Just wanted to post a little heads up about using topical steroids on aging skin. I’ve been going down a total rabbit hole of research lately and honestly found out a lot of stuff I never even realized before.

Basically, if you use topical steroids - especially the high strength ones - for a long time they can actually thin your skin out. Eventually you start seeing your veins way more, the skin gets this weird shiny look and it takes forever for cuts or scratches to heal. It’s even worse as we get older since our skin is already getting thinner naturally so its like a double whammy.

The skin on your face, neck and hands is way more sensitive too because those spots absorb a ton more of the meds than the rest of your body... like up to 30% more. I’ve dealt with eczema for forever and always just reached for the steroid creams whenever I had a flare up cuz I didn't think there was anything else I could do. But it turns out there's actually other options like barrier repair moisturizers or plant based anti-inflammatories - things like calendula or sunflower oil. There’s even prescription stuff that isn't a steroid that can help manage things without making your skin weaker. Personally i’ve found that manuka honey has been a total lifesaver for me.

Anyway just figured I’d share in case anyone else is trying to move away from the steroid creams but doesn't know where to start! happy to chat more or give advice if anyone wants it