Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and composition for treating skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, dandruff, and psoriasis. The method includes topically applying to the skin a solution containing a treatment composition comprising one or more types of alkaline buffers such as bicarbonate, carbonate, dibasic phosphate, and tribasic phosphate having a pH in the range of about 7.1 to about 10.8 and a cation such as potassium or sodium serving as a counter ion. The treatment composition is delivered in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle at concentrations that vary according to both the severity of the skin disorder, the buffer vehicle, and the ingredients themselves. This biologically benign treatment has been found to efficiently and very quickly treat several types of skin disorders, including but not limited to the redness, dandruff and itching that can occur following skin cleansing with soap.