Living with Psoriasis/Hair, Nail, & Body Care

Exfoliation and Psoriasis: What Helps and What To Avoid

Medically reviewed by Nahla Maher, M.D.

Written by Anika Brahmbhatt

Updated on October 6, 2026

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Key Takeaways

For people living with psoriasis, finding the right exfoliation products can be a challenge because the wrong choice could irritate the skin or trigger a flare-up.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin, and there are two main types: mechanical and chemical. Ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea are commonly used to help soften and remove psoriasis scales, though these products can also irritate sensitive skin and should be used as directed.
Before trying any exfoliation products, it is a good idea to talk with a dermatologist, especially if psoriasis is widespread or affects sensitive areas, since they can help you find the safest approach for your skin.

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If you’re living with psoriasis, finding exfoliation products can be tricky. The wrong choice could irritate your skin or trigger a flare because skin injury can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Some people use exfoliating products to help remove scales from psoriasis plaques. Scale softeners can soften psoriasis plaques, which may help topical medicines reach skin more easily. “I used my sister’s exfoliant soap one time and had way better skin,” reported one MyPsoriasisTeam member.

Your dermatologist might prescribe treatments to ease symptoms. They may also recommend topical scale softeners such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea, which are available over the counter.

What Is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the skin’s outer layer. The two main types are mechanical and chemical exfoliation.

Mechanical exfoliation uses a scrub, sponge, brush, or washcloth to remove dead skin cells. This can be too rough for psoriasis plaques because scratching, scrubbing, or otherwise injuring skin can trigger a flare.

Chemical exfoliation uses ingredients such as acids to loosen or remove dead skin cells without scrubbing. Some ingredients, including salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea, can help soften and remove psoriasis scales, but exfoliating products can also irritate sensitive skin. Ask your dermatologist which products are appropriate for your psoriasis.

Why Do MyPsoriasisTeam Members Exfoliate?

Flaking scales can be painful and itchy, and they may also make you self-conscious. You may have changed the type of clothing you wear because of white skin flakes on your clothes.

“I have white hair, so my scalp is bright pink and visible. My hair continues to thin, so I plan to wear a hat most places I go,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote.

Another member shared their feelings of worry caused by psoriasis symptoms: “I can feel the buildup of plaques and sore spots on my scalp. I’m anxious about shedding scales.”

Members have also shared their experiences with treating and removing scales. “I have amazingly cleared up a few patches over the last six months, although not sure how,” one member wrote. “Gentle exfoliation and over-the-counter moisturizers, but constantly applied.”

Which Ingredients Are Commonly Found in Exfoliation Products?

For psoriasis plaques, commonly used ingredients include scale softeners, also called keratolytics. Options include:

Salicylic acid — Can soften and remove scale and is often used for scalp psoriasis. Removing scale may help topical psoriasis medicines reach the skin better, but too much salicylic acid can also worsen psoriasis symptoms, so use it only as directed.

Urea and lactic acid — Can help soften and remove scale. Urea can also help moisturize dry, thickened skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) — Include ingredients such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. AHAs and PHAs can exfoliate the skin, but research on their use specifically for psoriasis is limited.

Salicylic acid is a commonly used exfoliating ingredient, but stronger exfoliating products should be used carefully and as directed.

What Is Scalp Exfoliation for Psoriasis?

Scalp exfoliation can be tempting when plaques feel thick or itchy. The goal is to soften scale and gently wash away what has loosened — not to scrub the scalp clean.

For scalp psoriasis, dermatologists may recommend medicated shampoos, topical medicines, or scale softeners. Products with salicylic acid can soften thick patches, but use them according to the product label or your dermatologist’s instructions. Avoid harsh scalp scrubs, and don’t dig, scratch, or pick at plaques.

How Can You Exfoliate Safely?

Before you exfoliate plaques, talk with your dermatologist, especially if your psoriasis is widespread or inflamed or affects your face, skin folds, or scalp. Also ask before combining exfoliating ingredients with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or other products that may make skin more sensitive.

These tips may help reduce irritation:

Soak in lukewarm water to soften scales. A warm — not hot — 15-minute bath may help before applying a scale softener.
Apply scale softeners as directed, gently wash away loosened scales, and don’t pick or force off scales.
Moisturize right after bathing or exfoliating because exfoliation can dry the skin.

What Are the Potential Risks of Exfoliating?

Exfoliating too often or too roughly can irritate or injure the skin and may trigger new psoriasis plaques. Avoid scrubbing inflamed, cracked, or bleeding skin.

Test new products on a small area first. Salicylic acid can cause irritation or stinging. Stop using it and seek medical care for hives, swelling, trouble breathing, or severe skin irritation.

Use salicylic acid only as directed. Avoid using too much, applying it over large areas, or using it on irritated or infected skin unless your healthcare provider recommends it. Because salicylic acid can be absorbed through the skin, using too much can raise the risk of salicylic acid poisoning.

How Can You Choose the Best Exfoliator for Psoriasis?

No single exfoliator works best for everyone with psoriasis. The right product depends on where your plaques are and how sensitive your skin is. Keep in mind that scale-softening products help loosen and remove buildup, but they don’t treat the underlying inflammation of psoriasis.

Avoid harsh scrubs or gritty products, which can irritate or injure the skin and worsen psoriasis. If exfoliation causes dryness, use a fragrance-free moisturizer to help protect your skin barrier.

The National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition highlights products created or intended to be nonirritating and safe for people with psoriatic disease or sensitive skin. Listings change, so use the current product directory.

The seal doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have a reaction, and the foundation recommends that people with psoriasis consult a healthcare provider to make sure a product won’t interfere with prescription medications.

Finding the right psoriasis treatment can take some time. You may need to try different treatments or a combination of treatments before finding what works best for you. Your dermatologist can adjust your treatment plan along the way based on how your skin responds.

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