366: What Are Topical Steroids (aka. Glucocorticoids) + How They Actually Work In Your Body w/ Dr. Luis Franco

The Healthy Skin Show

Ever used topical steroids for your skin? You’re not alone—but how much do you really know about them?

Topical steroids are commonly prescribed for chronic skin conditions, yet concerns about side effects (like topical steroid withdrawal) have led some to become “steroid phobic.” These medications fall under the glucocorticoids category—hormones naturally produced by your body during stress—and can have powerful anti-inflammatory effects when used appropriately.

To break it all down, I’m joined by Dr. Luis Franco, a Tenure-Track Investigator at the National Institute of Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). With medical training from Colombia, Duke, and Baylor, and research experience at the NIH, Dr. Franco brings a wealth of knowledge to this nuanced conversation about topical steroids, glucocorticoids, and their pros and cons. Don’t miss this one!

⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:

- Find Dr. Franco online - https://www.niams.nih.gov/labs/franco-lab

- Show references + transcript - https://www.skinterrupt.com/366

- Join in the conversation with Jennifer at http://instagram.com/jenniferfugo

- Stop My Rashes FREE eGuide - https://bit.ly/stopmyrashespod

- Fix your skin using Jennifer’s method (trusted by 900+ skin rash warriors)! Get started NOW 👉https://gutskintriggers.com

- Want personalized help to fix your skin? Get started here with Jennifer’s virtual clinic 👉https://bit.ly/4iWrq62 (We work with clients worldwide!)

🎙 This episode is brought to you by:

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Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. What are topical steroids versus glucocorticoids? (00:03:30)

3. Are topical steroids + glucocorticoids bad? (00:09:19)

4. Cortisone vs cortisol (and glucocorticoids examples by name) (00:13:57)

5. Side effects of glucocorticoids (including topical steroid skin side effects) (00:20:12)

6. What is topical steroid withdrawal? (00:30:06)

7. How glucocorticoids modulate your immune system (00:35:04)

8. Final thoughts (00:48:41)