Do you suffer from deep, uncomfortable blemishes?

Having deep blemishes comes with several pain points, from emotional stress to the literal prick of a needle from a derm-administered cortisone shot. If you’re unwilling to tolerate needles to clear the deep blemishes, enter phytosteroid: a plant-based steroid that mimics a cortisone shot to relieve the redness and inflammation that usually comes with deep, painful blemishes. Here, Murad product developer Emily Philen dives deeper into why this over-the-counter ingredient is providing relief for acne sufferers.

What exactly is a phytosteroid?
Philen: A phytosteroid is a natural steroid originating from plants. Steroids extracted from plants have a long history in traditional medicine and remain an exciting frontier in research. Just like steroids in humans, phytosteroids are broad class of molecules responsible for various important roles, including signaling and growth that exist in plants.

How does a phytosteroid mimic the results of a dermatologist-administered cortisone shot?
Philen: A dermatologist administered shot is a common and effective treatment to quickly relieve swelling and tenderness in inflammatory acne. It’s important to note that a corticosteroid shot is not a cure for deep blemishes: Its purpose is to soothe the pain associated with the blemish.

Studies have demonstrated that a specific ground-cherry extract (Physalis angulata) has similar tendencies as hydrocortisone on immune and inflammatory responses, meaning it can imitate the soothing benefits of a cortisone shot without the undesired drawbacks of tissue thinning and damage.

Can a topical deep blemish treatment really work as well as an injection?
Philen: Applying a topical treatment is ultimately a very different experience than getting an injection, because an injection penetrates deep into the skin. And the exact ingredients within the two treatments are not equivalent.

However, research shows that a phytosteroid and a cortisone shot act similarly to activate soothing. Even consumer testing showed that the phytosteroid helped reduce redness and helped soothe in just one day. Cortisone shots, meanwhile, are known to start reduction in swelling in eight hours with significant reduction in size and pain after one day. This further demonstrates that a phytosteroid and a cortisone shot work towards a similar benefit. And you can’t forget the convenience and comfort of a topical deep blemish treatment with a phytosteroid, vs. a dermatologist visit for an injection.

Are there ingredients that complement phytosteroids?
Philen: Definitely. The skin is very complex so there is always room for additional ingredients with complementary benefits like hydrating glycerin, anti-inflammatory mushroom extract and breakout-clearing salicylic acid. Soothing itself is also a complex mechanism that happens in the skin, so formulas that pair a phytosteroid with other soothing ingredients can be a multi-pronged way to counteract redness and inflammation.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.  

About the Author Jacki Marzano is SoCal-based storyteller and head copywriter at Murad Skincare. She's shaped the voice of some of the most recognized beauty brands in the business, has a penchant for sharing homemade cookies, and believes SPF is the secret to getting carded well into your 40s.