Skincare

Pharmacies can provide advice as well as treatment for those suffering from dry skin. Customers will welcome expert advice on skin conditions from dry skin and eczema to acne, psoriasis and sensitive skin.

The local pharmacy is the most easily accessible place for customers to get on-the-spot advice on medical skin conditions, as well as general skincare tips for all the family. It is important to recognise this as you can offer a point of difference and help increase customer loyalty with good advice. The average skincare category accounts for 5 per cent of total OTC shelf space. It is important this space works hard for you and the range stocked provides maximum return in terms of profitability as well as offering customers the right range of specialist skincare treatments to meet their needs.

Moisturisers

People suffering from dry skin, shouldn’t use harsh, alcohol-based products as these can irritate skin and dry it out. People who have oily skin should avoid oil-based products and choose water-based ones instead. A good moisturiser is not necessarily an expensive one. Deciding what is best for skin depends on ingredients. There are various ingredients that provide different functions including: • Ceramides. Ceramides help the skin hold water and soothe dry skin. Synthetic ceramides may mimic the natural substances in the outermost layer of skin that help keep moisture in.

• Dimethicone and glycerin. These draw water to the skin and keep it there. • Hyaluronic acid. Like ceramides, hyaluronic acid helps skin hold water. • Lanolin, mineral oil, and petroleum jelly (petrolatum). These help skin hold on to water absorbed during bathing.

Washing Dry Skin

In addition to moisturising, dry skin needs to be washed appropriately. This includes: • Skipping long, hot showers: hot water strips oils from the skin faster than warm water.

Long showers or baths actually dry out the skin. Anyone suffering from dry skin should limit themselves to a single 5- or 10-minute warm shower or bath a day. • Using a gentle cleanser or shower gel with moisturizer. Instead of harsh cleansers, suggest unscented, soap-free, or mild soap cleansers.

• Moisturising while skin is still moist. Patting skin with a towel after a shower or washing the face or hands, leaving it damp. Apply a moisturiser within three to five minutes of washing to lock moisture in. strategies that those affected by dry skin can try to relieve symptoms. These include: • Plugging in a humidifier at home to help keep skin hydrated during winter months when indoor air is dry. • Wearing cotton and other natural fibres.

Wool, synthetics, or other fabrics can be scratchy and irritating. • Drinking plenty of water. • Eating omega-3 foods. Essential fatty acids can help fortify the skin’s natural oil-retaining barriers. Foods rich in omega-3 include coldwater fish (salmon, halibut, sardines), flax, walnuts, and sunflower oil. • If the skin is red or inflamed, apply a cool compress or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on the area for a week.

If these don’t provide relief, the patient should be referred to a doctor.

People who work in jobs where they frequently have to put their hands in water or come into contact with certain chemicals can sometimes experience inflammation and itchiness on their hands. This is not merely dry skin, but is known as contact dermatitis or contact eczema. The patient should be referred to a GP who can advise on treatment, which usually includes topical creams. Even medical creams and lotions contain preservatives and can sting sensitive skin. Ointments are preservative-free, so recommend these to customers with sensitive skin who complain of stinging/burning when using emollients.

Skincare tips

• Avoid washing face with soap. It has a high alkaline pH level and can damage the skin’s barrier layer, leading to dryness. • Cleanse and moisturise morning and evening – advise that it may take a month before customers see results.

• Apply a serum under their usual moisturiser. • Use a body moisturiser after bathing/showering. • Even people with oily skin need a moisturiser.

Recommend an oil-free one.

• Exfoliate facial and body skin once weekly to prevent dry, flaky patches and improve radiance.

Applying moisturiser

• Apply a 50p piece-sized amount of moisturiser to the face and neck, from the chest upwards. • Application should be even, across the whole area, especially when using a day cream with in-built sun protection. Moisturisers can be applied immediately after a serum or, if not using a serum, directly after cleansing, to help trap essential moisture inside the skin. • Advise customers not to apply face cream to the eye area, as this requires a specific eye cream. Many moisturisers may be too rich in oils for the eye area and cause puffiness, or contain high levels of hydroxy acids, which may cause irritation.

WWho? Anyone

WWhat are the symptoms? Red and inflamed skin

HHow long has the patient had the symptoms? Dry skin is particularly

prevalent in the winter months

AAction already taken? Patients may already be using moisturisers

MMedication: If the patient has other skin conditions refer them to a GP

so they can provide the appropriate treatment