Moisturiser Withdrawal During TSW & Eczema: What’s Happening to Your Skin & How to Help It Heal Naturally

Moisturiser Withdrawal During TSW & Eczema: What’s Happening to Your Skin & How to Help It Heal Naturally

Many people going through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) or living with eczema are told by GPs or dermatologists to moisturise constantly but for some, that advice can actually make things worse.

Moisturiser withdrawal happens when the skin becomes dependent on creams to stay hydrated, losing its natural ability to regulate moisture. This is especially common in people with eczema or TSW, where the skin barrier is already compromised.

In this post, we’ll look at what’s really happening to your skin during moisturiser withdrawal, why it can feel worse before it heals, and gentle ways to support your recovery naturally.

What Is Moisturiser Withdrawal?

Moisturiser withdrawal (MW) occurs when the skin has become so reliant on moisturisers to stay hydrated that it struggles to retain moisture on its own. This can happen after years of using thick emollients — especially for eczema-prone skin or during TSW recovery.

Over time, the skin’s natural oil production slows down — it becomes “lazy,” so to speak and without external help, it can no longer maintain balance.

Why It Happens

People with eczema or TSW are often encouraged to use emollients around the clock. Unfortunately, some of these products can make the skin more dependent and prone to irritation over time.

Common problems with heavy or petroleum-based creams include:

• Many contain liquid paraffin (mineral oil), a by-product of refining crude oil.

• They can trap heat, making skin feel hot and itchy.

• They sit on top of the skin instead of absorbing, leading to frequent reapplication.

• They create an ideal environment for bacteria, causing recurring infections that may require antibiotics — a frustrating cycle many people know too well.

When you try to reduce or stop moisturisers, your skin often reacts by becoming dry, tight, or irritated. This rebound effect leads many to start applying creams again — continuing the cycle.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Moisturiser Withdrawal

If you have eczema or are recovering from TSW, these symptoms can temporarily worsen as your skin adjusts to less moisturising.

• Increased dryness, even with the same amount of moisturiser

• Flakiness or peeling

• Irritation, redness, or burning sensations

• Temporary worsening of eczema-like symptoms

• Skin feeling overly hot, tight, or shiny

If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with MW — and while it can be uncomfortable, it’s a sign your skin is trying to rebalance itself.

How to Break the Cycle and Support Your Skin During TSW & Eczema

• Reduce Gradually

Stopping all moisturisers at once can be too harsh. Instead, reduce them slowly.
Try skipping moisturiser on a small area (for example, one arm or leg) while using our gentle, non-stinging bath soak to calm irritation. This can be especially soothing for eczema flare-ups or TSW redness.

Compare that area to the rest of your body after about 14 days — you’ll often see improvement and gain confidence to extend the process.

• Choose Gentle, Natural Formulas

If you still need some external hydration, use breathable, natural ingredients such as:

• Unrefined shea butter

• Cold-pressed rosehip oil

• Black seed oil or castor oil (rich in fatty acids that support the skin barrier)

These options allow your skin to gradually relearn to produce its own oils while staying nourished.

• Be Patient and Kind to Your Skin

Healing takes time — and so does breaking habits. There’s often a mental barrier to overcome, because moisturising has felt like safety for years.

You may experience dryness, tightness, or mild discomfort at first. This is temporary. Over time, your skin will adapt and begin to self-regulate again.

Final Thoughts

Every TSW and eczema journey is unique. Moisturiser withdrawal can feel daunting, but it’s often a necessary step toward restoring your skin’s natural resilience.

Listen to your body, make small changes, and be patient with the process.

If you’re reducing moisturisers and want to keep your skin calm and comfortable, try our soothing bath soak, created by someone who’s been through TSW and understands what sensitive, healing skin really needs.

About the Author

I created Pheeal after going through 10 years of topical steroid withdrawal myself. Every product on our website is designed for people with ultra-sensitive, healing skin — both adults and children.