Best Products for Ichthyosis Vulgaris: Natural Solutions for "Fish Scale Skin"

Finding skincare products that actually work for extremely dry, flaky & scaly skin - especially skin affected by Ichthyosis vulgaris, a genetic dry skin condition -  can feel like an endless and expensive journey.

I spent nearly 40 years searching for answers and solutions to my very dry and scaly skin before discovering Ichythosis vulgaris. Once I understood the underlying cause, I formulated my own skincare products and developed a treatment protocol that allowed me to live with skin that now looks and feels normal. I want to share what I’ve found has worked for myself and also for many of the clients & customers I've helped over the years.

[If you're wondering whether your extremely dry, flaky skin or "fish scale skin" might be ichthyosis vulgaris, read my article on identifying and understanding this genetic skin condition.]

Why most dry skin products and eczema creams fail for Ichthyosis vulgaris

Standard "dry skin" products often fail for people with Ichthyosis vulgaris because:

1. They don't address the core issues: impaired skin shedding due to filaggrin deficiency
2. They contain irritating fragrances, preservatives, and alcohols that further compromise the damaged skin barrier
3. They focus on temporary hydration rather than supporting natural skin function

Key ingredients that make a difference

After 25+ years of working with clients with dry and very dry skin conditions, including Ichthyosis vulgaris, I've found that these simple ingredients are the most effective.

1. Supporting Skin Barrier Function

• Olive Squalane: Closely resembles your skin's natural oils and penetrates deeply without feeling greasy. Unlike many plant oils, it rarely causes sensitivity reactions.
• Organic Jojoba Oil: Technically a liquid wax that mimics human sebum. It helps regulate oil production while providing deep moisturisation.
• Beeswax: Creates a protective barrier that helps to lock in water moisture without clogging pores.
• Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E): Powerful antioxidants that help repair the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. Look for products with 2-5% concentration.

2. Gentle Exfoliation

• Salicylic Acid (1-2%): A beta-hydroxy acid that dissolves the connections between skin cells, helping to loosen and remove the thick, scaly skin that is characteristic of Ichthyosis vulgaris

• Lactic Acid (5-10%): An alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates while also hydrating the skin. Ideal for body use.

• Urea (5-10%): Both moisturises and gently exfoliates, particularly effective for thick scales on feet and shins.

3. Nutritional Supplements

• L-Histidine: As discussed in my Ichthyosis vulgaris article, this amino acid supplement can dramatically improve skin condition in many people with ichthyosis vulgaris by helping to promote more normal filaggrin production. Take 1 teaspoon daily for 8 weeks to see if it helps your skin.

• Zinc: Important when taking L Histidine long term to maintain proper mineral balance.

• Vitamin D and Vitamin A

How Salicylic Acid helps with Ichthyosis Vulgaris

Salicylic acid is my preferred exfoliant over alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic acid) for daily use for several reasons:

It doesn’t increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun like alpha-hydroxy acids such (lactic and glycolic acid). Ichthyosis vulgaris is already associated with increased sun sensitivity so it makes sense to minimise the use of products which can make your skin even more prone to sunburn.

It’s oil soluble which means it can be formulated into skincare products without using water or water soluble ingredients. By not using water in a skincare product, it means that no preservatives or emulsifiers are required – both ingredients can irritate or worsen an already damaged skin barrier.

Aside from helping to remove the build-up of dry scaly skin, salicylic acid has other benefits for Ichthyosis vulgaris

• Promotes cell turnover: It accelerates the shedding of the outer layer of skin, preventing the buildup of scales
• Enhances hydration: When used in appropriate formulations, salicylic acid can help improve the skin's ability to absorb moisturisers
• Complements barrier repair: After removing scales, the skin is better able to absorb other treatments that help restore the skin barrier
• Reduces irritation: Salicylic acid has mild anti-inflammatory effects that can help soothe inflammation associated with dry, scaly skin
• May help normalise skin pH: By removing excess scales, it can contribute to normalising the skin's acid mantle

While salicylic acid doesn't address the underlying filaggrin deficiency in Ichthyosis vulgaris, it does help to manage the visible symptoms by removing scales and promoting healthier skin turnover. This symptomatic relief makes it a valuable treatment option for many people with this condition.

Specific product recommendations

Oil Cleansing

You can literally use any oil to cleanse with, however Olive squalane and Organic Jojoba Oil offer additional skin benefits. Avoid using mineral oils like baby oil.

Oil cleansing is the preferred method of cleaning your face to remove makeup and sunscreen.  Oil cleansers can be formulated without preservatives and emulsifiers which can often aggravate and worsen very dry skin.

We have also formulated what I consider to be the cleanest and most natural Salicylic Acid product available in Australia which can be used as both an oil cleanser and leave on moisturising exfoliant for scalp, face and body.  I have also created a more intensive product blending 2% Salicylic Acid with organic BlackSeed Oil and essential oils of Kunzea, Blue & German Chamomile to provide more intensive anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties.

Oil cleansing is simple to do:

• Apply your preferred oil to dry hands and massage into dry face. 
• Use cotton makeup removal pads first to remove the bulk of oil along with any makeup, sunscreen or pollution/dirt.  Wet the cotton pads in warm water and squeeze out the excess before wiping your face.
• To finish, take a clean face cloth and run under warm water before squeezing out the excess water.  Open up the face cloth and hold it over your face and neck to gently warm and steam your skin. Repeat this a few times and then wipe face clean. This helps to infuse water moisture deeper into your skin.

Exfoliate & moisturise

Apply your preferred exfoliant while your skin is still damp – this applies to face and body.  Then immediately apply your moisturiser to keep the water moisture locked into your skin.

My favourite products for Ichthyosis vulgaris and very dry skin

These are a mix of both products that I have formulated for my own skincare brand and other products that I’ve found to be helpful both personally and with clients and customers.  I’m a big fan of multi-tasking skincare products, so many of my own products can be used for multiple purposes, maximising space in your bathroom cabinet, reducing environmental impact and saving you money.

Moisturising Body Oil with Natural Vitamin E

A completely fragrance-free moisturising oil based on olive squalane, organic Jojoba oil and natural vitamin E that can be used as an oil cleanser and moisturiser on face and body. Light and non greasy while being deeply moisturising.

Salicylic Acid 2% High Strength Formula

A fragrance free and no-tox salicylic acid that can be used as an oil cleanser or leave on exfoliating moisturiser for face, body and scalp.  Use daily during winter and as needed during the summer months.

Skin & Scalp Detox Oil

A blend of 2% salicylic acid with organic BlackSeed oil, also known as Black Cumin Seed and Nigella Seed oil.  Blended with anti-inflammatory essential oils of Kunzea and Blue & German Chamomile.  Salicylic acid removes dry, scaly skin while BlackSeed Oil, Kunzea and Chamomile oil helps to soothe irritated skin.  Ideal for dry skin prone to eczema, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Moisturising Balm for Extra Dry Skin

An intensive moisturising balm that can be used as an alternative to tallow balm.  100% fragrance and preservative free. Containing nothing but olive squalane, organic Jojoba Oil, 5% natural vitamin E and beeswax from ethical and chemical free hives in the Noosa Hinterland. Can be used on face and body.  Olive squalane and Jojoba oil moisturise and absorb quickly into skin while the beeswax forms a protective, but breathable barrier that helps to stop water moisture loss, especially during the colder, drier months of winter.

Face Theory Glow- AHA Refining Body Cream 

A lighter moisturising and very effective exfoliant cream ideal for all over body use – not recommended to use on your face. This was one of the first exfoliants I found that didn’t contain parabens or other red-flag toxic ingredients when I discovered that my life time of very dry skin was actually Ichthyosis vulgaris.

10% Urea Cream

You’ll find 10% Urea creams in most supermarkets and any pharmacy.  Great option to remove thickened dry skin from feet and can also be helpful for very dry, scaly shins.  Apply at night before bed for up to 2 weeks and then you can use a lighter product to maintain the benefits.

Scalp care for Ichthyosis vulgaris

The scalp can be affected in the same way as the rest of body with Ichthyosis vulgaris, causing a build-up of dry and scaly skin. It can be especially challenging to treat.

• Salicylic acid treatments designed for scalp use 
  • 2% Salicylic Acid High Strength Formula for dry, scaly and flaky scalp
  • Skin & Scalp Detox Oil if dry scalp is associated with itching or inflammation
• Avoid shampoos with sulfates and fragrances
• Consider pre-wash scalp oil treatments with squalane – I recommend our 2% Salicylic Acid or Skin & Scalp Detox Oil.  Apply directly to your scalp using a tint brush and for best results leave on overnight (cover your pillow with an old towel or hand towel to protect it). Wash hair the next morning and repeat weekly, especially in winter.

Products to absolutely avoid

When you have ichthyosis vulgaris, these ingredients can make your condition worse:

• Fragrances (even most essential oils)
• Alcohol (especially denatured alcohol)
• Sulfates in cleansers
• Physical exfoliants (they can damage the already compromised skin barrier)
• Petroleum-based occlusives (they can trap dead skin cells) 

A final note on being persistent and consistent

Finding the right combination of products for ichthyosis vulgaris can take time and patience. The key is to:

1. Introduce new products one at a time
2. Give treatments enough time to work (especially supplements like L-histidine)
3. Keep a simple journal of what works and what doesn't
4. Adjust your routine seasonally as your skin's needs change

With the right approach, even severe ichthyosis vulgaris can be managed effectively, allowing you to live comfortably in your skin.