Should You Use Olive Oil for Psoriasis?
Is olive oil good for psoriasis?
Olive oil can help soften dry, scaly skin and improve moisture levels, but it’s not a complete treatment for psoriasis.
Olive oil is often recommended online as a natural remedy for psoriasis. Some people swear it softens plaques and reduces dryness, while others say it makes their skin worse. So what’s the truth?
The answer: olive oil can be helpful in certain situations, but it’s not ideal for everyone — and in some cases, it may even trigger irritation.
In short:
Helps hydrate and soften plaques
May reduce visible dryness and flaking
Doesn’t reduce underlying inflammation
Not a long-term solution on its own
Why people use olive oil for psoriasis
Olive oil is a common home remedy for psoriasis because it’s:
natural
accessible
highly moisturising
For psoriasis-prone skin, it may help:
Soften thick plaques → making them easier to manage
Improve hydration → reducing tightness and discomfort
Support the skin barrier (short-term)
👉 This is why it’s often used as a simple at-home solution.
How olive oil affects psoriasis
Olive oil works mainly by locking in moisture.
It contains:
fatty acids → help hydrate the skin
antioxidants → support general skin health
This can:
reduce dryness
make scaling less noticeable
improve overall skin comfort
👉 However, it works on the surface level only.
Can olive oil make psoriasis worse?
In some cases, yes.
Olive oil is high in oleic acid, a fatty acid that can weaken the skin barrier when applied too often. Psoriasis already involves barrier dysfunction, so overusing oils — especially pure oils — can cause:
increased redness
burning or irritation
worsened dryness over time
flare‑ups on sensitive areas
Olive oil also doesn’t absorb deeply into the skin, so many people feel greasy without getting lasting moisture.
While many people find it soothing, others may experience:
clogged pores or buildup
irritation if skin is very sensitive
worsening of inflammation if overused
👉 Especially if:
applied too heavily
not washed off properly
used on very inflamed skin
When olive oil might help psoriasis
Olive oil may be useful for:
softening thick, dry plaques
mild dryness between flare-ups
occasional moisture support
pre‑shampoo scalp treatments
mixing with other moisturizers for extra slip
A thin layer can help loosen flakes before a shower or bath, making them easier to remove without picking (which can create new lesions).
Pro Tip: Rinse thoroughly afterward and follow with a proper moisturier — don’t rely on olive oil alone.
👉 It works best as a supportive step—not a primary treatment
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Why olive oil isn’t enough on its own
This is where many people get stuck.
Psoriasis isn’t just about dryness—it’s driven by:
chronic inflammation
immune system activity
rapid skin cell turnover
Olive oil:
hydrates the skin
improves surface appearance
But it doesn’t:
reduce inflammation internally
prevent flare-ups
address underlying causes
A more effective approach: supporting your skin from within
Because psoriasis is multi-factor, many people are now focusing on internal skin support.
This approach helps to:
support inflammation balance
strengthen the skin barrier
improve long-term skin resilience
Skin support for psoriasis-prone skin
Our supplements are designed to support skin from within—especially for those dealing with:
Psoriasis flare-ups
Dry, flaky, irritated skin
Chronic inflammation
Key benefits:
Supports inflammation balance
Helps strengthen the skin barrier
Designed for long-term support
When You Should Not Use Olive Oil
Avoid olive oil if:
your psoriasis is inflamed, cracked, or burning
you have inverse psoriasis (skin folds)
you have a known sensitivity to olives
your skin feels worse after applying oils
you’re already dealing with a flare‑up
In these cases, olive oil can worsen irritation rather than soothe it.
When should you look beyond olive oil?
You may need a broader approach if:
your psoriasis keeps coming back
dryness improves but inflammation remains
you rely on oils but see limited results
👉 These are signs your skin may need more than topical hydration.
Better Alternatives for Psoriasis Moisturising
Most dermatologists recommend moisturisers that strengthen the skin barrier, such as:
creams with ceramides
ointments like petrolatum
fragrance‑free moisturizers
shea‑based formulas
glycerin‑rich hydrators
These lock in moisture more effectively without weakening the barrier.
Supporting skin health from within also helps reduce dryness and flare severity.
Does Eating Olive Oil Help Psoriasis?
Yes — consuming olive oil is a different story.
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and anti‑inflammatory polyphenols. Adding it to your diet may help support:
inflammation balance
cardiovascular health
antioxidant activity
Which can indirectly support psoriasis management.
Aim for 1–2 tablespoons per day in cooking or dressings.
FAQs: Olive oil and psoriasis
Is olive oil safe for psoriasis?
Sometimes — it can soften scales, but it may irritate sensitive or inflamed skin.
Can olive oil reduce psoriasis plaques?
It may soften plaques, but doesn’t reduce their root cause.
Can I use olive oil on my scalp psoriasis?
Yes, in small amounts to loosen flakes before shampooing.
How often should you use olive oil?
Occasionally, as a moisturising step—not as a primary treatment.
Why does olive oil burn on my skin?
It may be disrupting your already‑weakened skin barrier.
Is it better to ingest olive oil instead of applying it?
Yes. Eating olive oil provides anti‑inflammatory benefits without irritating the skin.
What works better than olive oil?
Many people find that combining gentle skincare with internal support leads to better long-term results.
Final thoughts
Olive oil isn’t a cure for psoriasis — and it’s not the best moisturiser for everyone. While it can help soften scales, it may irritate sensitive or inflamed patches if overused.
For most people, barrier‑repairing moisturisers + anti‑inflammatory nutrition work far better for long‑term comfort and skin resilience.
Olive oil can help improve dryness and comfort—but it’s not designed to manage psoriasis long-term.
If you’re stuck in a cycle of flare-ups, it may be time to move beyond surface-level solutions and support your skin from the inside out.
👉 Start your skin support journey →
Written by the Drought Skin team — specialists in natural support for psoriasis and eczema.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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