#HealingWithCJAY

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a debilitating condition that can occur after prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, which are commonly prescribed for eczema, allergic reactions, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Also known as Red Skin Syndrome, TSW happens when the skin and body become dependent on steroids, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms once they are discontinued.

64%

risk of developing TSW symptoms after using just one topical corticosteroid

82%

risk of developing TSW symptoms after using more than one topical corticosteroid

98.6%

of observed TSW cases involved moderate to high potency steroids

74%

of TSW sufferers expressed they were highly concerned for their health 

47%

of TSW sufferers expressed having suicidal thoughts

The biological impact

Steroid creams work by suppressing inflammation through artificial cortisol—a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands to regulate immune responses, stress, and skin health. However, prolonged steroid use can disrupt the body’s ability to produce cortisol on its own. When steroids are stopped, the adrenal glands may struggle to regain normal function, leading to cortisol deficiency. 

 

This can result in:

• Increased inflammation and hypersensitivity

• Severe skin reactions, including burning, peeling, and cracking

• Extreme dryness and an impaired skin barrier

• Chronic fatigue and difficulty regulating body temperature

• Hair and weight loss

 

Additionally, the lack of cortisol can trigger emotional distress, leading to heightened anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Many people going through TSW report feeling mentally and emotionally drained, making recovery even more challenging.

Why is TSW overlooked?

Despite the growing number of people suffering from TSW, it remains widely unrecognised by mainstream medicine. This lack of recognition has left many people without proper guidance or medical support.

The biological impact

Steroid creams work by suppressing inflammation through artificial cortisol—a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands to regulate immune responses, stress, and skin health. However, prolonged steroid use can disrupt the body’s ability to produce cortisol on its own. When steroids are stopped, the adrenal glands may struggle to regain normal function, leading to cortisol deficiency. 

 

This can result in:

• Increased inflammation and hypersensitivity

• Severe skin reactions, including burning, peeling, and cracking

• Extreme dryness and an impaired skin barrier

• Chronic fatigue and difficulty regulating body temperature

• Hair and weight loss

 

Additionally, the lack of cortisol can trigger emotional distress, leading to heightened anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Many people going through TSW report feeling mentally and emotionally drained, making recovery even more challenging.
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The varying effects of 
TSW on our skin

Hardened/Elephant Skin

During TSW, the skin can lose its natural elasticity and become thickened or leathery, often referred to as “elephant skin.” This happens because prolonged steroid use can suppress the skin’s normal regeneration process. As the skin tries to recover, it may overcompensate by producing excess keratin, leading to hardened or wrinkled patches.

Irritated Skin

As the skin adjusts to life without steroids, inflammation can return with heightened sensitivity. Even gentle fabrics, products, or temperature changes can cause irritation. The skin may sting, itch, or burn, which is a result of nerve sensitivity and an overactive immune response during withdrawal.

Open/Oozing Wounds

TSW can cause the skin to become so inflamed and fragile that it cracks, weeps, or develops open sores. These wounds may ooze a clear or yellowish fluid as part of the body’s inflammatory response. The skin’s reduced ability to heal and defend itself during withdrawal makes these wounds more common and persistent.

Dry/Tight Skin

TSW often severely disrupts the skin barrier, making it difficult for the skin to retain moisture. This leads to an intense feeling of dryness and tightness, as the skin struggles to stay hydrated and protect itself. Without the steroids masking symptoms, the underlying inflammation and impaired barrier become more noticeable.

Moisturiser Withdrawal and TSW recovery

One approach that some people use to speed up TSW recovery is Moisture Withdrawal (MW). This method involves reducing or completely eliminating external moisturiser's, allowing the skin to naturally rebuild its barrier function.

Many people going through TSW instinctively reach out to their moisturisers to manage the excessive flaking, dryness and discomfort of the condition.

However, TSW skin is not eczema—it is a condition caused by steroid dependence, and requires very different treatment. Instead of treating it like dry skin, it should be treated as a wound.

Why Moisturiser Withdrawal works

TSW skin is extremely reactive and is sensitive to most ingredients in the market that are formulated with normal, dry skin in mind. Moisturising TSW wounds can prolong the cycle of flaking, weeping, and inflammation, which activates the skin’s natural protective mechanism of thickening itself into a protective armour. This is how hardened skin is formed.

 

By reducing or eliminating moisturiser use, we are: 

 

• Removing one of the many sources of inflammation

• Allowing the skin to adjust to producing its own oils helps restore its natural function.

• Encouraging healthy skin cell proliferation and hardened skin exfoliation

 

As TSW sufferers ourselves, we understand that Moisturiser Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and challenging. CJAY Rejuvenate Serum has been specially formulated to bring relief without compromising your Moisturiser Withdrawal journey. Our serum can be a wonderful aid to the MW process – providing soothing comfort during this tough recovery phase while supporting the skin’s natural healing process.

Supporting your skin through TSW

CJAY Skincare has been used effectively alone but can be used in conjunction with other therapies that assist the TSW recovery process. Some of the treatments that have been reported helpful amongst the TSW community are Contact Cold Atmospheric Plasma treatments offered by specialist TSW clinics, Red Light Therapy and Cryotherapy, just to name a few.

 

CJAY Skincare is designed to support those undergoing TSW—regardless of their chosen treatment method—by offering a gentle and effective alternative to conventional skincare.
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If you're looking for more support on your healing journey, here are some resources that our community trust:

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The CJAY Skincare Community

During our TSW journey, we have leaned heavily on the power of community for support. Knowing that we are not alone and are walking the same journey with countless other individuals lends us the fighting spirit we need to overcome this difficult condition. We are incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and recognise the value of every individual story. We encourage open conversations about TSW to help raise awareness and support one another.

 

If you would like to join in on the conversation, feel free to use the hashtags #HealingWithCJAY and #CJAYSkincare to share your experiences. 

 

If you have any questions regarding CJAY or would like further support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us—we’re here to help.

Knowing that we are not alone and are walking the same journey with countless other individuals lends us the fighting spirit we need to overcome this difficult condition.

We are incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and recognise the value of every individual story.

If you would like to join in on the conversation, feel free to use the hashtags #HealingWithCJAY and #CJAYSkincare to share your experiences.