Naftalan oil, sourced from the Naftalan region in Croatia, has been used for decades as part of supportive skin care routines for people living with psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory skin conditions. While psoriasis is a medical condition that should be diagnosed and monitored by a dermatologist, many people look for non-steroid topical options that can help support everyday comfort, hydration, and skin barrier function.
Below is an overview of the most commonly used Naftalan-based products and how they may fit into a practical psoriasis skin care routine.
Naftalan Oil
Naftalan Oil is a topical product formulated with Naftalan components and minerals and is most often used as an intensive care step for dry, thickened, and irritated skin. Many users choose it when plaques feel tight, itchy, or rough, and when the skin barrier needs extra support.
Why people use it
Helps soften dry, flaky areas
Supports hydration and skin comfort
Often used for thicker plaques on elbows, knees, or other persistent spots
Can be used on the scalp (depending on your personal routine and tolerance)
How to use
Notes on safety
Naftalan Oil is often selected as a non-steroid option. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, treating a child, or using prescription therapies, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any intensive topical routine.
Naftalan Cream
Naftalan Cream is typically chosen as a daily moisturizer-style option for mild to moderate symptoms, especially when the goal is maintaining hydration and reducing the feeling of tightness.
Why people use it
Supports skin barrier function and hydration
Can help reduce the sensation of dryness and discomfort
Suitable for more sensitive areas where heavier products may feel too intense
Useful as an everyday maintenance product
How to use
Apply to clean, dry skin as needed, often once or twice daily. Many people use it consistently for several weeks as part of a routine, then continue as needed to support long-term skin comfort.
Notes on safety
This product is commonly positioned as a gentle, supportive option and is often preferred by people who want to avoid steroids in daily care. Always read the product label for age guidance and suitability.
Naftalan Shampoo
Scalp psoriasis can be challenging because scaling, itchiness, and redness often overlap with dandruff-like symptoms. Naftalan Shampoo is designed for the scalp, but some users also apply it to body areas where gentle cleansing and soothing support are needed.
Why people use it
Helps cleanse the scalp without over-drying
Supports comfort for irritated, flaky skin
Often used when the scalp feels oily, itchy, or sensitive
May be helpful as part of a routine for visible scalp scaling
How to use
Apply to wet hair and scalp, massage gently, and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Many users keep it in rotation as a regular-use shampoo, depending on how their scalp reacts and what their dermatologist recommends.
Practical tip
If you use any leave-on product afterward (such as oil or cream), apply it only once the scalp is dry and avoid over-layering in a way that causes irritation.
Naftalan Cream with Urea
For many people with psoriasis, dryness is not the only issue. Thick scaling and hardened plaques can create a cycle of discomfort and cracking. Naftalan Cream with Urea is designed for these situations because urea is widely used in dermatology to support moisture retention and softening of rough skin.
Why people use it
Deep hydration for very dry, rough, or cracked skin
Helps soften thickened areas and reduce the “tight” feeling
Often preferred for elbows, knees, heels, and chronic plaques
Supports smoother skin texture over time with consistent use
How to use
Typically applied one to three times daily, depending on tolerance and severity of dryness. If you are new to urea-based creams, start with a small amount, since very inflamed or broken skin can feel sensitive to active moisturizers.
Notes on tolerance
Urea can sometimes cause stinging if applied to fissures or irritated skin. If that happens, reduce frequency or switch to a gentler moisturizer until the skin calms down.
Naftalan DermaDuo
DermaDuo is a popular combination-based approach for people who want a more structured routine rather than using only one product. It is often chosen by individuals who experience cycles of flare-ups and calmer periods and want both cleansing and leave-on support.
Why people use it
Convenient option for building a consistent care routine
Helps combine “wash + treat” steps in one plan
Useful for people who need both scalp and body support
Often chosen for maintenance during travel or daily use
How to use
DermaDuo is typically used by combining a cleansing step (shampoo or wash product) with a leave-on product (oil or cream), depending on the exact items in the set. The key is consistency: many people see the most benefit when they follow a routine daily for several weeks and adjust based on how their skin responds.
How to Build a Simple Routine (Example)
If you want to guide the reader with a practical flow, this is a clean and realistic structure:
Scalp symptoms: Naftalan Shampoo 3 to 7 times per week (based on tolerance)
Daily hydration: Naftalan Cream once or twice daily
Thick plaques or very dry areas: Naftalan Oil a few times per week, or as a targeted step
Rough, cracked, or thickened patches: Naftalan Cream with Urea on problem areas
Important Notes (Legal-Safe and Patient-Safe)
Naftalan products may be helpful as supportive skin care for dryness, scaling, and discomfort, but they are not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have severe symptoms, rapid worsening, bleeding lesions, signs of infection, or if you are unsure whether you are dealing with psoriasis or another skin condition, the safest next step is a dermatology consultation.
As with any topical product, patch testing is recommended, and it is important to stop use if irritation occurs.
