Skincare & Cosmetics

If you’ve ever been left disappointed after purchasing a topical skin treatment that, after many weeks of use clearly doesn’t work, you may find some answers by reading on…

Why don’t they work?

While over-the-counter treatments may not have worked for you, they may work for others. They’re designed to work for most of the people, most of the time. However there will always be a certain percentage of the community, like you, whose skin condition doesn’t fit the usual mold.

It may be that your skin has too much of a certain compound and not enough of another; more so than the average sufferer of your particular skin condition. Or you may have several competing conditions that require an approach far more customised than a one-size-fits-all product can offer.

Compounded medication can help. We work in partnership with you and your doctor or skin specialist to produce skin treatments that are made to specifically cater to the unique needs of your skin. We can also help with hard-to-find skin treatments that may be in short supply at your usual community pharmacist.

Skincare v’s Cosmeceuticals v’s Compounded Skincare, what’s the difference?

Skincare is made in bulk by a company that manufactures various skincare and beauty products on mass.

These products contain a wide range of ingredients of varying quality. Unfortunately, they often also contain animal products, preservatives, perfumes and other ingredients that can harm both the user and the environment.

Cosmeceuticals are a mix of cosmetic and pharmacy, backed by science and thorough research, delivering a premium product.

Cosmeceuticals also contain no animal products, preservatives or synthetic scents. Instead, using active ingredients usually only available via your GP, specialist or selected trained Beauticians.

Compounded Skincare, also a form of cosmeceutical, is created specifically for you, but a highly skilled pharmacist, in consultation with your GP or specialist.

According to your referral and the pharmacist’s preparation, ingredients can be added or altered, delivering a premium result full of high-quality active ingredients – a one of a kind product just for you.

What are the benefits?

Active ingredients contained in cosmeceuticals are often used based on one or two chosen concerns.

While over the counter or off the shelf products claim to include Vitamin C, E or Retinol, to name a few, the key difference is the concentration of these ingredients, often including additives to increase shelf life.

Compounded products can be developed to target specific areas of concern such as:

• Acne
• Allergy symptoms
• Fine Lines
• Pigmentation
• Scarring
• Sun Damage
• Skin sensitivity conditions.

By working on a specific issue, products can take a more targeted approach, delivering better results and significantly increased effectiveness.

Compounded Skincare also removes common fillers and harsh additives that can cause further damage or irritate the skin, allowing for higher concentrations of high-quality active ingredients.

A key benefit for compounding medicine is the pharmacist’s ability to manage the concentrations of active ingredients in the formulations, allowing for gradual increase and guaranteeing custom treatment for each patient.

More than just cosmetics

Compounded skincare isn’t just about appearance. When prescribed by your doctor or skin specialist, customised preparations can also be used as part of the management plan for a range of skin concerns, including symptoms related to irritation or allergies.

Because every skin type is different, compounded skincare allows your prescriber and pharmacist to work together to tailor:

• the type of base (cream, gel, ointment, solution or peel)
• the strength of active ingredients
• and the way the product is used

so that it’s better matched to your individual needs and treatment goals.

These preparations may be used to help manage concerns such as:

• breakouts and problem skin
• visible signs of ageing
• uneven skin tone and pigmentation
• the appearance of scars
• sun-damaged or weathered skin
• dry, itchy or sensitive skin

In many cases, your prescriber may also choose to use compounded products when:

• a suitable commercial product is unavailable or in short supply
• a different strength or combination is required
• you need to avoid certain additives, preservatives or fragrances

Some compounded skincare products are prescription-only medicines and can only be supplied on a valid prescription from a registered prescriber. Your doctor, dermatologist or other prescriber can advise whether a compounded preparation is appropriate for you.