WHICH OF THESE CAN YOUR TRUSTED PHARMACIST HELP YOU WITH?
Your community pharmacist is an ever present health care professional, but did you know they can help with other things including giving you good sound advice on your skin care routines and over-thecounter medications?
Well they can!
In this edition of our community newsletter, the students in the digital communications course have taken on the non-prescription aspectsof what yourtrustedpharmacist can help you with.
You will read about the various dermatological options for various skin types and the chemical components of different types of skin products. And skin care is not just for women, it's for the men too and not just the popular all in one products. And speaking of skin conditions that are universal, you will also get to read about hair loss and what to do about it, all from the perspective of your pharmacist.
Happy reading and don't forget to take care of your skin, it's the largest organ in the body and itdeservesto be treated well.
Otito lwuchukwu
Editor-in-Chief
A Pharmacist mini guide to OTC skincare
Mariyum Naeem, Krina Parikh, Elen Lamey
Over-the-counter (OTC) skincare has exploded in popularity, with store shelves and online markets offering a dizzying array of serums, creams, and cleansers promising youthful, radiant skin But with so many options, choosing the right product can feel overwhelming especially when ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid sound more like lab experiments than beauty essentials Understanding how these ingredients work and tailoring your routine to your skin type is key to achieving real results and your pharmacist can play a surprisingly important role in that process.
At the heart of every effective skincare product lies science-backed ingredients designed to target specific skin concerns Here are three of the most well-known:
Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A, retinol increases cell turnover and boosts collagen production It’s a go-to ingredient for reducing fine lines, improving texture, and clearing acne However, it can be irritating at first, so beginners should start with low concentrations and gradually build up use
Hyaluronic Acid: Naturally found in the skin, hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it plump and hydrated It’s especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin and works well when applied to damp skin followed by a moisturizer
Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is oilsoluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum and exfoliate from within It’s ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types, and can help prevent breakouts without being overly drying when used properly
Other ingredients gaining popularity include niacinamide (a calming, multi-tasking vitamin B3), benzoyl peroxide (an acne-fighting staple), and ceramides (lipids that strengthen the skin barrier)
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Navigating the world of OTC skin care doesn’t have to be intimidating By understanding the science behind key ingredients and tailoring your routine to your skin type, you can make confident, effective choices. And remember, your pharmacist isnt just there to fill prescriptions theyre also a trusted skincare all ready to help you achieve your healthiest skin yet
SOMERISKS WITHUSING ALL-IN-ONE PRODUCTS
While“all-in-one”productspurport to save you time and money they might not be the best product for your skin and scalp health For example, using shampoo to cleanse your face is not ideal. Shampoo contains harsh ingredients that can disrupt your face’s skin barrier. Shampoo usually contains sulfates that can eventuallydryoutyourskinleading todryness.Theseharshingredients can disrupt your skin’s barrier and can lead to irritation and/or breakouts. Besides disrupting our skin barrier, shampoo and conditionerbeinginoneproductis not ideal. Shampoo is meant to clarify and get rid of excess oil vs conditioner is meant to condition and smoothen your hair after shampoo Using one product as one can lead to buildup in your hair especially your scalp. In the long term, your hair can become dryandfrizzy.
WHYMEN PREFERUSING ALL-IN-ONE PRODUCTS
Historically, the marketing of skincare products have been directed towards women, and thus exclusivelymakingproductsthatare considered “feminine”. The stigma behind skincare products as a “feminine” routine, resulted in less products for men and resulting in men being left out. There is also the idea (however false) that men do not care for appearances and hygiene. Skincare and hygiene productsarenotexclusivetocertain sexes, but should be recommended forall,includingmen
NoALL-in-ONES.
WhattodoforSkinCareInstead:
Developing a skincare/hygiene routine can be very complicated and be hard to include in your daily routine all at once But there are “basic” steps to a skincare routine that is recommended by dermatologistsuchas:
SUNSCREEN→SPF:30(FORTHEFACE)
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Sunscreensareoftenusedwhenweallgotothebeach,however,theyshould be applied daily prior to doing outdoor activities. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher as it can provide coverage from harmful sun rays. Sunscreens help prevent aging of the skin such as wrinklesordiscoloration.
DOVESENSITIVESKINFORBOTHFACEANDBODY
Instead of using “All-in-one” products which may have a variety of ingredients, consider using body wash for the face/body that are labeled as “sensitive,” especially if you are prone to breaking out or are sensitivetofragrance.
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GENTLEFACIALCLEANSERS
Throughout the day, sebum, or facial oils may build up on the face and lead to acne and in-grown hairs especially in men who shave. Using a gentlefacialcleanserdailycanhelpcontroloilyskinandpreventbreakouts.
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LOTIONANDMOISTURIZERFORFACE/BODY
Incorporating a skincare routine can be beneficial to your skin and scalp health Perhaps in saving time, you never realize that maybe you suffer frombreakoutseveryonceinawhile.Maybeyourhairhasbeenextradry or has more buildup than usual. Based on your skin and scalp concerns can help find the better products for you. If your face is dry then gentle cleansers and moisturizer can be the better choice for you. If your skin is on the oiler side then incorporating cleansers targeted for oily skin Cleansers that help combat oily skin have ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can help calm breakouts as well
Nonscarring alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. This category of hair loss does not result in permanent damage to the hair follicle and can be further broken down by its type and cause. 1
By Michael Hoffmann,
Triet Huynh, Lissel Sanabria, and Lisseth
What are the available treatments for hair loss in the United States?
1. OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS
The most popular over the counter medication used for hair loss is called minoxidil, commonly known by the brand name Rogaine. Minoxidil is available in topical solution of 2% and 5%, and in topical foam of 5%. Minoxidil is recommended for adults over 18 years old to apply topically to the scalp twice daily. The exact mechanism by which topical minoxidil promotes hair growth is not fully understood. It prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle by allowing hairs to grow longer and thicker before shedding. It is believed to act directly on hair follicles by stimulating it causing restoration of the normal hair follicle growth cycle. Evidence regarding its ability to increase scalp blood flow remains inconsistent. Overall, minoxidil encourages the growth of thicker, and fuller hair.
Other over the counter products that are marketed for hair support include nutritional supplements, and topical products that contain biotin, keratin, or saw palmetto. Biotin is a vitamin B7 that may improve hair strength. Keratin is a protein that improves hair strength and reduces hair breakages. Saw palmetto is a plant extract that may slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth in some people.
