No Moisture Therapy (NMT) for Topical Steroid Withdrawal: What You Need to Know
Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is an exhausting, misunderstood, and deeply physical condition. If you’re going through it, you’re likely researching everything that might bring relief - and among the most talked-about approaches is No Moisture Therapy (NMT).
NMT has gained popularity in TSW communities, but it also raises a lot of questions:
What exactly is NMT?
Does it work?
Is it safe?
Is it the only option?
Let’s break down what NMT is, why it became popular, and what to consider before trying it.
What Is No Moisture Therapy (NMT)?
No Moisture Therapy is a method developed by Dr. Sato in Japan. It involves drastically reducing external moisture(creams, balms, lotions) with the goal of helping the skin barrier rebuild itself without relying on moisturisers.
The idea behind NMT is simple:
If the skin constantly receives moisture from the outside, it may slow down its own healing process.
In theory, removing moisturisers forces the skin to strengthen and become more resilient - especially during TSW, when the withdrawal symptoms can cause extreme weeping, oozing, and sensitivity.
Why Does NMT Become Popular During TSW?
TSW often includes symptoms like:
red sleeve
burning skin
oozing and weeping
hypersensitivity
severe dryness
flaking and shedding
skin that gets worse with moisturisers
Many people report that moisturisers actually increase the itch, ooze, and swelling during TSW. This is often why they start considering NMT.
Some individuals say they feel:
less oozing
faster skin “drying out”
reduced swelling
quicker transition to the flaking/healing stage
However, experiences vary dramatically.
How NMT Works (in Simple Terms)
While protocols differ, the core ideas of NMT include:
1. No moisturisers
No creams, oils, balms, or occlusive products on the skin.
2. Reduced bathing
Shorter showers or baths — and sometimes skipping them altogether during severe flares.
3. Encouraging natural barrier rebuilding
Allowing the skin to strengthen itself without outside moisture.
Does NMT Actually Work?
NMT works for some, is too harsh for others, and isn’t the only pathway.
Where it can help:
oozing that worsens with moisturisers
extremely wet, weepy skin
people who’ve used high-potency topical steroids long-term
when everything else seems to make symptoms worse
Where it can be harmful:
in individuals with medical conditions requiring adequate hydration
those with very sensitive or already extremely dry skin
people experiencing overheating, dizziness, or dehydration
NMT is not a cure - it’s a management tool during withdrawal.
And it definitely isn’t the only option.
What NMT Doesn’t Address (But Matters for TSW)
Even though NMT can help with symptom management, it does not fix deeper contributing factors like:
immune dysregulation
skin barrier damage
nutrient deficiencies
stress and nervous system overwhelm
sleep deprivation
gut issues
trauma-triggered flares
This is where holistic or naturopathic support becomes powerful - addressing the internal terrain, not just the symptoms.
Final Thoughts
No Moisture Therapy is one tool some people use during Topical Steroid Withdrawal - not a cure, and not the only option.
TSW is incredibly complex, and approaches like NMT work best when paired with:
soothing the nervous system
supporting gut and immune function
rebuilding the skin barrier
addressing nutritional needs
reducing inflammation internally
If you’re navigating TSW and feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone - and you don’t have to do this without guidance.
Reach out to hello@jacintamullins.com for further assistance.