So since I started my pre/probiotic diet experiment thing I haven't been posting many product reviews but that doesn't mean that I haven't been trying out new stuff. As most psoriasis suffered know, lotions and potions that are specifically for psoriasis can be very expensive so I thought I would give my purse a break and see what 'off-the-shelf' products are available. Before you call me silly or give me a lecture on all the chemicals etc that are in these products, I am aware that most of them aren't going to help, but like I've said before, I am leaving no stone unturned in my quest for skin comfort.
Ok so I've been hoarding these tubs and bottles until I found myself finally getting a moment to be able to review them and I'm going to keep the reviews short and sweet.
Garnier Hydralock 400ml: 7/10
Out of all the products pictured, this is the only one that I would bother using again. I've seen that it has been available in other countries for a while but I've only recently noticed it on the shelves of UK stores. I absolutely hate the consistency of thin and runny moisturisers like this, it is described as 'moisturising milk' though to be fair so I can't complain too much. Despite the consistency it contains 5% Urea & urea is great at offering relief from itching. It's not a product that deeply moisturises but I found it really soothing for my intense night itching problem. It scored so highly because I had A WHOLE WEEK of sleeping well!!It's strange that after a week of use it seemed less effective for some reason. It's not a moisturiser I'd use in the day but I think I'll keep a bottle handy for those night time itching fits.
(http://www.superdrug.com/Garnier/Garnier-Skin-Naturals-Hydralock-Moisturising-Milk-400ml/p/524018?gclid=CjwKEAiA27G1BRCEopST9M39gykSJADQyqAlXX0-lznwJms3e-RQaiSwOeOOQTSpGDHOhqc3Wwm2jBoCSrrw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds, £2.69)
Nivea Soft 200ml: 3/10
Well done Nivea for the marketing of this product, when I saw this 'soft' looking product on the shelves I thought it looked and sounded like something that would offer comfort to my skin. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. This would offer long-lasting moisture to non psoriasis sufferers and I like the consistency. However, because it does have quite a thick & heavy consistency it often stuck to my clothes (you know when you're clothes get cold and damp because they've become saturated in moisturiser). I'd probably need a bigger pot too, as you can imagine the 200ml pot didn't lost long. At least it smelt nice though!
(http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=257275188&gclid=CjwKEAiA27G1BRCEopST9M39gykSJADQyqAl0VST4hF3EXykSKnaAY8qAP41QRe94r_zvRM8yjPFrBoCsdfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds, £4.10)
Lotil Original Cream 114ml: 4/10
This is one that seems to sit on the skin for ages, it takes a while for it all to absorb leaving you with the saturated clothes problem. It did offer some comfort immediately after applying but I was back to my itchy self before too long. Not effective enough to make the short list I'm afraid.
(http://www.boots.com/en/Lotil-Original-Cream-114ml_865711/, £6.29)
Atrixo Enriched Moisturising Hand Cream 200ml: 5/10
Ok so I didn't notice that it was specifically a HAND cream when I bought it but of course I still tried smothering it over the whole of my spotty body. As it is enriched with camomile I thought it would be soothing, and it was to some extent just not quite as soothing as I was hoping for. I'm sure it makes a lovely hand cream for non psoriasis sufferers but the moisturiser doesn't penetrate deeply enough on those lesions of ours.
(http://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=255338187&gclid=CjwKEAiA27G1BRCEopST9M39gykSJADQyqAlnFAE49J0vuDtNmxMd8LMmZH7NXw6B01LUyZmguRG3hoCIRLw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds, £3.70)
Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo 100ml: 1/10
In my defence it's not just an anti-dandruff shampoo, it does mention dermatitis so I though that might include other skin conditions also. Boy was I wrong! DO NOT USE THIS ON SEVERE SCALP PSORIASIS. It was hell, I was flaking all over the place and was so so so itchy. I wash my hair before I go to bed at night and I was scratching one patch on my my scalp all night so of course it bled and made my hair smell like I can't even describe, it was horrible.
(http://www.boots.com/en/Nizoral-Dandruff-Shampoo-100-ml_11359/, £9.19)
Astral 200ml: 5/10
Loads of people swear by this cream and it does make a nice facial moisturiser. I personally didn't find it that effective and wasn't too keen on the smell. It's a nice consistency but my skin got back to being itchy again relatively quickly after applying it.
(http://www.boots.com/en/Astral-All-Over-Moisturiser-200ml_51896/?cm_mmc=bmm-_-google-_-PLAs-_-Boots%20Shopping%20-%20Category%20-%20Beauty, £3.89)
Elegance Skincare Goats Milk Psoriasis Cream 200g: 4/10
This was given to me as a present, the guy who sold it to my auntie claimed that it clears psoriasis. It definitely does not clear psoriasis. It has a nice light and airy texture but is still thick enough for my liking. The little pot didn't last long for it's ridiculous price!
(https://www.natural-skin-care.com/product_info.php?products_id=279%A0osCsid=grf2hg78pi0g8fld1qi1juoq85, £22.50)
Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturising body Oil 250ml: 5/10
Love love love the smell of this. Like with all body oils it's annoying and messy to apply. It did leave my skin feeling moisturised but you would have to apply it about 5 times a day to stay properly moisturised.
(http://www.feelunique.com/p/Palmers-Cocoa-Butter-Formula-Moisturizing-Body-Oil-250ml?utm_source=GoogleBaseUK&utm_medium=gen&option=32627&aff=mrn&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping+-+Suppliers_Other&mkwid=sifM0Nky8_dc&pcrid=54960034239&pkw=&pmt=&utm_content=sifM0Nky8_dc%7Cpcrid%7C54960034239%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C, £4.99)
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Body Gel 200ml: 3/10
When I saw this in the shop I thought this was going to be the one. It looked so full of moisture. Again, I was fooled by appearances. I really didn't like the smell of it and it actually stung a bit after applying sometimes.
(http://www.superdrug.com/Vaseline/Vaseline-Intensive-Care-Cocoa-Body-Gel-200ml/p/309900?gclid=CjwKEAiA27G1BRCEopST9M39gykSJADQyqAlTP7FJxPUfzwMiqCwcpfSWgbDA_d34LgNeZ0Mjfx3sxoC4qrw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds, £5.69 )
