SCRIPT PLEASE!
Is prescription skincare the sustainable answer to clear skin?
With customisable lotions and epigenetic treatments based on DNA swabs already out there, personalised products could be the answer to our skin woes. Products like these save endless hours of trying and testing and are more sustainable for the planet (because you’re not buying a bunch of new goodies each week in search of your saviour!). Oh, and your bank balance will thank you for that, too. But the skin savvy among us want even more. Enter prescription skincare – a customised, easy and effective service. But is it worth it? The WHO lifestyle team investigates ...
QR8 MEDISKIN
Dr Michele Squire, founder of Qr8 Mediskin (pronounced “curate”), is one expert whose advice you’re going to want to hear. She’s been helping us regular folk take control of our skin concerns with unbiased, evidence-based advice for years. But it was only last year that Qr8 MediSkin was born. The prescription service utilises telehealth to chat with clients aged 18 and above to provide customisable, safe and medically robust treatments. The consultation process is done in an empathetic and convenient environment, so leave any embarrassment you may have at the door. “Qr8 MediSkin allows consumers to easily access experienced medical professionals, receive an accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based topical treatments tailored to their concerns,” explains Dr Squire. “We believe this type of service is the future of skincare, with consumers demanding more customised options based on science, not sales.”
SOFTWARE
Software is an online platform providing made-to-order prescription skincare, which operates on a subscription basis. That doesn’t mean you won’t have access to experts, with doctors, dermatologists and pharmacists who can help with anything from acne to anti-ageing at your fingertips. Simply jump on the website, fill out the questionnaire and add photos of your skin, and Software will provide dermatologistapproved, personalised products (there’s even an oral antibiotic) at prescription strength. Great for those living in regional or rural areas, it’s formulated just for you and sent straight to your door. “Software was born out of my own frustrations with our healthcare system,” explains founder Niamh Mooney. “I had to drive three hours to see a dermatologist and many GPs didn’t have the training needed to deal with chronic skin conditions. I want to improve access to quality care for all Australians.”
THE SECRET SKINCARE
Founded in early 2020 by Perth’s Dr Clara Hurst and Dr Deb Cohen-Jones, The Secret Skincare provides highly effective solutions for complex cosmetic conditions. “We launched The Secret to fill a gap in the market for truly effective skincare products in prescription strength, compounded exclusively for patients,” say Dr Hurst and Dr Cohen-Jones. “Our vision is to give every person access to dermatologically proven formulas.”Their three-step e-consultation system takes the pain out of long waits in the doctor’s or dermatologist’s office and means you get products specific to your skin. Simply pick the product/s you like the sound of from the range and add to your cart, or select the “choose for me” option. Fill out a questionnaire and voila! Your medical-grade, vegan products are then formulated in Perth and delivered to you. You can have ongoing consults, too.