral makeup) are available as a matte (not shiny) or nonmatte finish, which is usually described as “dewy.” A matte foundation may be more drying. Although this can be helpful for those with oily skin, it could also highlight dry, flaky psoriasis lesions.

With any foundation, getting the color right is essential for a natural look. Fortunately, foundation today is available in more shades than ever.

If you need help color-matching, ask a makeup artist working in the store. You can also purchase two shades and blend them if needed.

Apply With a Sponge, Brush, or Spray

One member shared how they apply foundation to cover psoriasis on their forehead. “All you use is five dots and a foundation brush!” they said.

Brushes can be used for liquid or powder foundation. Just be sure to clean them regularly.

You can also dab on foundation with a sponge or your finger. Wash your hands first, and apply with a gentle touch. Avoid pulling or tugging on the skin.

You can also find some foundations made for skin on the body. These products can be applied with a spray, special mittens, or a brush. Makeup formulated for the body may be helpful if you’re looking to cover psoriasis plaques because traditional makeup wears off or doesn’t provide enough coverage.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member admitted that the first time they went out in shorts this year was after spraying their legs with “loads of leg makeup.” Celebrities have also discussed using makeup to cover their psoriasis, including Kim Kardashian.

Set Your Foundation

A final layer can help seal your foundation so it stays put for longer. You can find finishing powders or setting sprays meant for this purpose.

If your face has psoriasis lesions or is dry, a setting spray may be a better option. Some powders can lead to dryness that may end up highlighting the appearance of psoriasis scales.

You can try different products and makeup routines in advance if you’re planning for a special event. That way, you’ll know how they look on your skin as the day goes on.

Find the Best Concealer for Psoriasis

Sometimes, foundation isn’t enough to provide the coverage you want. Concealer is a helpful tool to keep on hand, especially for targeted areas, like blemishes or dark under-eye circles.

Concealer sticks are a popular product that you glide or dab on your skin. You can also find concealer in tubes, similar to liquid foundation, and apply it with a sponge. For full coverage, dab it on the area and let the product sit for a minute before blending the edges.

Some people layer concealer under their foundation to cover “trouble spots” first. Others dab concealer on top of foundation for extra coverage in certain places. You can also use it for spot coverage and skip foundation altogether if you prefer.

Since concealer tends to be thicker than foundation, use a thin layer. Too much concealer may start to crack and look “caked on,” especially over flaky skin. You may find it easier to build layers of foundation instead of adding a separate product to the mix.

Another option before foundation is primer. One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared that they use a green-tinted foundation primer, which “helps cancel out redness.” Your natural skin tone (and how your psoriasis appears) will determine what tint of primer you should use.

Ingredients To Seek or Avoid

One of the most effective topical ingredients for managing psoriasis is salicylic acid. It’s found in many moisturizers, cosmetics, and makeup products.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent) that helps shed the outer layer of skin cells and softens and removes scales or plaques. Keep in mind that salicylic acid can cause stinging and skin irritation if left on for too long or if too high a concentration is used.

You can also consider the following active ingredients that may also help soothe your skin before applying makeup:

• Lactic acid
• Urea
• Colloidal oatmeal
• Hyaluronic acid
• Lanolin
• Glycerin

Opt for fragrance-free skincare products and cosmetics to help prevent irritation. In addition, avoid alcohol, dyes, essential oils, parabens, and sulfates when choosing your moisturizer and makeup.

Use Caution When Removing Makeup

The right skincare and makeup regimen doesn’t end with application. Removing your makeup to prevent irritation is just as important as how you put it on. Try using gentle soaps, makeup removers, micellar water, and cleansers, such as those recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

You may also want to include salicylic acid or glycolic acid in your cleansing routine. But using too much can cause irritation and dryness, so talk to your dermatologist about how to apply it.