If you’ve ever experienced conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis or Dermatitis, there’s a good chance your GP or Dermatologist has recommended topical corticosteroids as part of your treatment plan. These medications are widely used to help reduce inflammation and calm flare-ups, and for many people they are an effective part of managing inflammatory skin conditions.

In recent years, some people living with chronic skin conditions have shared experiences of their skin reacting differently after reducing or stopping long-term topical steroid use. This experience is often referred to online as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) and occurs in 8-12% of severe Atopic Dermatitis patients using high-potency steroids.

Because everyone’s skin journey is different, conversations around TSW can be complex and sometimes confusing. Let's chat and talk through what people mean when they talk about TSW, why skin may become very sensitive during periods of treatment change and how MooGoo might be able to help in a gentle, natural way.

Important: If you are currently using topical steroids or considering changes to your treatment, always speak with your GP or Dermatologist first. They can provide personalized medical advice and help guide any treatment decisions safely.

 

What Is Topical Steroid Withdrawal?

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a term sometimes used to describe a range of symptoms that some individuals report experiencing after reducing or stopping long-term topical steroid use.

Topical steroids work by reducing inflammation in the skin, which is why they are commonly prescribed for conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis and Dermatitis. When treatment plans change, the underlying skin condition may flare again or the skin may temporarily become more reactive while it adjusts.

Online communities often use the term TSW to describe symptoms that appear after stopping treatment.

It’s important to note that TSW is still a topic of ongoing discussion and research within the medical community, and experiences can vary widely between individuals. Dermatologists continue to study these reports to better understand when and why they may occur.

 

What Symptoms Can Occur With TSW? 

It’s an incredibly raw and vulnerable experience, both physically and emotionally. While it can vary from person to person (our bodies and skin are so unique from one another), common symptoms reported include:

• Red or flushed skin
• Burning or hot sensations
• Peeling, flaking or oozing
• Increased itchiness, stinging or nerve pain
• Skin swelling or hypersensitivity
• Insomnia, fatigue, anxiety or depression 

These symptoms can overlap with flare-ups of underlying skin conditions like Eczema, which is why professional medical guidance is important when managing changes in treatment.

 

Supporting Your Skin During Sensitive Periods

Whether your skin is recovering from a flare, adjusting to changes in treatment or simply feeling extra reactive, focusing on gentle skincare and barrier support can make a big difference.

 

Here are our top tips for TSW and sensitive skin:

1. Work With Your Healthcare Professional

Your GP or Dermatologist knows your skin history and can guide treatment decisions safely. Never stop or change prescribed medications without speaking with them first.

 

2. Choose Gentle, Barrier-Friendly Cleansers

Now is the time to throw away anything harsh, stripping or artificially fragranced. Use ultra-gentle cleansers and moisturizers with natural ingredients that support your skin barrier instead of overloading it.  

Try: Ultra Gentle Ceramide Cleanser - it's made for hypersensitive, fragile or reactive skin and is 100% soap-free. We use the lowest-irritation cleanser available and Ceramides to reinforce and support the skin barrier while locking in moisture. This Ceramide Cleanser is Dermatologically Tested, pH balanced to 5.5, free from irritants and ideal for the face and body, all ages and all skin types. 

 

3. Moisturize Strategically

Some people with TSW prefer to go moisture withdrawal, while others slather it on. Listen to your skin, see how it reacts and do what feels right for you - everyone's skin is different, so what you see working for someone on TikTok might not work for you.

If you do decide to moisturize, please read the labels and check for petroleum, perfumes and preservatives - you will want to steer clear of these ingredients as they're irritants for sensitive skin.

Try: Soothing MSM, Skin Milk, Full Cream or Fast Hydrating Lotion- all four moisturizers are made for barrier-loving nourishment without the fluff or nasties. 

• The Soothing MSM Moisturizer is well-loved for calming, soothing and cooling the skin. We use 10% Organic MSM Sulphur, Olive Squalane and Allantoin to combat inflammation, irritation and redness, reducing skin discomfort in a medium-weight moisturizer. 
• The Skin Milk Udder Cream is our OG MooGoo product that started it all. Skin Milk is perfect for dry, dull and fragile skin that nourishes, soothes and provides all round protection in a simple formula. We use Rice Bran, Sweet Almond and Olive Oils, Milk Protein and Aloe Vera for restoring skin health in a light-medium-weight formula.
• The Full Cream Moisturizer is perfect for targeting super dry, flaky and peel-y skin. It's thick, rich and creamy consistency has the base of Skin Milk but with added ingredients like Honey, Olive Squalane and Apple Cider Vinegar to deeply hydrate in a heavy-weight formula.
• The Fast Hydrating Lotion is Hypoallergenic and Clinically Proven to replenish dry, dull skin in a fast-absorbing lotion formula. Made with Aloe Vera, German Chamomile, Sweet Almond Oil and Olive Squalane, our Fast Hydrating Lotion nurtures and improves hydration of delicate, damaged and sensitive skin - all in a super lightweight formula.

 

4. Identify Triggers

During TSW, your skin can react to anything, so it’s worth keeping a journal and making gentle swaps when you notice something as a trigger. Below are common triggers for hypersensitive skin:

• Hot showers and baths
• Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex or rubber
• Household items like handwash, dishwashing or washing machine detergent, fabric softener or hand sanitizers
• Stress
• Spicy or high histamine foods
• Essential oils and perfumes

 

5. Cool Compresses

Cooling compresses can bring relief to hot, inflamed skin or during fiery flares. Keep some soft face cloths (cotton or bamboo) in the freezer or fridge and use as needed to calm the skin.

 

6. Focus On Barrier Repair With Targeted Creams

Your skin barrier has taken a hit. Support it with ingredients targeted creams to help nourish the skin and reduce symptoms. 

Try: Sensitive Skin Balm - this concentrated formula is made with soothing ingredients to reduce inflammation, redness and flare-ups in mild Eczema, Psoriasis or Dermatitis. We combine a blend of skin-repairing ingredients, like Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Centella Asiatica, designed to help ease discomfort and improve the appearance of affected skin over time. 

 

7. Keep Showers Short & Lukewarm

Hot water can further dry and irritate sensitive skin. Short, lukewarm showers are generally more comfortable for compromised skin.

 

8. Keep It Breathable

Loose, natural fabrics like 100% organic cotton and bamboo are your best bet. Try swapping your bedding, sleepwear and daily clothes for these fabrics to reduce any friction, irritation and trapped heat.

 

9. Support Your Mental Health

Living with visible skin conditions can affect confidence and emotional wellbeing. So please, be gentle with yourself and remember: you are not alone. Connecting with support groups, friends or healthcare professionals can make a meaningful difference during difficult flare periods.

If the constant stream of information around Topical Steroid Withdrawal ever becomes too much, it’s okay to take a step back. Logging off social media or pausing your research for a while can help protect your mental space.

Even if you don’t feel up to facing the world, something as simple as stepping outside for a short walk and some fresh air can make a meaningful difference too.

 

The MooGoo Approach

We’re not doctors and we don’t pretend to have a magic cure. But we do make products designed for people with real skin problems, using ingredients we’re proud of - not ones we have to hide. Our formulas aim to support the skin barrier using gentle ingredients without harsh detergents, artificial fragrance or unnecessary additives.

While skincare can help comfort and hydrate sensitive skin, it’s important to remember that products like ours are designed to support skin health, not replace medical treatment prescribed by your healthcare professional.

If your skin is feeling particularly reactive, keeping your routine simple and barrier-focused can often be the most helpful approach.

Need Help Choosing Products for TSW?

Reach out to our friendly Customer Service team! We’re real people (who love a chat!) and are here to guide you through any skin journey.