You have Nopsor. Here's exactly how to use it.
This guide covers everything — the right technique, the right timing, what to expect, and how to stay consistent. Written directly from José Luis Aguilar Sánchez's 27 years of formulation experience.
Set yourself up for the best results.
What to have ready
- Nopsor Shampoo and Ointment — both products, every night for best results
- Lukewarm water — not hot. Hot water strips the skin barrier and increases inflammation
- A clean towel — pat dry gently, never rub
- Old, dark-colored clothing or sleepwear — the ointment can stain fabric
- Cotton gloves or socks if treating hands or feet — keeps the ointment in contact overnight
- Dark sheets or an inexpensive set designated for treatment nights
Why nighttime?
Skin cell renewal peaks between 11pm and 4am — your body's natural repair window. The Nopsor ointment's petrolatum base holds the active ingredients against your skin for 7–8 hours overnight. Apply the routine as close to bedtime as possible for maximum contact time.
Three steps. Every night.
Apply Nopsor Shampoo
Wet affected areas with lukewarm water. Apply Nopsor Shampoo directly to skin — not just hair if treating scalp psoriasis. Lather gently and leave on for 2–3 minutes before rinsing. This contact time matters: the salicylic acid is working to lift scale even during the rinse-off window.
Pat dry. Don't rub.
Gently pat skin dry with a clean towel. Rubbing creates friction that can aggravate psoriasis and remove residual active ingredients still on your skin from Step 1. Let skin settle for a moment before moving to Step 3.
Apply Nopsor Ointment
Apply a thin, even layer to all affected areas. The petrolatum base does the work of holding the active ingredients against your skin — a thick layer is not more effective and makes sheets harder to manage. Leave on overnight. The ointment will do its work while you sleep.
The next morning
Use Nopsor Shampoo again in the morning to wash away any remaining ointment. This also gives the active ingredients one more brief contact pass. Follow with a fragrance-free moisturizer on treated areas to maintain hydration through the day.
Common mistakes that reduce results.
Rinsing the shampoo too quickly
The 2–3 minute contact time is not optional. The shampoo's active ingredients need that window to begin working — rinsing immediately after lathering significantly reduces effectiveness.
Applying too much ointment
A thin, even layer is correct. Thick application doesn't improve results — it wastes product and makes sheets and clothing harder to manage. If it's visibly heavy, you've applied too much.
Skipping nights
Consistency is the single most important factor. Missing nights — especially in the first 4 weeks — breaks the momentum the formula needs to work through the healing phases. Every night counts.
Sun exposure after application
Coal tar increases photosensitivity. Avoid prolonged sun exposure for up to 24 hours after applying either product. If you must be in the sun, cover treated areas or apply sunscreen.
Most people quit too early. Here's what the timeline actually looks like.
The middle weeks — weeks 2 through 5 — are where most people give up. Skin may look the same, or temporarily worse. This is normal. Understanding the full arc before you start is the most important thing you can do.
Skin activation
The formula begins working beneath the surface. Visible change typically lags behind what's happening at the skin-cell level — this is normal and expected.
Scale removal
Salicylic acid works to loosen and lift built-up scale. Some people notice texture changes before they notice visual changes — skin may feel different before it looks different.
Cellular slowdown
Coal tar continues working to slow the abnormally rapid skin cell production behind plaque buildup. Redness may persist after scaling reduces — this is part of the process.
Visible improvement
With consistent nightly use, many people report calmer, smoother-looking skin. Faint pink or light-brown marks where plaques were are normal and fade over time.
About weeks 2–5
This is where most people stop. The skin may look unchanged or temporarily worse as dead skin sheds faster. This is not a sign the product isn't working — it's a sign it is. Keep going. The improvement that follows this phase is typically the most significant.
Individual results vary. This timeline reflects general patterns, not a guarantee of results for any individual. See what each stage actually looks like →
The most common questions about using Nopsor.
What if I miss a night?
Missing one night won't undo your progress — but try to get back on schedule the next night. Consistency over weeks matters more than any single night. If you miss several nights in a row, you may notice your skin regressing slightly. This is why building the routine into a daily habit matters.
Can I use Nopsor on my face?
Avoid using Nopsor products on the face, near the eyes, or on mucous membranes unless directed by a doctor. The active concentrations are formulated for body and scalp use.
How much ointment should I use per application?
A thin, even layer across affected areas. For reference: a fingertip unit (the amount that covers from fingertip to first knuckle) covers an area roughly the size of two adult palms. Most people use less than they expect.
Can I use Nopsor if I'm on other psoriasis treatments?
If you are using prescription treatments, biologics, or phototherapy, consult your doctor before adding any OTC product. For OTC-only users, Nopsor can generally be used alongside fragrance-free moisturizers, but avoid layering other active-ingredient products on the same areas at the same time.
Is it normal for my skin to look worse before it gets better?
Yes — this is common in the first 2–5 weeks. As the salicylic acid lifts built-up scale, skin may temporarily look redder or flakier than before you started. This is the formula working, not a reaction to it. If you experience significant irritation, burning, or pain, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Can I use just one product instead of both?
The two-step system is designed to work together — Step 1 prepares, Step 2 penetrates. For mild scalp psoriasis or maintenance after a flare has cleared, the shampoo alone may be sufficient. For body psoriasis or active flares, both products together produce the most consistent results.
Running low? Questions about your results?
Reorder anytime — or reach out to us directly at info@nopsor-usa.com. We respond within 1 business day and we're happy to answer questions about your specific situation.