Skincare & Scalp

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Acne treatments: Skincare to prescriptions
Treatment

Acne treatments: Skincare to prescriptions

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.

Retinoids for the skin: a form of vitamin A
Treatment

Retinoids for the skin: a form of vitamin A

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is a fat-soluble vitamin broken down to "retinoids". It is found in several foods and is essential for several vital functions, such as helping your body's immune system work properly, improving vision in dim light, keeping skin and other linings of the body healthy. It is found in tablet form in supplementation and is in the majority of multivitamins as well. It is also found in many skin care products, which boast effective acne reduction and anti-ageing properties. This is true and is supported by research!

Doublebase skincare: Gel vs. Dayleve Gel
Treatment

Doublebase skincare: Gel vs. Dayleve Gel

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 cream
Treatment

Dyshidrotic eczema cream

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.

Aveeno cream
Treatment

Aveeno cream

The Aveeno line 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, it repairs dry skin. Depending on the severity, its can be used up to four times daily to maximize efficacy.

Prescription eczema cream
Treatment

Prescription eczema cream

There is a wide range of prescription eczema creams available. Here the Healthwords team will break them down into the different groups of medications that are available, and within those groups, the different types of medications.

Retinol (vitamin A)
Treatment

Retinol (vitamin A)

Retinol (Vitamin A) is a fat-soluble vitamin that has an important role in several key functions in the human body. It helps your immune system function, helps your vision in dim light, and contributes to overall skin health. It is found in several foods, but can also be taken as a supplement. It is in the majority of multivitamins or can be taken as a tablet on its own.

Steroid creams: Treatment for eczema and other conditions
Treatment

Steroid creams: Treatment for eczema and other conditions

These are creams, ointments and lotions that contain steroids.  Topical steroids work by reducing inflammation in the skin.  They come in varying potencies (strengths). We will go through when you will use a steroid cream and its side effects.

Hydrocortisone cream
Treatment

Hydrocortisone cream

Hydrocortisone cream 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. The strength of the products ranges up to 2.5%, although the maximum strength found over the counter is 1%. There are three main formulations of hydrocortisone: cream, ointment, and lotion.

Ointment for eczema
Treatment

Ointment for eczema

Topical formulations (applied to your skin) are categorized depending on the base type of the product and its characteristics. Creams, gels, solutions, lotions, and ointments can all be applied to the skin to treat certain conditions. Ointment describes a smooth and oily substance, making it greasy to put on, compared to creams, lotions, and gels, which have an increasingly higher water content, rather than oil. This makes ointment a doctor's favorite choice for eczema, as it moisturizes the skin and reduces inflammation, and an ointment can also carry other medications within it. Creams and lotions are often preferred by parents as they are less messy and absorb more quickly. But they are less moisturizing and often contain preservatives and antibacterials to protect against any bugs growing in their water content, and this may be irritating on sensitive eczema-prone skin. Here we will talk you through some of the ointments available for eczema.

Eumovate cream
Treatment

Eumovate cream

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.

E45
Treatment

E45

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.

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