CNA938 Rewind – The Wellness Hour – The science behind steroid-free eczema relief

This podcast episode explores how people with eczema can find long-term, steroid-free relief by combining scientific research, microbiome-friendly skincare, and local innovation in Singapore. The conversation is framed around the challenges faced by individuals who rely heavily on steroid creams yet worry about side effects, skin thinning, and rebound flare-ups, especially when eczema is chronic or starts in early childhood. Host Cheryl Goh speaks with two experts from Singapore Polytechnic, who explain why demand for non-steroidal options is growing and how a homegrown skincare brand, Serich, aimed at sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

They begin by discussing why eczema is so difficult to manage over the long term, noting that it is not just a surface problem but a complex inflammatory condition tied to genetics, environment, and the skin barrier. Steroid creams can calm acute flare-ups quickly, but they are not always suitable as a daily maintenance solution, particularly for young children, pregnant women, or people with very delicate skin. Many patients and caregivers are therefore caught in a cycle of using steroids to gain short-term control, then stopping out of concern, only to face new flare-ups when the skin barrier is still weak and reactive. This tension has driven a search for gentler, supportive products that can be used consistently without the same level of risk or anxiety.

The guests then shift to the concept of “microbiome-friendly” skincare, which they describe as an emerging approach that looks at the community of microbes living on the skin as an integral part of skin health. Instead of focusing solely on killing germs, microbiome-conscious products try to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria on the skin surface so that beneficial species can help defend against irritants and inflammation. Harsh cleansers, frequent washing, and some conventional formulations may strip away natural oils or disrupt this microbial ecosystem, leaving the skin more vulnerable to dryness, itching, and redness. By contrast, microbiome-friendly formulations aim to protect the barrier, support hydration, and avoid ingredients that overly disturb the skin’s natural flora.

In the Singapore context, the speakers highlight that heat, humidity, and urban living can aggravate eczema symptoms, making daily management even more important. Sweat, repeated showers, and exposure to air-conditioning all interact with the skin barrier and microbiome, particularly in children and older adults whose skin is more sensitive. This creates a strong local need for products that work in real-life tropical conditions, not just in controlled laboratory environments. It also underscores why applied research carried out in Singapore, with local users in mind, can yield solutions that are better tailored to everyday realities here.

The episode then introduces Serich, a homegrown brand developed through applied research and development (R&D). The experts explain that Serich was designed specifically for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, using insights from both microbiome science and practical testing. Rather than relying on steroids, the formulations prioritize soothing, hydrating, and barrier-supporting ingredients, while avoiding common irritants that may trigger flare-ups in vulnerable users. The brand serves as an example of how public institutions and local enterprises can work together to translate lab findings into accessible consumer products.

Throughout the discussion, Cheryl Goh asks practical questions that reflect common worries from parents and adults living with eczema, such as how to read skincare labels, what “steroid-free” actually implies, and whether microbiome-friendly claims are truly meaningful or just marketing. The guests emphasize the importance of evidence-based development, safety testing, and regulatory standards when bringing any new skin product to market. They also encourage listeners to view non-steroidal, microbiome-friendly products as part of a broader management plan that may include medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and careful attention to triggers. While steroids remain an important tool for managing severe flares under medical supervision, the episode argues that having scientifically grounded, steroid-free options can empower individuals to care for their skin more confidently over the long term.

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You may wish to learn more about SERICH Moisturising Cream, developed to support the skin barrier with science led formulation. It is fragrance free, steroid free, cruelty free, vegan, approved by PETA, EWG Verified and made in Singapore.