Addressing Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms and Strengthening Skin

It sounds like your sister is experiencing topical steroid withdrawal after long-term use. The key to managing this is to gradually reduce the steroid cream while focusing on repairing and strengthening the skin barrier and providing intense hydration. The recommended approach involves mixing the steroid cream with a nourishing base cream and slowly decreasing the amount of steroid over time.

Here are the types of ingredients recommended for the nourishing cream base and their benefits:

Ingredients to Reduce Allergic Reactions and Strengthen Skin Barrier

• Ceramide Complex: Ceramides are essential lipids found naturally in the skin barrier. Replenishing them helps restore the skin's protective function, reducing dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. The staff recommended using at least 10%. Suitable products include Skin-Barrier™ (Skin Mimic Ceramides Liposome), which is recommended at 10-15% for dry or problem skin, aligning well with the staff's guidance. Other options like Cera-Flux V (Water Dispersible Ceramide Complex, 3 Types), Cera-Flux VX (Water Dispersible Ceramide Complex, 5 Types), Ceracare™ Liposome-3 (Liposome Ceramide Complex, 3 Types), and Ceramide Complex (Water/Oil Dispersible Powder) are also available, though their recommended usage rates may differ.
• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin 1%): This ingredient is effective in reducing inflammation, irritation, and allergic reactions, while also helping to stimulate skin cell regeneration. The staff recommended using at least 5% of the 1% concentration. Note that this can give the cream a soft pink color and is sensitive to light and pH.
• Bisabolol: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, Bisabolol helps to reduce skin irritation and redness. You can use either Natural Bisabolol (Brazil Chamomile) or Bisabolol (Alpha Bisabolol, Bisabolol RAC), both recommended at 1%.
• Beta Glucan: This ingredient helps to strengthen the skin's immune system, reduce allergic reactions, protect from irritation, and improve skin elasticity. The staff recommended 5-10%. Beta Glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract) is recommended at 5% for irritated/sensitive skin, fitting within this range. Beta Glucan extracted from oats, such as Beta Glucan 70% (Oat Extract, Water-Soluble) and Beta Glucan 90% (Oat Extract, Water-Soluble), are also available but have lower recommended usage rates (0.1-1%).

Ingredients to Strengthen Skin and Increase Moisture

• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Vitamin B3 helps reduce redness, strengthens the skin barrier by stimulating ceramide production, adds moisture, and can help improve skin texture and tone. The staff recommended 3-5%. Options include Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide), Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, Switzerland), and Extreme-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, Highest Purity), all suitable for this usage rate.
• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, Panthenol is a great humectant that retains moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and aids in wound healing. The staff recommended 3-5%. Both Panthenol (Vitamin B5, DL-Panthenol, Powder) and D-Panthenol Care (Pro-Vitamin B5, 100% Liquid) can be used at this percentage, though using above 5% might result in a sticky texture.
• Squalane: This emollient helps to moisturize the skin, fight dryness, and improve flexibility. The staff recommended 5%. Squalane (Olive) is a suitable option. Other forms like Squalane Oil Gel (Thixotropic), Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene (Squalane Base), Hemisqualane (C13-15 Alkane), and Hemisqualane (C13-15 Alkane) Gel are also available with varying textures and properties.

Cream Base

• Use Light Cream Maker™ as the base for your cream formulation, as recommended by the staff.

By formulating a cream with these ingredients and gradually reducing the steroid component, you can help the skin recover and rebuild its natural strength and moisture barrier, alleviating the withdrawal symptoms over time. Consistency in applying the nourishing cream is key during this transition period.