People with skincare conditions need intensive advice for their condition: the category is currently growing the most in pharmacy

Pharmacy customers often require skincare advice throughout the year. But as winter approaches, they may notice that the change in weather begins to play havoc with their skin, especially if they are prone to certain chronic skin conditions. A recent YouGov survey has revealed that around 58 per cent of UK citizens have had mould or condensation in their homes and that these people are, on average, 19.5 per cent more likely to suffer from eczema or another skin condition. Air quality can be particularly hazardous in winter months when homes are airtight and are most prone to condensation and its consequences.

Medicated skincare is an essential category within the pharmacy, as many skincare conditions can be managed with over-the-counter medicines and self care measures. However, All About Health pharmacist Samantha Preston believes that the category is often neglected and there is a need for better training and stocking of appropriate products. ‘Medicated skincare treatments are often not given prominence of place on in-store displays, meaning important skincare products, such as E45 Itch Relief Cream, Hydrocortisone Cream and Aveeno Skin Relief Body Lotion, are not front of mind for the customer,’ she says. ‘Without the right guidance and care from pharmacists on these skin conditions, customers fail to realise the wealth of treatment available to them.’

Self care advice

Patients do need continued advice about their skincare regimes. Following the recent launch of Dermalex Repair Scalp Psoriasis Gel, Annelies Smits, international brand manager for Dermalex, highlights the importance of self care in the management of skin conditions. ‘When choosing a treatment, patients often have to compromise between efficacy and those with a good safety profile,’ she says. ‘For example, prescription-only steroid treatments reduce symptoms rapidly but can cause side effects and be unsuitable for long-term use, while tolerable, over-the-counter emollients may have little effect in reducing inflammation. For those suffering from eczema, rosacea, body and scalp psoriasis, the clinically proven Dermalex range offers customers an alternative solution. Dermalex Repair Scalp Psoriasis, which is safe for longterm use, strengthens the skin’s surface to prevent water loss and helps to soothe the symptoms associated with scalp psoriasis such as scaling, itching, irritation, dandruff-like flaking and redness.'

"Without the right guidance and care from pharmacists on skin conditions, customers fail to realise the wealth of treatment available to them"

Research on behalf of Reczema, from Swedish skincare brand Secuvie, last year revealed that 74 per cent of eczema sufferers said they had concerns about using steroid creams; 74 per cent would prefer a non-steroidal treatment, and those who tried eczema products reported trying an average of 3.5 products before finding the right one. Reczema was launched earlier this year in the UK, offering a natural treatment for eczema that is suitable for long-term use. The brand has increased its availability in the UK, doubling its presence in Day Lewis pharmacies to more than 120 stores.

Holistic approach

A good skincare regime involves more than simply using the right products. With its E45 range, RB stresses that a complete emollient regime is a vital element of eczema management. ‘Pharmacists need to explain to their customers that by using the right products throughout the whole day, the symptoms of mild eczema can often be relieved with a complete emollient regime (CER),’ says Jerome Lemaire RB UK marketing director. ‘That means the frequent use of a chosen range of emollient cream, lotion or ointment, soap substitute, bath product and shampoo. It is important to avoid soaps and detergents that can undo the beneficial effects of emollients. Working together, the emollients help keep the skin moisturised, supple and comfortable.’

Improving compliance

Pierre Fabre Dermatologie is promoting dermocosmetics to increase sales and improve patient’s compliance to medical treatments. ‘Doctors recommend using emollients to relieve dryness and it’s sometimes difficult to find the one that suits the patient best,’ says Imane Mahlous, Avène skincare expert. ‘If you are able to recommend the right dermo-cosmetic product, which benefits the skin but is easy to use, the patient will be more likely to use the product regularly helping their own wellbeing and also encouraging repeat purchase.’

Healthcare company Clinisupplies launched imuderm this summer, now available on the drug tariff, for eczema, psoriasis and dry skin conditions, along with a new range of clothing aimed at improving moisturisation and protecting the skin. The 2-in-1 emollient contains urea, which promotes moisture attraction and cell rejuvenation, as well as glycerine, drawing water into the outer layer of the skin. The new emollient is the first product of the imuderm range, and imuderm garments are now available on drug tariff. ‘Imuderm garments offer all the benefits of a silk garment at a significantly lower price, benefitting both the NHS and the patients who need them,’ says Clinisupplies sales and marketing director, Neil Emery.

Education

Bio-Oil recognises the need for better pharmacy education, with a new online training resource with best practice advice for Bio-Oil’s use in scar and stretch mark management. ‘Freezing temperatures, cold winds and little vitamin-D rich sunlight can leave skin feeling dry, sensitive and prone to facial redness, so pharmacists should anticipate more customers with dry and sensitive skin complaints during the winter months,’ says Kirsty Mawhinney, Bio-Oil’s training and congress manager. ‘Pharmacists can often be a first port of call for many people seeking advice on matters such as pregnancy, weight management and minor, cuts, scrapes and burns. We hope that in providing a practical knowledge refresher that can be completed online at a time convenient to them, pharmacists will be in a position to give advice about the Bio-Oil that is appropriate to the individual customer’s needs. Unlike creams, which are water-based, oil-based skincare products form a barrier to protect the skin from the elements and work deep within the skin to offer hydration where it’s needed most.’

 

Hand care

Hands tend to bear the brunt of the cold, harsh weather, stripping the skin of all natural nourishing oils. Knuckles can become chapped and cracked and palms can get sore and dry.

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream, for dry and cracked skin, was launched in the UK last year. According to Andrew Wilson, pharmacist at RH Harris Pharmacy in Kent, the cream sells particularly well during the winter season.

‘I’ve found that other creams don’t heal the cuts and sores that cold weather in the winter months can cause but Working Hands has a nonoil based formula that contains a high concentration of glycerine, pulling in water rather than repelling it,’ he says. ‘It’s not greasy or smelly, is packaged well and is very easy to open, so it’s great for a whole range of customers.’

In addition, the Lotil range was repackaged in early 2014, and Lotil Lip Care balm was also launched to protect all year round.

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