How Did Kim Kardashian Treat Psoriasis? The Complete Journey & What Works

When mega-celebrity and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian West first revealed her battle with chronic psoriasis, it brought unprecedented global attention to an often misunderstood autoimmune skin condition. Far from being a simple case of dry skin, psoriasis is a systemic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes rapid epidermal cell proliferation, resulting in raised, red patches covered with silver, flaking scales (plaques).

For years, fans and fellow psoriasis sufferers across the United Kingdom watched Kim navigate severe flare-ups—ranging from isolated spots on her legs to painful, body-wide outbreaks that even triggered psoriatic arthritis in her hands. Her willingness to share her journey publicly led millions to ask one central question: how did Kim Kardashian treat psoriasis, and which of her experimented methods actually deliver long-term relief?

The direct answer is that Kim Kardashian managed her psoriasis using a multi-pronged approach that combined clinical UVB light therapy, prescription topical steroids (sometimes under plastic-wrap occlusion), a strict plant-based diet, stress reduction techniques, and eventually exploring systemic biologic medications. However, while celebrity budgets allow for home phototherapy machines and high-tech dermatological interventions, many of the core principles she adopted—especially barrier restoration, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and botanical lipid care—can be implemented using accessible, natural British skincare solutions.

In this comprehensive 2,000-word guide, we will trace Kim Kardashian's complete psoriasis timeline, analyse the medical efficacy of her treatments, evaluate the risks of heavy steroid reliance, and introduce pure, natural options from British heritage brands like LIHA Beauty, Balmonds, and Thunderbird Skin available at SOHO Brands.

Kim Kardashian’s Psoriasis Timeline: From First Spot to Systemic Flare-Up

Kim’s experience with psoriasis is a classic example of how genetic predisposition combines with environmental stress to trigger autoimmune symptoms.

GENETIC PREDISPOSITION (Inherited from mother Kris Jenner at age 30)
                                      │
                         ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS & TRAUMA
                                      │
[First Flare-Up (Age 25)] ──► Short-Term Remission ──► [Major Outbreak (Age 30+)]
                                                              │
                                            PROGRESSION TO PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
                                                              │
                              Painful Joint Swelling + Body-Wide Plaque Coverage

She experienced her very first flare-up at age 25 after catching a common cold, which triggered a sudden immune response. Her mother, Kris Jenner, was also diagnosed with psoriasis at age 30, highlighting the strong hereditary component of the condition. After an initial cortisone injection administered by her family dermatologist provided five years of remission, the condition returned in her early thirties with far greater severity.

By 2019, Kim disclosed on her lifestyle platform Poosh and subsequent health podcasts that the plaques had spread across her face, neck, legs, and stomach. The inflammation eventually progressed to psoriatic arthritis—a painful joint complication that affects roughly 30% of psoriasis patients—leaving her temporarily unable to lift objects or bend her hands comfortably.

Her public struggle highlighted a critical truth: psoriasis is not a static condition. It waxes and wanes depending on internal stress, hormonal shifts, diet, and environmental weather changes—particularly cold, dry winters in northern climates like the UK.

Dissecting Kim Kardashian’s Treatment Strategy

When investigating how did Kim Kardashian treat psoriasis, her journey reveals an extensive array of conventional, holistic, and experimental remedies. Here is a detailed breakdown of the primary pillars she relied upon:

                  ┌──► 1. Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB Light Therapy)
                  ├──► 2. Topical Steroids & Occlusion ("Saran Wrap" Method)
KIM'S TREATMENT ──┼──► 3. Dietary Overhaul (100% Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory)
  EXPERIMENTS     ├──► 4. Holistic Topicals (Herbal Teas, Seaweed, & Herbal Salves)
                  └──► 5. Systemic Medical Intervention (Biologics & Medical Testing)

1. Narrowband UVB Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

One of the most consistent clinical treatments Kim utilized was ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy). Specifically, narrowband UVB rays penetrate the outer layers of the skin to slow down the abnormally rapid division of T-cells and keratinocytes. To maintain consistency amidst her busy filming schedule, Kim invested in a medical-grade phototherapy light machine at her home, using it for several minutes daily across affected skin areas.

• Clinical Efficacy: Phototherapy is widely recognised by NHS dermatologists across the UK as an effective, non-steroidal treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. However, clinical phototherapy requires precise exposure times to avoid UV damage and sunburn, which can paradoxically worsen plaques.

2. Topical Steroids and the "Plastic Wrap" Method

During acute flare-ups, Kim relied heavily on prescription topical corticosteroids to suppress local skin inflammation rapidly. To enhance the absorption of these creams, she famously adopted the "saran wrap" (plastic wrap) occlusion method. By applying a thick layer of topical cream and wrapping the limb in airtight plastic overnight, moisture is trapped, forcing active compounds deeper into thick, scaly plaques.

• Clinical Caution: While occlusion dramatically increases topical absorption, doing so with potent fluorinated topical steroids raises the risk of skin thinning (atrophy), systemic absorption, and severe rebound flare-ups known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). Dermatologists advise extreme caution when occluding strong synthetic steroids, recommending water-free natural lipid balms for occlusion instead.

3. Transition to a 100% Plant-Based Diet

Realising that topical suppression alone was not addressing internal systemic inflammation, Kim overhauled her eating habits, transitioning to a strict plant-based diet. She eliminated dairy, red meat, highly processed foods, and refined sugars, replacing them with antioxidant-rich vegetables, legumes, and herbal infusions.

• Nutritional Science: Saturated fats from dairy and red meat fuel the production of arachidonic acid, an inflammatory precursor that exacerbates psoriasis cytokines (like TNF-alpha and IL-17). A plant-based diet rich in phytonutrients helps lower systemic inflammatory markers, providing a calmer foundation for the skin.

4. Stress Management and Alternative Therapies

Recognising that cortisol spikes from emotional stress served as her primary flare-up trigger, Kim incorporated regular stress-reduction practices, including infrared saunas, celery juice regimes, herbal detox teas, and holistic herbal ointments.

Conventional Treatments vs. Natural Barrier Repair

While high-potency medical interventions can deliver rapid results during acute crises, relying indefinitely on synthetic steroids or expensive systemic pharmaceuticals carries notable drawbacks. The table below highlights how Kim's medical methods compare with long-term natural barrier support:

Natural Options for Psoriasis: British Botanical Solutions at SOHO Brands

For those seeking natural options that work with psoriasis without relying indefinitely on synthetic steroids, British botanical skincare offers exceptional barrier-repair performance.

By choosing water-free balms, unrefined plant seed oils, and rich herbal butters, you can descale silver plaques, relieve nocturnal itching, and restore skin flexibility safely. Below are the finest natural psoriasis remedies from Balmonds, Thunderbird Skin, and LIHA Beauty, available through SOHO Brands.

1. Balmonds Skin Salvation: The Gold-Standard Natural Barrier Balm

If you are looking for an award-winning, water-free salve to replicate Kim Kardashian's occlusion method without the risks of topical steroids, Balmonds Skin Salvation is the premier choice.

FORMULA TYPE: 100% Natural Anhydrous Ointment (Water-Free)
KEY INGREDIENTS: Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Unrefined Beeswax, Safflower Oil, Olive Oil, Calendula, Chamomile, Chickweed, Nettle
BEST FOR: Thick psoriasis plaques, cracked knuckles, nocturnal occlusion wraps, TSW recovery

Recognised by the UK MHRA as a Class 1 Medical Device for eczema and psoriasis relief, this flagship salve contains zero water, zero alcohol, and zero synthetic preservatives. Local unrefined beeswax creates a breathable, semi-occlusive protective shield over stubborn plaques, while cold-pressed hemp seed oil delivers essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids directly into damaged epidermal tissue to break the itch-scratch cycle.

• How to Use for Psoriasis Occlusion: Warm a generous portion of Balmonds Skin Salvation between your clean palms to melt the natural beeswax. Press firmly into thick psoriasis plaques on elbows, knees, or hands, and cover with 100% organic cotton wraps overnight for deep, non-stinging plaque softening.

2. LIHA Beauty Shea Butter (Gold): Single-Ingredient Raw Plaque Descaling

When psoriasis skin is raw, cracked, or hypersensitive to complex product blends, single-ingredient purity is unbeatable. LIHA Beauty Shea Butter (Gold) supplies unrefined, raw botanical power.

FORMULA TYPE: 100% Raw, Unrefined Organic Butter (Single Ingredient)
KEY INGREDIENTS: 100% Pure Nigerian Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)
BEST FOR: Softening dense silvery plaques, cracked heels & elbows, palmoplantar psoriasis, sensitive skin

Sourced ethically from Nigeria and hand-packaged in the UK, this raw, unrefined shea butter contains zero added water, zero chemicals, and zero bleaching agents. Rich in natural vitamins A, E, and F, alongside cinnamic acid, it melts upon contact with body heat, penetrating thick psoriasis scales to restore elasticity and soften hardened plaque borders naturally.

• How to Use for Psoriasis: Scoop out a small portion and massage directly onto rough plaque patches on knees, feet, or knuckles after a warm bath while skin is still slightly damp.

3. Thunderbird Skin Rescue Cream: Fast-Absorbing Daytime Cica Hydration

For daytime body maintenance or facial psoriasis patches where a thick ointment feels too heavy under clothing, Thunderbird Skin Rescue Cream delivers lightweight, cooling cosmeceutical care.

FORMULA TYPE: Fast-Absorbing Botanical Emulsion
KEY INGREDIENTS: Centella Asiatica (Cica), Blue Chamomile Hydrosol, Green Tea Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
BEST FOR: Daytime body hydration, facial psoriasis patches, cooling flushed plaque skin

Handcrafted in small batches in Tetbury, England, Thunderbird Skin replaces plain tap water with distilled herbal hydrosols like Blue Chamomile. It absorbs rapidly without leaving a greasy sheen, utilizing Cica and non-nano Zinc Oxide to calm micro-inflammation, speed up tissue recovery, and reduce redness across active lesions.

• How to Use for Psoriasis: Smooth 1–2 pumps gently over arms, legs, or chest in the morning to keep skin soft and comfortable throughout the day.

4. LIHA Beauty Idan Oil: Luxurious Post-Bathing Botanical Glow

Bathing can sometimes leave psoriasis-prone skin feeling tight and itchy. LIHA Beauty Idan Oil offers a pure, luxurious oil treatment to lock in deep hydration.

FORMULA TYPE: 100% Natural Multi-Purpose Body & Hair Oil
KEY INGREDIENTS: Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil, Steeped Tuberose Flower (Enfleurage)
BEST FOR: Post-shower body hydration, scalp plaque softening, dry limb care

Formulated with 98.6% cold-pressed coconut oil—naturally high in lauric acid—this oil nourishes dry skin layers and softens surface flaking. Rather than using synthetic fragrance chemicals or phthalates, a real Tuberose flower is steeped inside every bottle using traditional enfleurage to impart a gentle, natural floral scent.

• How to Use for Psoriasis: Apply a few warm drops over damp skin immediately after showering to lock in moisture before towel drying.

5. Thunderbird Skin Wild Crafted Repair Balm: Intensive Nocturnal Recovery

When psoriasis lesions are severely split, inflamed, or recovering from chemical peel treatments or over-exfoliation, Thunderbird Skin Wild Crafted Repair Balm provides concentrated waterless repair.

FORMULA TYPE: Concentrated Wild-Harvested Botanical Lipid Balm
KEY INGREDIENTS: Wild-Harvested Herbal Extracts, Cold-Pressed Seed Oils, Rich Plant Butters
BEST FOR: Severe barrier breakdown, split skin fissures, over-exfoliated facial skin, deep nocturnal repair

Crafted using nutrient-dense wild-harvested botanicals and cold-pressed seed oils, this dense repair ointment acts as an intensive restorative mask for damaged skin, calming stubborn redness and smoothing rough plaque texture overnight.

• How to Use for Psoriasis: Apply a thin layer over cracked knuckles, split fingertips, or inflamed patches before bed to wake up to visibly calmer, softer skin.

6. Balmonds Hair & Scalp Oil: Targeted Scalp Plaque Treatment

Scalp psoriasis causes thick scaling along the hairline, crown, and behind the ears, often accompanied by intense itching and embarrassing flaking. Balmonds Hair & Scalp Oil provides a natural purifying treatment.

FORMULA TYPE: Purifying Herbal Scalp Treatment Oil
KEY INGREDIENTS: Organic Hemp, Borage, Sunflower & Olive Oils, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Chickweed, Nettle
BEST FOR: Scalp psoriasis, seborrheic plaque accumulation, severe scalp itching, hairline flaking

Unlike harsh coal-tar shampoos that strip natural lipids and dry out hair, this botanical oil blend uses purifying tea tree and rosemary to lift stubborn scales while borage and hemp seed oils supply Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) to soothe inflamed scalp tissue.

• How to Use for Psoriasis: Part hair in sections, massage the oil directly into dry scalp plaques before bed, and wash out gently the next morning with a mild shampoo.

Step-by-Step Daily Psoriasis Care Routine

To get the best results from these natural British formulas, follow this simple morning and evening skin care routine:

MORNING ROUTINE:
Step 1: Lukewarm Shower ──► Step 2: Apply Thunderbird Rescue Cream ──► Step 3: Seal Damp Skin with LIHA Idan Oil

EVENING REPAIR ROUTINE:
Step 1: Scalp Treatment (Hair & Scalp Oil) ──► Step 2: Apply Balmonds Skin Salvation to Heavy Plaques ──► Step 3: Overnight Cotton Wraps

Morning Routine: Soothe & Protect

1. Bathing Care: Shower using warm or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which washes away protective surface lipids.
2. Daily Hydration: Smooth Thunderbird Skin Rescue Cream over larger body areas to deliver active Cica and panthenol.
3. Botanical Seal: Press a few drops of warm LIHA Beauty Idan Oil over damp limbs to lock in surface hydration throughout the day.

Evening Routine: Deep Plaque Softening

1. Scalp Care: Part hair and massage Balmonds Hair & Scalp Oil directly into dry scalp plaques.
2. Plaque Softening: Warm a dollop of Balmonds Skin Salvation or LIHA Beauty Shea Butter (Gold) between your palms and massage firmly into thick plaques on elbows, knees, or feet.
3. Overnight Wrap: For severe hand or foot psoriasis, cover the balm-treated areas with 100% organic cotton gloves or socks before sleep to enhance deep absorption.

Essential Lifestyle Adjustments to Support Psoriasis Healing

Topical remedies work best when supported by daily lifestyle habits that reduce autoimmune triggers:

🌿 Lifestyle Checklist for Psoriasis Management

• Adopt Anti-Inflammatory Eating: Follow Kim Kardashian's lead by reducing saturated animal fats, refined sugars, and ultra-processed foods. Focus on colourful vegetables, berries, omega-3 rich seeds, and plant proteins.
• Never Pick or Scrub Plaques: Scratching or picking off silver scales triggers the Koebner Phenomenon, causing new psoriasis lesions to form at sites of skin trauma. Allow natural plant lipids to soften scales gently.
• Manage Stress Levels: Stress is one of the most common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. Practice daily stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle walking.
• Embrace Moderate Sun Exposure: Controlled exposure to natural sunlight (10–15 minutes daily during UK spring and summer) helps slow down rapid epidermal cell division, mirroring clinical phototherapy.
• Use Non-Biological Laundry Products: Wash bedding and clothing in fragrance-free, non-biological laundry detergents to prevent synthetic chemical residues from irritating active plaques.

Debunking Common Psoriasis Myths

Myth 1: "Psoriasis is contagious."

Fact: Psoriasis is an internal autoimmune condition driven by genetics and immune system signaling. It is completely non-contagious and cannot be caught or spread through physical contact.

Myth 2: "There is no point in using natural balms if you have severe psoriasis."

Fact: While natural balms do not cure the underlying autoimmune response, water-free balms packed with essential fatty acids and unrefined beeswax physically soften dense plaques, rebuild the skin barrier, and stop itching without steroid side effects.

Myth 3: "You must use heavy coal-tar shampoos to treat scalp psoriasis."

Fact: Coal-tar shampoos can leave hair dry, brittle, and unpleasantly scented. Using a nourishing, plant-based scalp oil like Balmonds Hair & Scalp Oil lifts flakes gently while soothing itchy scalp tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Kim Kardashian treat psoriasis on her face?

Kim used a combination of gentle topical treatments, targeted light therapy, and non-comedogenic hydration. For facial psoriasis, lightweight, fast-absorbing options like Thunderbird Skin Rescue Cream provide soothing hydration without clogging pores.

What is the best natural alternative to Kim Kardashian's plastic wrap method?

Instead of wrapping prescription steroids in plastic—which carries risks of skin thinning—apply a thick layer of Balmonds Skin Salvation or LIHA Beauty Shea Butter (Gold) under soft 100% organic cotton gloves or clothing overnight.

Can diet alone cure psoriasis?

Diet alone cannot cure psoriasis because there is no known medical cure for autoimmune skin conditions. However, switching to an anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet—as Kim Kardashian did—dramatically reduces internal systemic inflammation, resulting in fewer flare-ups.

How long does it take for natural balms to soften psoriasis plaques?

Most users report immediate relief from tightness and itching within minutes of applying water-free balms. Visible descaling, reduction in flakiness, and softening of dense plaques typically occur within 3 to 7 days of consistent daily application.

Final Verdict: How Did Kim Kardashian Treat Psoriasis?

So, how did Kim Kardashian treat psoriasis?

Kim managed her severe psoriasis by combining medical phototherapy, prescription topicals, stress management, and an anti-inflammatory plant-based diet. Her journey proves that managing chronic psoriasis requires addressing both internal systemic triggers and external skin barrier repair.

For effective, natural options that work with psoriasis without synthetic steroids or chemical additives, explore trusted British heritage brands:

• For multi-purpose medical-grade plaque softening, choose Balmonds Skin Salvation.
• For pure, single-ingredient raw butter protection, choose LIHA Beauty Shea Butter (Gold).
• For fast-absorbing daytime Cica care, choose Thunderbird Skin Rescue Cream.
• For natural tuberose-infused post-shower hydration, choose LIHA Beauty Idan Oil.
• For severe split skin fissures, choose Thunderbird Skin Wild Crafted Repair Balm.
• For itchy scalp scaling, choose Balmonds Hair & Scalp Oil.

Take control of your skin health today by exploring the full collection at SOHO Brands. Give your skin the pure, natural care it deserves.