The Dermol skincare range is a collection of products designed specifically to address dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. Dry skin, also known as xeroderma, can cause cracking and bleeding of the skin and lead to infections, which is why it is important to keep moisturised. It also helps the skin with the ageing process, making the skin look plumper and elastic. These formulations, including creams, lotions, bath and shower emollients, have been carefully developed with minimal ingredients to ensure their effectiveness and gentleness on the skin. In this article, we will compare and analyse the Dermol 500 lotion, Dermol 200 shower emollient, Dermol 600 bath emollient, and Dermol 500 cream to highlight their unique features and benefits.

Coal tar or coal tar extract is a medication effective in treating itching, flaking, or skin scaling due to conditions such as dandruff (Seborrheic dermatitis) and psoriasis. Coal tar works by initiating the shedding of dead cells from the top layers of your skin and slowing the production of skin cells, reducing the symptoms of scaling, dryness of your skin and itching. Alphosyl ‘2 in 1’ shampoo contains an alcoholic coal tar extract at 5% and is a regular over the counter medication available here in the UK.

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication and is used to treat common fungal infections like the bugs that cause vaginal thrush. Canesten is a branded version of clotrimazole cream. Clotrimazole is available over the counter in different strengths, and can also come in different forms such as vaginal pessaries.

Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% cream, also known by the brand name Eumovate, is a short-term steroid cream used to treat different causes of skin inflammation. The cream can be used to treat eczema, heat rash, and insect bites, as well as many other inflammatory skin conditions. There is also an ointment (greasier) version of clobetasone that is only available on prescription in the UK.

The Cetraben range of skincare products has been formulated to treat dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It includes creams, lotions, bath additives and ointments and comes in a variety of pack sizes. Like many other dry skin products, the main ingredients in Cetraben are white soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin. These work by protecting the skin barrier and preventing water loss from the skin. It also contains glycerol, a humectant that retains water in the skin, and citric acid, a gentle exfoliant that can help to remove a build-up of dead skin cells that’s common in eczema. With regular use, this repairs dry skin, but depending on the severity, this might need to be used up to four times a day to see the best effect.

Cetraben is a range of skincare products specially formulated to treat dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. It offers both a cream and an ointment, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. We will provide a detailed comparison of their formulations and explain the benefits of each so that you can make an informed decision.

Betnovate is a potent prescription-only skin product for short-term treatment of inflammation, itching and irritation. It's a steroid cream used to treat eczema, psoriasis, heat rash and insect bites, among other conditions. It’s often prescribed when a patient has seen little result with milder creams. The active component of Betnovate is a steroid called betamethasone valerate, at 0.122% strength, and it comes as either a cream or an ointment.

The Aveeno range of skincare products has been formulated to treat dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin. These products are developed as cream, ointment, body wash, and other formulations and come in various pack sizes. Unlike many other dry skin products, the main ingredient in the Aveeno range is prebiotic colloidal oatmeal. It is a safe and natural alternative to paraffin-based products. The Aveeno range is excellent for more sensitive skin, especially babies. They are primarily fragrance-free and have minimal ingredients to ensure they are gentle on the skin. It is also an excellent alternative for patients with intolerances to paraffin-containing products. With consistent regular use, this repairs dry skin. Depending on the severity, this can be used up to four times daily to maximise efficacy.

The Aveeno range of skincare products has been formulated to treat dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin. These products are developed as cream, ointment, body wash, and other formulations and come in various pack sizes. Unlike many other dry skin products, the main ingredient in the Aveeno range is prebiotic colloidal oatmeal. It is a safe and natural alternative to paraffin-based products. The Aveeno range is excellent for more sensitive skin, especially babies. They are primarily fragrance-free and have minimal ingredients to ensure they are gentle on the skin. It is also an excellent alternative for patients with intolerances to paraffin-containing products. With consistent regular use, this repairs dry skin. Depending on the severity, this can be used up to four times daily to maximise efficacy.

The Aveeno range of skincare products has been formulated to treat dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin. These products are developed as cream, ointment, body wash, and other formulations and come in various pack sizes. Unlike many other dry skin products, the main ingredient in the Aveeno range is prebiotic colloidal oatmeal. It is a safe and natural alternative to paraffin-based products. The Aveeno range is excellent for more sensitive skin, especially babies. They are primarily fragrance-free and have minimal ingredients to ensure they are gentle on the skin. It is also an excellent alternative for patients with intolerances to paraffin-containing products. Most body washes are great for removing grease and oils from the skin but are not so great for hydrating the skin. With consistent regular use, this helps repair dry and damaged skin.

Acnecide is a popular over-the-counter treatment for acne, available in both gel and face wash forms. Its active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, has long been recognized for its effectiveness in managing acne. In fact, it’s clinically proven to kill up to 95% of the bacteria responsible for acne, making it a reliable option for many people.

If you have symptoms consistent with acne, or have previously been told by your doctor that you have acne then there are many treatment options. These can start small at home with some self-treatment, increasing up to creams and tablet medications, and finally, a referral to a skin specialist if needed. Prescribed vs cosmetic acne treatments Within the past few years, the growth of the ‘cosmeceuticals industry’ has increased rapidly. Whether you walk into a well-known high street pharmacy or shop at online beauty retailers, you cannot deny that many skincare products contain bioactive ingredients that claim to have medical benefits, such as fading acne scars. These claims hold some truth as the ingredients they use are present in prescribed treatments for skincare concerns. Skincare products available to buy without a prescription contain weaker forms of these active ingredients or are diluted in their strength. However, it is important to note that there are no requirements for skincare products to have their claims proven. That’s not to say that they are of no use. Some people benefit from these skincare products alone, whereas some may require stronger prescribed treatment from their doctor.