Formulation for Steroid-Addicted Skin Recovery

Recovering from topical steroid addiction can be challenging, with symptoms like redness, itching, and peeling upon withdrawal. Based on expert recommendations, a formulation focusing on reducing irritation, providing moisture, and stimulating skin repair can be beneficial. Here are the recommended ingredients and how to use them:

Key Ingredient Groups

1. Reduce Irritation, Moisturize, and Reduce Inflammation: These ingredients help soothe the skin and provide essential hydration.

   • Licorice Extract: Choose a water-soluble type like Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 1%, Water-Soluble) or Licorice Extract (Glabridin 4.5%, Water-Soluble). These help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation.
   • Resveratrol: Look for forms that are easier to incorporate into water-based formulas, such as ActiveRelease™ Trans-Resveratrol (10% Water Soluble Powder) or Resveratrol LongMax™ (Timed-Release Resveratrol, Powder). Resveratrol offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing benefits.
   • Beta Glucan: This can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation. Options include Beta Glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract) (liquid) or Beta Glucan 70% (Oat Extract, Water-Soluble) (powder). Use up to 10% for irritated skin.
   • Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Available in powder or liquid forms (Panthenol (Vitamin B5, DL-Panthenol, Powder) or D-Panthenol Care (Pro-Vitamin B5, 100% Liquid)). It is excellent for moisturizing, reducing inflammation, and supporting wound healing.

2. Stimulate Skin Self-Healing: These ingredients promote the skin's natural repair processes.

   • Repair Activator (Bifida Ferment Lysate): This ingredient helps repair skin DNA. Choose between Repair Activator™ BG (Bifida Ferment Lysate, Butylene Glycol Base) or the preservative-free option, Repair Activator™ WS (Bifida Ferment Lysate, Water Base). Use up to 10%.
   • Pitera (Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate): Used as a replacement for Bio-Yeast Essence, Pitera revitalizes and hydrates the skin. Options include Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (aka Pitera) or the version free from glycol, glycerin, and preservatives, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Glycol Free, Glycerin Free, Preservative Free). Use at a higher concentration as recommended.

Formulation Base

Mix these active ingredients into a Hyaluronic Acid gel base. You can use a pre-made base like Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base or create your own gel using Hyaluronic Acid powder (Standard Molecule or Small Molecule) at 0.5-1% concentration (remember to add a suitable preservative if making your own gel from powder).

Mixing Instructions

1. Start with your chosen Hyaluronic Acid gel base.
2. Gradually add the recommended active ingredients from both groups.
3. Ingredients like Resveratrol, Repair Activator, and Pitera are sensitive to heat, so add them in the final step after the base is prepared and cooled (if you made it from powder).
4. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly dispersed.
5. Some ingredients, like certain Beta Glucan types, Repair Activator, and Pitera, require refrigeration for long-term storage. Store the finished product according to the storage instructions of the individual ingredients used.

By combining these ingredients in a soothing gel base, you can create a formulation designed to help calm inflammation, restore moisture, and support your skin's recovery process away from steroids.