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 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 contain weaker forms of these active ingredients or are diluted in their strength. However, 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.

Collagen is a protein that is very important for your body. It helps keep your skin, hair, nails, muscles, and joints strong and flexible. As you get older, your body makes less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, thinner hair, and joint pain. Many people use collagen supplements and beauty products, hoping to look younger and feel better. This article explains what collagen is, how it works, the different types, and whether supplements really help. It also shares natural ways to boost your body’s collagen and clears up common myths. What is Collagen? Collagen is a protein that acts like a scaffold, giving shape and strength to your skin, hair, nails, muscles, and joints. About 75% of your skin’s dry weight is collagen, which helps keep it firm and prevents sagging. There are several types of collagen, but the most important are Type I, Type II, and Type III. These types help build and keep your skin, bones, cartilage, and other tissues healthy. Your body starts making less collagen in your mid-20s, which is why you might notice more wrinkles or stiff joints as you get older. Things like too much sun, smoking, and a poor diet can make your body lose collagen even faster. That’s why some people turn to collagen supplements and creams to try to replace what’s lost.

Hair growth products are very popular, but it can be hard to know which ones actually work. With so many choices—medicines like finasteride and minoxidil, over-the-counter treatments, natural remedies, and supplements—it’s important to know which are backed by science and which are not. Some of these have been proven to help with hair loss, while others do not have strong evidence to support their claims. This guide will help you understand which products are worth trying and which ones might not help.

Cetraben is a line 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.

Clobetasol propionate is a short-term topical steroid used to treat skin inflammation. It can be used to treat eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, as well as many other inflammatory skin conditions. It is known by several brand names (Temovate, Clobex, Olux) and comes in a variety of dosage forms (cream, gel, ointment, shampoo, liquid, solution, spray, and foam) and is only available on prescription in the US.

Diprolene is a potent prescription-only skin product for short-term 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 Diprolene is a steroid called betamethasone dipropionate, and it comes as either a cream or an ointment.

Doublebase skincare products have been specifically formulated to effectively treat dry, sensitive, or chapped skin conditions. This line includes gels, bath additives, and shower gels, and is available in various pack sizes. In this article, we will focus on comparing two popular products from the Doublebase line: Doublebase Gel and Doublebase Dayleve Gel. Formulations Both Doublebase Gel and Doublebase Dayleve Gel share common moisturizing ingredients, such as liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate. These ingredients are fragrance-free and have minimal components to ensure gentle application and compatibility with sensitive skin. However, Doublebase Dayleve Gel contains an additional natural hydrating ingredient called humectant, which enhances its moisturizing properties. Furthermore, the Dayleve Gel also includes povidone, a film-forming ingredient that aids in trapping oils and moisture within the skin.

Dyshidrotic eczema (also known as pompholyx) is a type of eczema affecting the hands and feet. The condition typically presents as itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the sides of the fingers, palms of the hand, and soles of the feet. You will usually feel intense itching and a burning sensation on your skin which is followed by the development of a cluster of small blisters. These blisters may merge to form larger ones as the condition worsens. Dyshidrotic eczema is most common in adults under 40, and women are more likely to experience the condition than men. There are various creams available to help manage dyshidrotic eczema. We will look at these below.

The E45 line of skincare products has been formulated to treat dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. It includes creams and lotions and comes in a variety of pack sizes. Like many other dry skin products, the main ingredients in E45 are soft white paraffin and light liquid paraffin. Regular use repairs dry skin, but depending on the severity, it might need to be used up to four times a day to see the best effect.

Emollients are moisturizing treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate the skin. They cover the skin with a protective film to trap moisture and protect the skin. Emollients are often used to help manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. They are available as creams, ointments, lotions, gels and sprays. Some emollients can also be used as soap substitutes in the bath or shower.  All emollients are safe for babies, the elderly and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Eumovate is the brand name for clobetasone butyrate 0.05% cream, 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 Eumovate. This formulation is not available in the US. Clobetasol propionate is a similar steroid cream that is available by prescription.

The Cetraben line of skincare products has been formulated to treat dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. It includes creams, lotions, cleansing creams, and ointments and comes in a variety of pack sizes. Like many other dry skin products, the main ingredients in Cetraben are soft white 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.