The Science Behind Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Natural Ingredients

Can Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Natural Ingredients Really Help Psoriasis?

Managing psoriasis isn’t just about finding quick relief—it’s about choosing proven ingredients that work long-term without harsh side effects. Many people with psoriasis look for safe, effective alternatives to steroids or biologics.

Coal tar, salicylic acid, and natural herbal ingredients have been used for decades to treat psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions. But how do they actually work? Are they scientifically backed?

This article breaks down the science behind these powerful ingredients, how they help psoriasis, and how to integrate them into your skincare routine for lasting relief.

Coal Tar: A Time-Tested Psoriasis Treatment

What Is Coal Tar?

Coal tar is a byproduct of coal processing, used in dermatology for over 100 years to treat psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. It’s FDA-approved and recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) as an effective non-steroidal treatment.

🔬 How Coal Tar Works for Psoriasis
✔ Slows down skin cell overproduction → Reduces scaling and plaque formation.
✔ Reduces inflammation and redness → Helps soothe irritated skin.
✔ Softens thick psoriasis plaques → Makes it easier for other treatments (like moisturizers) to penetrate.
✔ Relieves itching and discomfort → Provides long-lasting relief from irritation.

📊 Scientific Evidence:
Studies show that coal tar-based treatments reduce psoriasis symptoms by up to 50% in mild-to-moderate cases with consistent use over several weeks.

How Coal Tar Compares to Steroids

💡 Why Consider Coal Tar?

• Doesn’t cause skin thinning like steroids
• Safe for long-term use
• No withdrawal risk (unlike steroid creams)

🔗 Related Article: "How to Choose the Right Psoriasis Treatment"

Salicylic Acid: The Gentle Exfoliator for Psoriasis

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and break down thick, scaly patches caused by psoriasis.

🔬 How Salicylic Acid Works for Psoriasis
✔ Loosens and removes dead skin cells → Helps clear plaque buildup.
✔ Enhances penetration of other treatments → Allows coal tar, moisturizers, and vitamin D creams to absorb better.
✔ Reduces itchiness and flaking → Provides relief without irritation.

📊 Scientific Evidence:
Studies confirm that salicylic acid enhances the effectiveness of coal tar and corticosteroids by making it easier for active ingredients to penetrate thick plaques.

Best Ways to Use Salicylic Acid

🔹 In Shampoo Form: Nopsor Shampoo combines coal tar + salicylic acid, making it perfect for scalp psoriasis relief.
🔹 As a Spot Treatment: Look for ointments and lotions with 2–5% salicylic acid for direct application.

💡 Why Combine Coal Tar & Salicylic Acid?
Coal tar slows down skin cell growth, while salicylic acid helps remove built-up plaques, making them the perfect psoriasis-fighting combination.

Natural Ingredients That Soothe Psoriasis

Many natural ingredients offer anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-repairing benefits.

1. Aloe Vera: Skin Soothing & Hydration

✔ Reduces redness and irritation
✔ Hydrates and repairs the skin barrier
✔ Provides a cooling effect for itchy skin

🔬 Scientific Proof:
Studies show that aloe vera gel reduces psoriasis severity by up to 83% when applied twice daily over 4 weeks.

2. Coconut Oil: Natural Moisturizer & Anti-Inflammatory

✔ Locks in hydration, preventing dryness and cracking
✔ Contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties
✔ Safe for long-term use with no side effects

🔬 Best Way to Use:

• Apply virgin coconut oil after showering to seal in moisture.

3. Turmeric (Curcumin): Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

✔ Blocks inflammatory pathways in the body
✔ Helps reduce psoriasis flare-ups
✔ Safe for oral and topical use

🔬 Scientific Studies:
Research shows that curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) reduces psoriasis severity by lowering TNF-alpha, an inflammatory molecule linked to psoriasis flare-ups.

How to Incorporate These Ingredients Into Your Psoriasis Routine

🔹 Morning Routine:
✔ Wash scalp with Nopsor Shampoo (coal tar + salicylic acid)
✔ Apply aloe vera gel or coconut oil as a natural moisturizer

🔹 Evening Routine:
✔ Apply a coal tar-based cream like Nopsor Pomade to affected areas
✔ Drink turmeric tea or take a curcumin supplement for internal inflammation control

Final Thoughts: Why Coal Tar, Salicylic Acid, and Natural Ingredients Work

If you’re looking for a safe, long-term psoriasis treatment, combining coal tar, salicylic acid, and natural ingredients like aloe vera and turmeric provides effective relief without the side effects of steroids or biologics.

✔ Slows down skin cell overgrowth (coal tar)
✔ Removes thick plaques for better absorption (salicylic acid)
✔ Soothes inflammation naturally (aloe vera, coconut oil, turmeric)

Further Reading: Psoriasis Relief Made Simple: Nopsor’s Two-Step Natural Treatment

🔗 Try Nopsor Today for a Natural, Steroid-Free Psoriasis Solution:
www.nopsor-usa.com

References

• National Psoriasis Foundation – Understanding Coal Tar for Psoriasis
  Coal tar slows rapid skin cell growth, reducing scaling and inflammation, making it effective for mild to moderate psoriasis.
  

• PubMed – Mechanism of Action of Coal Tar in Psoriasis
  This study explains how coal tar works at a molecular level to suppress psoriasis symptoms by modulating inflammatory pathways.
  🔗 Read study

• Medical News Today – Salicylic Acid for Psoriasis: Benefits, Risks, and Uses
  Salicylic acid helps exfoliate plaques and improve the absorption of other psoriasis treatments like coal tar and corticosteroids.
  

• Mayo Clinic – Psoriasis Treatment: Topical Therapies
  Discusses the benefits and risks of different topical psoriasis treatments, including coal tar and salicylic acid.