Currently, many people overuse mixed creams containing high levels of corticosteroids, leading to numerous side effects on the skin. After prolonged use, the skin becomes thin and weak, losing its ability to protect itself from environmental factors. 

Consequences of Corticoid Abuse in Mixed Creams?

Corticoids in mixed creams are corticosteroids, a group of anti-inflammatory drugs with potent anti-inflammatory activity. They are often used in dermatology to treat certain inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, etc. Due to their immunosuppressive mechanism, Corticoids quickly make the skin beautiful, improving acne and melasma problems in just a few days, making the skin bright, white, and smooth. However, prolonged use of corticoids and incorrect dosage will leave dangerous and hard-to-control complications.

Symptoms of corticoid-induced skin can occur individually or simultaneously with varying degrees of severity. You can refer to some common signs of corticoid-induced skin below:

• Skin peeling in patches, dry and wrinkled due to Corticoid inhibiting Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid synthesis.
• Thin skin, visible capillaries: abnormally dilated capillaries under the skin and a thinned epidermis make capillaries more visible to the naked eye.
• Acne breakouts, increased skin oiliness
• Appearance of dark spots, freckles
• Skin feels burning, dry, and itchy even without touching it.

Steps to Restore Corticoid-Damaged Skin

Stop Using Mixed Creams

If you experience mild symptoms of corticoid damage, you need to immediately stop using mixed creams and see a dermatologist for appropriate treatment. 

For skin that has become severely dependent on corticoids, abruptly stopping use will result in a severe rebound effect. In this case, depending on the severity of corticoid toxicity, the doctor will advise you whether to stop using it or gradually reduce the dosage until it is completely discontinued.

Supplement with Antioxidants

To help the skin recover quickly, a diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants will stimulate collagen production and regenerate new skin cells. Get enough sleep, rest, and avoid excessive stress to allow the skin to heal naturally.

Increase Sun Protection

It is best to limit sun exposure during this time. If you must go out in the sun, cover up carefully with a jacket, hat, and sunglasses. When the skin begins to recover, you can consider using gentle physical sunscreens.

Gentle Skincare Regimen

In addition to treatment with a specialized dermatologist, proper care is also crucial to shorten the skin's recovery time.

Cleansing

It is best to only wash your face with diluted saline solution or clean water (drinking water, mineral water) twice a day. You can consider using foam-free cleansers with a pH of 5.5, which have a very simple and gentle formula. Do not rub vigorously when washing your face; be very gentle with your skin. Gently pat dry with a cotton towel. 

Hydrating and Soothing Skin 

After washing your face, the skin needs immediate hydration and soothing, and toner is the most suitable choice. You can dispense toner into a spray bottle to use as a mist to replenish moisture and cool down the skin anytime.

>>> Suggested product: EOX Defending Tonique Hydrating and Soothing Toner

Ingredients and Uses:

• AQUAXYL™: improves the skin's hydration function, provides moisture, and maintains plump skin. 
• 7 Types of Hyaluronic Acid: minimizes transepidermal water loss, enhances moisture diffusion into deeper skin layers, and prevents signs of aging.
• Beta-glucan: moisturizes, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces wrinkles, repairs damage, and soothes the skin.
• Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (German chamomile flower extract): high content of anti-inflammatory compounds such as terpenoids chamazulene and α-bisabolol.
• Allantoin helps to reduce skin inflammation, protects skin from external aggressors, reduces water loss, and maintains long-lasting skin moisture.

Deep Moisturizing

HA Serum: amber contains Hyaluronic Acid, providing optimal moisture for your skin and improving dry, flaky skin. When the skin is sufficiently hydrated, the natural skin barrier will also become stronger.

>>> Suggested product: HA Serum:amber essence  

Ingredients and Uses:

• Sodium Hyaluronate: a salt form of HA, small in size, thus easily absorbed into the skin, improving skin hydration, making the outer layer of the skin fully hydrated and plump, while helping collagen fibers become firmer and more elastic.
• Glyceryl Glucoside: a new generation moisturizing ingredient, combining Glucose and Glycerol, plays a role in activating Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) protein, an essential protein in the process of transporting water molecules across the skin cell membrane. The more AQP3, the better the moisture distribution in the deeper layers of the skin, helping to enhance water retention and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
• SYN®-COLL (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5): improves elasticity and reduces wrinkles through a dual mechanism: (1) enhancing collagen synthesis, (2) protecting against collagen degradation, thereby slowing down the skin aging process.
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): moisturizes to keep skin hydrated and supple, prevents flakiness, and helps soothe, repair skin, and restore the skin's protective barrier.
• Allantoin extracted from Comfrey leaves: soothes sensitive skin, reduces irritation, redness, and heals wounds, while effectively hydrating, thereby improving rough, dry skin.

Repair and Regenerate 

Corticoids inhibit the growth of keratinocytes and the production of Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid, leading to thinner and weaker skin. Therefore, supplementing with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) will be extremely suitable for recovery from Corticoid damage. EGF enhances collagen production and regenerates the epidermis, making the skin healthier and healing faster. In addition, Oat Extract will control skin inflammation and reduce discomfort and burning sensations during the period when the skin is sensitive to environmental factors.

>>> Suggested product: Oatmere Serum Stem Cell and Regenerating Essence

Ingredients and Uses:

• EGF (sh-Oligopeptide-1): consists of 53 amino acids that stimulate epidermal cell proliferation and promote additional Elastin production, restructuring the skin, thereby accelerating recovery and healing of wounds and scars.
• Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract: soothes, anti-inflammatory, and heals skin damage. Oats contain a high content of β-glucan which retains water for the skin and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The avenanthramide polyphenols in oats have effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Centellosides (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acid): antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in wound healing, stimulating the skin to produce GAGs and Collagen.
• Pro Anti-Irritant Complex (Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Allantoin): anti-inflammatory properties, soothes skin, increases skin's water retention capacity, and accelerates the recovery of damaged, sensitive skin.
• Fucus Vesiculosus Extract (brown algae extract): softens, restores, and moisturizes skin, and prevents signs of premature aging.