Staying Clear with Less Medicine

Living with a lifelong skin condition like psoriasis or eczema often means finding the right balance—not just between flare and control, but between enough medicine and too much. Once your skin is clear, it’s natural to wonder: Do I need to take this medication forever?

That’s where dose reduction or deprescription comes in. These strategies help you maintain results while using less medication, guided by your Zest provider and supported by our care team. Dose reduction means stretching out the time between doses, while deprescribing refers to intentionally taking a planned break and transitioning to as-needed dosing once your skin has cleared. The goal isn’t to stop treatment altogether—it’s to stay clear and healthy with the lowest effective dose for you.

Why “Less” Can Sometimes Be More

Real-world experience has shown that modern dermatologic therapies—especially biologics and newer oral treatments—are so effective that many patients can maintain clear or nearly clear skin even when they’re taken less frequently. Once inflammation is well controlled, spacing out doses or lowering frequency can deliver the same lasting results while reducing overall medication exposure.

This approach isn’t right for everyone– and not every dermatology provider can support this level of personalization safely. Dose reduction and deprescribing depend on how your skin responds, how long you’ve been clear, and what else may be influencing inflammation—from stress to lifestyle factors. That’s why having Zest’s personalized guidance and ongoing support is essential for success.

Personalized support every step of the way

At Zest, your care team helps you explore dose reduction safely by:

• Providing high-access care when you need it – You’re never alone in your treatment. Quick, convenient access to your provider means questions or early flare signs are addressed right away.
  
• Partnering with you on every adjustment – Together, we review your progress, symptoms, and comfort level before making any changes.
  
• Monitoring and responding in real time – Your team tracks your skin health and quality of life over time and helps fine-tune your plan if anything shifts.

With this kind of connected, responsive care, you can make confident decisions about your treatment—knowing you have the right support to stay clear and in control.

Over time, this approach can bring meaningful benefits: fewer side effects, lower medication costs and insurance burden, and most importantly the confidence that your skin can stay clear with less medicine.