Tag: skin care

Categories
Skin Care

Atopic Dermatitis Medication For Eczema Relief

Welcome to our article on atopic dermatitis medication for eczema relief, where we will explore innovative solutions provided by Burt’s Rx Compounding Pharmacy. Whether you’ve tried various treatments in the past or are seeking a personalized approach from the start, we have the expertise and resources to help you find the relief you deserve.

By continuing to read, you’ll discover the cutting-edge compounding services offered by Burt’s Rx Compounding Pharmacy that can make a real difference in your eczema management. We’ll explore how our personalized medications are tailored to address your unique symptoms and preferences, providing you with effective and customized solutions for your eczema.

Understanding the Challenges of Atopic Dermatitis

Living with atopic dermatitis can be incredibly challenging. The intense itching, redness, and inflammation can disrupt your daily life, affecting your sleep, work, and overall well-being. Additionally, the visible symptoms of eczema can lead to self-consciousness and a decrease in self-esteem. It’s crucial to address this condition and seek effective treatment to improve your quality of life.

Exploring Effective Atopic Dermatitis Medication Options

Fortunately, there are several medications available to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Let’s explore some of the most common and effective options:

  1. Topical Steroids: Topical corticosteroids are often the first line of treatment for eczema. These medications reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and promote healing. They come in various strengths and forms, such as creams, ointments, and lotions. Your doctor will determine the appropriate strength and duration of use based on the severity of your eczema.
  2. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: Another effective option for eczema treatment is topical calcineurin inhibitors. These medications, including tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, suppress the immune response that leads to inflammation and itching. They are particularly useful for sensitive areas like the face and groin, where steroids may not be recommended for long-term use.
  3. Systemic Medications: In more severe cases of atopic dermatitis, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications. These medications work from within the body to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. Common systemic medications for eczema include oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologic drugs. It’s important to note that these medications often have more significant side effects and should be used under close medical supervision.

Finding Relief and Improving Your Quality of Life

Living with eczema can be physically and emotionally exhausting, but there is hope for finding relief and improving your quality of life. By working closely with your dermatologist or healthcare provider, you can develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you find the right medication and manage your eczema effectively:

  1. Consult a Dermatologist: Seek professional medical advice from a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions. They can accurately diagnose your eczema and recommend the most suitable medication based on your specific circumstances.
  2. Follow Treatment Guidelines: Ensure you understand how to use your prescribed medication correctly. Follow your dermatologist’s instructions regarding application frequency, duration, and any other guidelines provided. Consistency is key in managing eczema effectively.
  3. Maintain a Skincare Routine: Alongside medication, establish a consistent skincare routine to manage your eczema. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Avoid harsh soaps, hot water, and other irritants that can trigger flare-ups.

Take Charge of Your Eczema Treatment Today

Don’t let eczema control your life any longer. With the right atopic dermatitis medication and a proactive approach to managing your condition, you can take charge of your eczema treatment and find relief. Start by scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist who can guide you through the process. Together, you can explore the different medication options available and determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

Remember, finding the right medication may take some trial and error. Be patient and communicate openly with your doctor about your symptoms, concerns, and any side effects you may experience. They can adjust your treatment plan accordingly to ensure optimal results.

In addition to medication, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to support your eczema management. Avoid triggers such as certain fabrics, harsh detergents, and extreme temperatures that may exacerbate your symptoms. Keep your skin well-moisturized, and consider using gentle, hypoallergenic products.

It’s also crucial to manage stress levels as stress can worsen eczema symptoms. Explore stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Remember to prioritize self-care and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Are you tired of living with the constant discomfort and itching caused by eczema? It’s time to take action and regain control over your skin’s health. At Burt’s Rx Compounding Pharmacy, we understand the challenges of managing eczema, and we are here to provide you with personalized solutions.

With our team of skilled pharmacists and compounding experts, we can create customized medications tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require specialized topical formulations, unique combinations, or alternative delivery methods, our compounding services can accommodate your requirements.

Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. At Burt’s Rx Compounding Pharmacy, we prioritize your individuality and understand that every person’s eczema is unique. By working closely with your dermatologist or healthcare provider, we can develop customized medications that address your specific symptoms, preferences, and sensitivities.

Contact Burt’s Rx Compounding Pharmacy today to experience the difference of personalized eczema solutions. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to listen, answer your questions, and assist you in finding the most effective treatments for your eczema management.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice. Always listen to your doctor for the management of your condition.

Categories
Compounding Skin Care

For the Best Scar Treatment, Try Compounded Medication

Scars can be unsightly, but they can also cause discomfort and even affect mobility if they are located in certain areas of the body. While there are many treatments available to help minimize the appearance of scars, compounded medication is often the best option for those looking for a customized solution.

In this article, we’ll explore how compounded medication can help reduce the appearance of scars and why it’s a great option for scar treatment.

The Challenge of Scars

Scars can result from a variety of injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions, and can range from small and barely noticeable to large and disfiguring. Regardless of their size, scars can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and confidence, and can even lead to physical discomfort and pain. While there are many over-the-counter scar treatment options available, they are not always effective for all types of scars, and many people find them to be expensive or time-consuming.

How Compounded Medication Works for Scars

Compounded medication is a type of customized medication that is created by a compounding pharmacist to meet the specific needs of a patient. For scar treatment, compounded medication can be tailored to the type of scar, its location on the body, and the patient’s unique skin type and medical history. Some of the benefits of compounded medication for scar treatment include:

  • Targeted treatment: Compounded medication can be formulated to target specific aspects of scar tissue, such as inflammation, discoloration, or thickness.
  • Customized dosing: Patients can receive the exact amount of medication they need, rather than having to rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Combination therapy: Compounded medication can combine multiple active ingredients to provide a more comprehensive treatment approach.
  • Topical application: Compounded medication can be applied directly to the scar tissue, which allows for more direct and targeted treatment.

Why Choose Compounded Medication for Scar Treatment

There are many reasons why someone might choose compounded medication for their scar treatment, including:

  1. Personalized treatment: Compounded medication is customized to each patient’s unique needs, which means that they are more likely to see positive results.
  2. Fewer side effects: Compounded medication is often made with fewer fillers and preservatives than commercially available medications, which can reduce the risk of side effects.
  3. Lower cost: Because compounded medication is made specifically for each patient, there is no wasted medication, which can result in lower costs overall.
  4. Convenience: Compounded medication can be applied directly to the scar tissue, which means that patients don’t have to worry about taking pills or injections.

How to Get Compounded Medication for Scar Treatment

To get compounded medication for scar treatment, patients will need to work with a compounding pharmacist. The process typically involves an initial consultation to discuss the patient’s medical history, the type of scar they are looking to treat, and any other relevant factors. From there, the pharmacist will create a customized medication plan that may include topical creams, gels, or ointments.

It’s important to note that not all compounding pharmacies are created equal. Patients should look for a pharmacy that is accredited and licensed, and that has experience working with scar treatment. They should also ask about the pharmacy’s quality control processes to ensure that the medication they receive is safe and effective.

Conclusion

Scars can be challenging to treat, but compounded medication offers a customized solution that can help minimize their appearance and reduce discomfort. By working with a compounding pharmacist, patients can receive a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs and skin type.

With targeted treatment, customized dosing, and the convenience of topical application, compounded medication is a great option for anyone looking to reduce the appearance of their scars. It’s important to note that compounded medication is not a cure-all solution for scars, and that it may not be the best option for everyone. Patients should always discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine what’s best for their individual needs.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice. Always listen to your doctor for the management of your condition.

Categories
Skin Care

Are There Supplements to Take For More Youthful Skin?

Youthful skin is achievable for any skin type. Here’s a deeper look at what is valuable to know.

Aging is inevitable. However, looking younger than your age isn’t. With age comes experience, maturity, wisdom, plenty of great memories, and off course physical aging. The physical signs of aging aren’t as appreciated though. Loss of skin elasticity, aging spots, fine lines, and wrinkles start to appear as soon as we hit our twenties and things gradually get worse if you don’t take matters into your own hands.

While establishing a solid skincare routine is important, nothing beats nourishing your skin from within. As they say, you can’t beat what you eat. Apart from a healthy diet and lifestyle, certain supplements can work wonders for keeping your skin looking young.

In this article, we are going to discuss top vitamins and supplements that will keep your skin looking fabulous. Let’s dive straight into the subject:

Curcumin

Curcumin is a substance that is present in the turmeric plant. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties work at a cellular level and promote optimum skin health. It can be administered orally and used topically as well. Taking 500 to 1,000 milligrams per day can work wonders for you and your skin.

CoQ10

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that promotes collagen production. It is important to use it in combination with a solid skincare routine. However, it shouldn’t be the foundation of your regimen if you want to see a true difference.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that is essentially responsible for improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Most of us start to lose collagen in our early twenties and we need to supplement it externally. The ideal way to go about this is to use a combination of collagen types 1 and 3. While collagen doesn’t reverse the signs of aging, it works wonders as a preventative measure.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant that is found in red wine and is known for its anti-aging properties. As per a popular theory, resveratrol works wonders for aging due to its ability to lengthen chromosomes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is hands down one of the best supplements for anti-aging. It not only is an amazing immunity booster but it also protects your skin against oxidative stress. Vitamin C will protect your skin against premature aging and will also boost collagen production. You can apply it topically, consume it via food, and can take it orally in the form of supplements. The daily recommended dosage is 65 to 90 milligrams. Consuming excess amounts can lead to side effects like diarrhea, heartburn, and vomiting.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E not only protects against collagen crosslinking but also prevents the oxidation of lipids. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that will work wonders to treat wrinkles, and dark spots, and improve skin elasticity. It is important to discuss the dosage with your healthcare provider because vitamin toxicity is very common with fat-soluble vitamins.

Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that essentially prevents vitamin E deficiency while reducing DNA damage. It can be found in various food sources. Brazil nuts are a great way to get your daily dose of selenium in. You can also take it in the form of a pill. Do not exceed 200 mcg. Long-term use of selenium can lead to type 2 diabetes. Hence, it is advised to consult your doctor before consuming the supplement.

Takeaway

There are multiple vitamins and supplements available on the market, claiming to be the ultimate anti-aging cure. The best ones are those that can counter the effects of oxidative stress. Most of the vitamins can be obtained with the help of a diet or a supplement.

All in all, fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins K, D, and E will impact the health of your skin and preserve its youthful glory.

Cosmeceutical Compounding

While skin aging can is prevented entirely, it can surely be slowed down. Biotech research has identified that various factors like sun damage, cold, stress, smoking, fatigue, poor nutrition, use of harsh skin care products, and other environmental factors are responsible for skin wrinkling and loss of elasticity.

We cannot prevent our skin from getting exposed to these stressors on a day-to-day basis. However, we can take steps to prevent and reverse the signs of aging with the help of compounding.  With the help of cosmeceutical compounding, you can acquire a solution for your unique skin type.

Every single individual is different and has a different skin type. A compounding pharmacist can customize the cosmeceutical creams for your unique needs and requirements and make your skin appear healthier and youthful. You can see short-term and long-term results based on the ingredients of the product. A combination of scientific research and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients drastically improves the look of skin. Custom cosmeceutical creams will soothe your skin and prevent irritation, redness, inflammation, and dryness. It can work wonders for soothing cracked, dry skin while bumping up the moisture quotient.

With consistent use, your skin will begin to improve, and can look years younger than your actual age. Most commercial creams promise to offer astounding results. However, they fail to do so. That is why cosmeceutical compounding is essential to see true differences in your skin.

Reach Out to Us  

Vitamins are one of the most elements for your health as well as keeping your skin youthful. A combination of oral and topical supplements can truly transform your skin for good. If you don’t know where to begin, I would suggest booking an appointment with your healthcare provider to get started on the oral supplements. Similarly, a consultation with a compounding pharmacist can help you achieve the perfect customized skincare.

We hope you found this post informative and helpful. What are some of the things you do to keep looking younger and vibrant? We would love to know your secrets. Let’s all use the comment section to share our unique tips and tricks. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team and we would love to assist you. We wish you happy, healthy, and radiant skin!

CONTACT US!

Categories
Skin Care

10 Skin Care Tips to Manage Dry Skin in Winter

This time of year, your skin loses 25% of its ability to hold moisture. If you notice you have dry skin in winter, follow the tips below on skin care.

 

The American Skin Association defines dry skin as xerosis and states it is prevalent among people of all ages. They also report dry skin worsens in the wintertime because we turn up the heat indoors, which is a dry heat. When it is cold outdoors, and we lower temperatures and humidity indoors, our skin loses moisture.

During winter, your skin loses 25% of its ability to hold moisture.

If you notice your skin is extra dry this winter, follow the tips below on winter skin care.

1. Avoid Over Washing

This tip for managing dry skin may be more difficult this year than others since we are going through a pandemic that requires us to wash our hands often. No one wants to spread COVID19, but over-washing your hands can lead to damaged, dry skin.

Studies have shown washing your hands too much can lead to chronic dry, damaged skin and conditions such as eczema.

Also, the length of time you spend washing can make a difference. Those long, hot baths and showers can lead to dryer skin in the winter. It is recommended you take shorter, warm showers instead.

2. Use the Right Cleansers

Winter skin care needs to be different than skin care during other seasons. In winter, when the skin is dry, choose a cleanser that hydrates. Check the ingredients in your soap. Not all soaps add moisturizing ingredients.

Many cleaners include chemicals that can have a drying effect on your skin. Alcohol can be a common chemical found in cleansers because it is beneficial in cleaning the skin. However, in the winter, it can cause skin problems.

A better solution is to have products developed specifically to meet your dry skin needs. You can do this with the help of your pharmacist.

3. Use Compounded Cosmetics

The products you buy off the shelf at your local retail store are created with specific ingredients to meet the masses’ needs. Only, that goal is impossible. Not everyone struggles with the same skin conditions. And most people have more than one skin problem.

Over the counter products may help one issue but not the other, leading you to make multiple product purchases. This takes up more time each day and night applying the many different products.

Choose compounded cosmetics instead.

Compounded cosmetics or cosmeceuticals can be created by your pharmacist and include ingredients that meet your individual needs in one product. Your pharmacist can also increase or decrease the strength of the components and omit ingredients for which you may be allergic.

Examples of compounded dermatological products include topical creams, lotions, gels, ointments, and solutions.

4. Stay Hydrated

One way to manage dry skin in the winter months is to hydrate your skin from the inside out. It’s easy to get busy with life and forget to drink the water your body needs each day. On the run, you may pick up a coffee or soda to quench your thirst.

You may not realize that when you aren’t using water for hydration, your skin can become dry and show signs of aging. You may see dark circles around your eyes, flaky skin, and rashes.

5. Use a Humidifier

Humidifiers are an inexpensive way to add moisture back into the interior of your home. During the winter months, this is a great way to help manage dry skin. The interior of your home is already dehydrated due to running your heating system.

6. Take Beneficial Supplements

Vitamin D and fish oils are examples of beneficial supplements to manage dry skin in the winter. Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and ceramides are additional supplements that have been shown to improve health, including skin health.

Ask your pharmacist for details on the vitamins best for you and your lifestyle. Your pharmacist may even be able to include vitamins in the cream or lotion you have compounded.

7. Wear Protective Clothing

Winter can mean freezing temperatures, winds, snow, and sometimes ice. Your bare skin does not adjust well to these conditions. They are too harsh. So, when you plan to go outdoors, wear protective clothing for each part of your body.

Cover your ears with muffs, your hands with gloves, and use scarves to cover your neck and face. Wear soft, breathable clothing as a first layer against the skin. Then layer with pieces that further protect your skin and also holds in heat.

8. Adjust Your Indoor Temperature

The goal for most people in winter is to stay comfortably warm while inside your home. Comfortably warm can mean “hot” to some, like those who prefer to wear T-shirts and shorts while at home. If it is too hot inside your home, though, your skin will pay the price.

The hotter your interior temperature, the dryer the air, and the dryer your skin. Try to keep temperatures lower but wear more clothing to see if that makes a difference in managing your dry skin in winter.

9. Switch Up Your Diet

What you eat plays a significant role in the health of your skin. A winter skin care tip for managing dry skin is to eat foods that are nutritious and hydrating. There are many fruits and vegetables loaded with water that can help you retain moisture in your skin.

Fruits and vegetables are also great for boosting your immune system, protecting you from the dreaded winter cold or flu.

10. Consult the Pros

It is always best to consult with your physician and your pharmacist before implementing any plan to improve health, even skin health. Getting advice from an expert means you get to skip the guessing and trial and error process of finding which product is best for your symptoms.

Because dry skin can be a symptom of other medical problems, get the opinion of a professional who can guide you in finding a solution so that you can better manage your winter skin care. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for advice, either. You can visit your local Burt’s Rx pharmacist today for more winter skin care tips to manage your dry skin in winter.

 

Categories
Compounding

How to Get Glowing Skin With Compounded Dermatology Medication

Hello, beautiful! There’s nothing like gorgeous, glowing skin to make you feel confident about your appearance. Unfortunately, not all of us are born with that glorious skin, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to achieve it along the way. Proper skincare, the right makeup, and a healthy diet are the best ways to achieve smooth, healthy and glowing skin no matter what your age. With these benefits of compounded dermatology medication, you’ll get glowing skin in no time!

While we can’t offer you the fountain of youth,  we can help with makeup and skincare products to resolve any stubborn skin problems. Through the power of compounding, your local pharmacy can whip up custom dermatology medication designed to balance your skin and restore function to the cells within it – so you can smile widely, proudly, and confidently every day no matter where your travels take you.

 

Strip Away Dead Skin Cells With Chemical Peels

When we are young, our skin cells regenerate at a fairly regular pace – about once every 28 days. As skin cells die off, the body sloughs them off and replaces them with new ones, refreshing the dermis and creating a smooth, supple surface. Keeping those glowing cheeks into adulthood, however, can be significantly more difficult. Not only does the regeneration cycle slow, but the body can also have a harder time sloughing away dead cells over time. The result is rough, uneven skin with dark spots, blemishes, and in some cases, scaly patches.

Most compounded dermatology medication and chemical peels contain:

  • Citric acid
  • Glycolic acid
  • Lactic acid
  • Malic acid
  • Tartaric acid
  • Alpha hydroxy acid
  • Other plant-based acids

These substances may be combined with other chemical peel contents, such as moisturizing oils or antioxidants like vitamin C. Together, they gently dissolve old skin cells and subtly irritate the top dermal layer on the face, causing a mild inflammatory response. In response, the body increases regeneration and hastens the development of new skin cells. The skin is refreshed faster across the areas under the chemical peel.

Despite causing a mild inflammatory response, chemical peels should not be painful to the user. However, each patient’s profile and requirements may be unique. That’s what makes compounding dermatology medication such a valuable tool – the pharmacist can custom-balance peel contents to get just the right results with only minimal irritation.

 

Bleach Away Dark Spots with Bleaching Creams

People both young and old can occasionally experience dark spots and blemishes on the skin that detract from their youthful, glowing appearance. These spots may be natural, such as in the age-related development of extra melanin. They may be also related to physical health conditions like Cushing’s Disease or Diabetes Mellitus. In many cases, they are a simple genetic quirk that stems from uneven melanin deposits in the skin.

Compounded bleaching products aren’t really bleaches at all; instead, they contain ingredients that reduce the amount of melanin in the skin. Usually, this occurs either through the use of acids to dissolve melanins or by applying substances that interfere with the development of melanin in the first place.

Hydroquinone is the only true FDA-approved “bleach” available for dermatology medication and use, but other substances may either boost the bleaching process or act as lighteners in conjunction. These substances include:

  • Lemon Juice
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acid
  • Beta Hydroxy Acid
  • Licorice Root
  • Diacetyl Boldine
  • Vitamin C and E
  • Dithia Octanediol
  • Other herbal products

Typically, these products work best when applied to a single spot until darkness fades away, but they must be utilized with care. Over-bleaching or using a too-strong formula on your skin may result in unsightly light spots that simply create another issue along the way.

While commercial skin bleaches are available, many of them are at least slightly caustic. This can cause significant irritation and uneven skin tone if used incorrectly. Here, too, compounding dermatology medication is the better choice for its flexibility and scalability.

 

Reduce Wrinkles and Aging with Estradiols

Women often have specialized skincare needs, especially as they begin to enter menopause and experience fluctuating hormones. Low levels of estrogen can make skin dry, flaky, or excessively oily (every patient reacts differently). This causes significant stress for patients who are already attempting to cope with hot flashes and mood swings in many cases. Low estrogen can also produce a gradual loss of elasticity and plumpness, leaving wrinkles and fine lines in the face.

If blood testing shows estrogen levels to be low, supplementation with bioidentical estrogen is often recommended. The good news here is that topical supplementation works far better than oral supplementation for a large number of patients. If you’re struggling with signs of aging, it is perfectly reasonable to apply estradiols to the face as part of an overall compounded skincare solution.

Estradiol doses must match a patient’s needs; too much estrogen in the body can cause swelling, edema, fibrocystic breasts, uterine bleeding, and even PMS-like symptoms or nausea. That’s why many doctors who treat low estrogen (either in the skin or the general body) recommend that patients have their bioidenticals compounded to match their needs.

 

Soothe Inflammation with Anti-Inflammatories

For dermatology patients who mainly struggle with inflammation, compounded dermatology medication can relieve redness, itching, swelling, and edema throughout the face. This is true whether symptoms are a result of sensitive skin or caused by conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or even adult acne.

Topical skin-specific anti-inflammatory medications include:

  • Dexamethasone
  • Tacrolimus
  • Pimecrolimus
  • Finacea
  • Azelex
  • Fluocinonide
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Triamcinolone
  • Prednicarbate
  • Vitamin E
  • Halcinonide
  • Lanacane
  • Aveeno
  • Benadryl
  • Caladryl

Some of these medications (including Dexamethasone and Hydrocortisone) are very powerful steroidal anti-inflammatories, and should only be used for severe skin problems. Others (like Vitamin E, Caladryl, and Benadryl) are more innocuous and successfully relieve inflammation due to dermatitis, allergies, or environmental factors without the risk of side effects.

For many patients, the most effective way to reduce redness and inflammation in the skin is to use a compounded dermatology medication. This is because compounded dermatology medication contains more than one of these substances. Combining Vitamin E, for example, with Hydrocortisone 1% cream, successfully relieves the symptoms of rosacea while also imparting moisture. Treating with lanacane (which contains a numbing cream) relieves pain and may reduce itching or scratching; when combined with a drug like Dexamethasone, this can give the skin time to rest and heal.

Thinking about just using these substances separately? While this is possible, it isn’t always advisable. Compounding cosmeceutical products is especially effective for achieving glowing, healthy skin because many of these substances act as catalysts – this means they are more effective when used together rather than apart. Overall, compounding dermatology medication is safer, more reliable, and better tuned to your individual skincare needs as they evolve than any other commercially-available product.

It’s all about discovering your inner beauty balance and making it shine through!

Categories
Compounding

Custom Makeup? How a Compounding Pharmacist Can Transform Your Skin Care Regimen

Custom makeup provides you with more options for creating a personalized skin care routine that enhances your appearance. Commercially sold products simply do not always address the unique needs that everyone has for their skin. It is common for one-size-fits-all products to create more damage when you are trying to fix a specific problem. As you create your skin regimen, consider these ways that working with a compounding pharmacist for custom makeup will revolutionize your makeup application.

 

What are Cosmeceuticals?

Cosmeceuticals are a term used for cosmetic products that have been combined with pharmaceutical-type ingredients. Cosmetic products that claim to have medicinal properties are grouped within the cosmeceutical category. However, it is important to understand that although these products are sometimes called cosmetic drugs, cosmeceuticals does not necessarily mean that these cosmetics contain drugs with pharmacological properties; it simply means that there is a connection between them being regular cosmetics and the healing benefits that prescription drugs may provide. For example, if a cosmetic company states that hydroxyl acid helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, the product falls under the category of cosmetics. But, if the same cosmetics company states that hydroxyl acids may change the skin structure, making it more elastic, it is then classified as a drug.

 

 

What Are the Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals?

Over-the-counter cosmetic products often list ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E or retinol, which are beneficial for improving the skin. However, these products do not contain the concentrations to provide anti-aging benefits. Cosmeceuticals, which are typically only available from a skin care clinic, contain higher concentrations of the active ingredients necessary to provide significant anti-aging benefits. Some of the most common cosmeceutical ingredients include:

  • Pomegranate
  • Soy
  • Grape seed
  • Hydroxyl acids
  • Retinol
  • Depigmenting agents (such as kojiic acid or hydroquinone)
  • Hormones, including weak estrogens, such as HGH (human growth hormone) or estradiol
  • Polyphenols, which are antioxidants from plants
  • Botanicals, such as aloe vera, curcumin and silymarin
  • Antioxidants, which include Vitamins A, B, C and E, coenzyme Q-10, idebenone, polyphenols, kinetin and/or alpha lipoic acid

 

Discover the Difference between Compounding and a Regular Pharmacy

The makeup counter at a traditional pharmacist is full of commercial products. Unfortunately, these products do not always live up to what they claim. Alternatively, you may find using multiple products to try to accommodate your needs is cumbersome and time consuming. A compounding pharmacy differs from traditional stores by using a combination of art and science to prepare custom makeup that is specifically tailored to fit your skin care needs. Ingredients can be added or subtracted according to your pharmacist’s carefully planned preparation. Because of this, you have more control over how a new product affects your skin.

 

 

How Compounding Creates Custom Makeup Tailored to You

A compounding pharmacy creates custom results for your needs. They will compound multiple ingredients into your makeup. The result is custom makeup specifically for you, and your needs. There are many benefits of compounding your makeup.

 

Combine Beauty Treatments to Streamline Your Routine

Applying multiple products such as sunscreen, moisturizers and your makeup adds up to a significant amount of time each day. Fortunately, you can work with your compounding pharmacist to find ways to pare down your products. You can do this by combining multiple ingredients into one custom makeup beauty treatment. For example, your pharmacist can mix a single moisturizer that includes all of the ingredients you need such as vitamin E and retinol along with topical medications for your acne.

 

Remove Irritating Ingredients from Your Favorite Products

Commercial products typically include one active ingredient, combining it with added fillers to give it bulk. Unfortunately, it is very common for some of these fillers to irritate your skin or contribute to allergies. For instance, propylene glycol can be very drying for your skin, and products containing this ingredient can counteract your moisturizing efforts. With custom makeup from a compounding pharmacy, you can have these fillers removed. This ensures your skin care routine is more effective for treating your issues without causing further irritation.

 

Increase Effectiveness with Personalized Treatments

Dealing with aging skin poses new challenges for your makeup routine. It is possible that layering on the wrong treatments could be making your fine lines and wrinkles worse. A compounding pharmacist uses pharmaceutical grade ingredients combined with scientific knowledge to develop an individualized topical treatment that targets your individual problem areas. They can also prepare bio-identical hormone replacement treatments that promote better skin through addressing hormonal imbalances that contribute to redness and acne.

Keep Enjoying Discontinued Products

There is nothing sadder than discovering that your trusty makeup product is no longer available over the counter. However, many manufacturers discontinue products from their line in favor of pushing out new types of makeup to keep consumers interested. When you can no longer find that favorite moisturizer, all you have to do is tell your compounding pharmacist. That way, they can mix up a similar one that provides the same results.

While most people don’t think twice about having an outfit tailored to fit their unique body shape, the importance of a personalized custom makeup routine is often overlooked. By taking advantage of being able to have your makeup customized, you can turn your daily skin care regimen into a transformative experience that addresses your unique needs.

Categories
Compounding Skin Care

5 Skin Conditions Your Compounding Pharmacist Can Treat

Your skin: it protects you from the elements and acts as an effective barrier against the outside world. Without it, you’d be exposed to dangerous bacteria and much more susceptible to viruses. These are just two of the endless reasons why taking care of your skin is so vitally important to your overall wellness.

If you have a skin condition, proper skin care and disease management becomes even more critical; even the smallest breaks in your skin can increase your risk for infection and illness. Fortunately, medical science now knows how to effectively treat common skin conditions ranging from the bothersome to the downright painful.

Many of the most effective topicals doctors prescribe aren’t immediately available in commercial form; instead, your compounding pharmacist creates them from scratch. This is often the best way to individualize treatment for skin conditions just like these.

 

1. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes inflammation, itching, swelling, cracking, bleeding, and in some cases, systemic illness. Researchers don’t know the exact cause, but the strongest science shows a genetic link may be at play.

As a skin condition, psoriasis causes skin cells to slough off and renew at a rate that’s much faster than the average person. Although that may seem like a benefit, it doesn’t allow the area to heal and replace the skin fast enough, and that can cause dead skin cells to build up and multiply, creating silvery patches, pustules, and localized infection.

The disease has five main types:

  1. Plaque
  2. Guttate
  3. Inverse
  4. Pustular
  5. Erythrodermic

Psoriasis statistics show that over 5.5 million Americans struggle with this frustrating condition each year, but there is a fix. A compounding pharmacist can create compounded medications containing a corticosteroid like dexamethasone and certain Vitamin D analogues which suppress the immune system locally, reducing skin turnover and giving skin chance to heal.

 

2. Eczema

Eczema is another skin condition that can cause patches of skin to become rough, irritated, cracked, or otherwise compromised, but its cause isn’t as clear as psoriasis.

Some researchers believe the condition is a type of allergic reaction or dermatitis from exposure to trigger substances; this is likely as some patients seem to react after eating certain foods. Other studies show a potential genetic or immune link, though steroids aren’t as effective in treating eczema as they are in psoriasis, at least when used alone.

What seems to work best for many eczema patients is compounded topicals containing corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. When used during an outbreak, these medications relieve redness, reduce inflammation, and enable the skin to heal back to its natural intact state.

 

3. Acne

Most patients assume that once they reach adulthood, acne is a thing of the past. This is a common misconception that simply isn’t true! Realistically, acne can strike patients of any age, gender, or race at any time.

Acne can present in ways that aren’t always obvious. A few of the most common presentations include:

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Papules
  • Pustules
  • Nodules
  • Cysts

Of these presentations, cysts are by far the most damaging and frustrating for patients because of the propensity for scarring.

Unfortunately, treating acne without causing further irritation can require a bit of trial and error. Retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical antibiotics, and in some cases, topical steroids, all have a role to play, but if the dose is too high, patients can experience painful peeling and swelling.

This is exactly why compounded topicals are so beneficial to patients with acne. A compounding pharmacist can tweak doses in minute amounts to find the most effective dose that doesn’t cause further harm. In many cases, the dose adjustment or combination is so individualized the same dose may not even be available in commercial form.

 

4. Seborrheic Dermatitis 

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) has a much more common name: dandruff. It plagues millions of Americans each year across all ages, often starting in childhood as cradle cap and culminating in scalp dandruff later in life. Though the condition is often mild and comes with few symptoms, a small number of patients do experience severe dermatitis, pain, swelling, and weeping in addition to dandruff or flaking.

We know that SD is stress-aggravated. Thus, the best way to reduce your symptoms is to reduce your stress. But when lifestyle management alone doesn’t work, or when embarrassing dandruff impacts your social life, compounded medications may help.

The most common compounded topicals for SD contain one or more of the following ingredients:

  • Coal tar
  • Ketoconazole
  • Salicylic acid
  • Selenium sulfide
  • Zinc pyrithione
  • Steroids

Generally, steroids are only used in tandem with antibiotics when secondary infection or severe inflammation is present. This is because they can cause thinning or damage to your skin with chronic use. The other ingredients, however, are much more benign; in the case of zinc, selenium and coal tar, they’re just fine to use regularly.

 

5. Cold Sores

Cold sores are exceptionally common — so common that as many as 75 percent of humans will experience at least one throughout life. This highly contagious condition is caused by a form of herpes virus, Herpes Simplex 1. Despite frequent confusion on the subject, this is not the same as Herpes Simplex 2, which causes genital herpes specifically.

Cold sores usually manifest as a single sore on the upper or lower outer lip. Often, it is preceded by a tingling or burning sensation a few days before the actual breakout. Once the sore is present, it may remain present for several weeks before clearing on its own.

Even though cold sores self-clear for most patients, some patients prefer to use treatments that minimize the appearance or reduce the risk of infection. This includes compounded creams containing lysine, an amino acid that prevents the herpes virus from replicating. Such topicals may reduce the appearance or breakout time for a significant number of patients.

If pain, tingling, or inflammation is the biggest concern, your compounding pharmacist can create a soothing topical to numb the area temporarily and reduce inflammation. These solutions let you cope with the cold sore more easily until your immune system fights it off once again.

Contact a Compounding Pharmacist Today

Whether you’re fighting off one of these skin conditions or just want to remain youthful long-term, your compounding pharmacist can help. Patient-targeted treatments and cosmeceuticals work with you from wherever you are right now, well or not. It’s all about loving the skin you’re in and engaging in great self-care.

 

Read More:

5 Reasons to Try Cosmeceutical Skin Care Products
Categories
Skin Care

5 Strategies to Help Improve Skin Care

What’s your favorite radiant skin secret? For some patients, it’s a favorite moisturizer, makeup, or blemish-busting soaps. For others, it’s diet and exercise. Still others seem to struggle with skin-related issues all of their lives — and that can impact everything from self-esteem to confidence levels. For these reasons and more, skin care can and should be a regular part of your self-care process.

If you’re feeling down about your skin, there’s hope for a fix. Here’s what you need to know and how you can get the skin care help you need from your local pharmacy.

 

The Statistics (Why You’re Not Alone)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology and Right Diagnosis, the prevalence of skin struggles (whether innocuous or serious) is quite high:

  • 50 million Americans struggle with acne
  • 5.5 million Americans struggle with psoriasis
  • 15 million Americans struggle with eczema
  • 50-60 million Americans struggle with allergies
  • 31 in 1000 Americans struggle with dry skin
  • 13 million people suffer from rosacea

All-told, several hundred different medical skin conditions can cause frustrating symptoms for patients. That makes skin struggles one of the most common and complex health-related issues facing Americans today.

Despite the commonalities, skin condition sufferers face an immense amount of stigma due to erroneous assumption about the nature of these conditions (e.g. people assuming they’re contagious). That can leave patients feeling disheartened, depressed, and upset — not to mention desperate for a fix.

When you’re ready to seek a solution, visit your local pharmacy. Your care team can help you self-resolve mild to moderate skin conditions and their symptoms through these five distinct strategies.

 

1. Skin Typing Advice

Think you know your skin cleansing protocol? You might be surprised to find out that you’re wrong.

Over the years, what we know about the skin and how it works has evolved and changed. Whereas we once believed that patients had either dry, oily, or combination skin, we now know that skin types are just the start.

Medical professionals now know that the skin has a barrier and is modulated by everything including:

  • the immune system
  • hydration levels
  • monthly hormone fluctuations

That makes it very difficult to determine your skin type on your own.

Like hair types, determining your skin type is complex. Patients often assume they know their skin type only to later find out that they’ve misjudged their skin after irritation, dryness, or excessive oiliness occurs.

Sometimes, a patient who did have the correct products will notice that they no longer work as well over time. The natural aging process can also alter your skin and change your skin type altogether, as can hormone levels, so a patient who has dry skin at 24 could feasibly have oily skin at 45 or vice versa.

The first step to proper skin care is to determine exactly what your skin needs in the first place. Speak with your pharmacist about judging your skin type correctly. Through a series of simple questions, he or she can make an educated guess at your type and requirements. This, of course, works best in person where the pharmacist can visually confirm your skin texture, color, and concerns.

 

2. Skin-Specific Cleansing Protocols

Patients struggling with certain conditions (e.g. dry skin) may need to alter their skin cleansing protocol. Using the wrong products or washing at the wrong frequency can cause:

  • irritation
  • dryness
  • oiliness
  • a worsening of more serious skin problems

Excessive washing and underwashing can both cause your skin’s natural barrier to break down. Without a proper barrier, your skin can’t block out bacteria or maintain proper hydration. But the right washing protocol respects barrier integrity, supporting your skin in functioning as best it possibly can rather than attempting to strip as much oil and dirt away as possible.

If your skin problems aren’t resolving despite a daily cleansing regimen, speak to your pharmacist about more skin-friendly products. He or she may recommend a non-soap-based cleanser designed to address the needs of your specific skin type. These products are much less irritating.

 

3. Manage Chronic Skin Conditions More Effectively

If you do have a chronic skin condition your pharmacist will become an important part of your healthcare team. These are conditions such as

Pharmacists are experts at looking at the bigger picture; they see a top-down view of the illnesses you have and the medications you’re on right from your file. That can make identifying opportunities to reduce symptoms or manage cosmetic impacts much easier, especially if you see both a regular GP and a dermatologist separately.

It’s also quite common for pharmacists to identify comorbid disorders that may be causing your skin conditions in the first place.

A patient who is struggling with what they believe is rosacea, for example, could actually be experiencing the complications of Lupus if they’re diagnosed with the disease. A red, butterfly-like rash across the face is one of the main identifying symptoms of Lupus, but rosacea can present this way, too.

There’s also a significant amount of crossover and misdiagnosis in dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema. A disrupted skin barrier causes the first, while an autoimmune disease is responsible for the second. Researchers believe that eczema is tied to the immune system as well, but it can also occur as an allergic response for sufferers.

Whether you’re sure your skin issues relate to a condition you already struggle with or you’re still waiting for a diagnosis, your pharmacist can help bridge the gap with advice, suggestions, and information.

4. Cosmeceuticals

Cosmeceuticals take the best of pharmacology and bridge it with cosmetics to create a new and entirely individualized approach to skin care. Unlike most commercial products, cosmeceuticals contain biologically active ingredients that specifically target skin conditions and problems to build, repair, and rejuvenate.

Cosmeceuticals don’t require a prescription (they fall under cosmetics, not drugs) but that doesn’t mean they aren’t powerful. On the contrary; most cosmeceutical companies use data-driven formulas backed by research to formulate their products. Cosmeceuticals often have a similar efficacy to prescription products despite the lack of prescription, but may be more budget-friendly or skin-friendly for certain patients.

Like vitamins and supplements, you shouldn’t use cosmeceuticals unless you’re sure they’re right for you. Your pharmacy can review your personal skin situation and suggest which cosmeceuticals and how to use them properly to treat everything from aging to skin spots and even autoimmune skin conditions.

 

5. Skin Care Compounding

If you’re one of the few patients for whom numerous allergies, conditions, or sensitivities prevent the use of both cosmeceuticals and commercial products, your local pharmacy may still have an answer: skin care compounding.

We often think of compounding in terms of medication, but that’s a very limited view of the possibilities. Truthfully, pharmacists use compounding on a daily basis for everything from medication adjustment to customized skin care products.

Skin care compounding can come in many forms. It’s as simple as removing an allergy trigger by re-creating a formula from scratch, or as complicated as creating topical formulas from standard medications (e.g. steroids). Pharmacists who use compounding for skin care products are providing you with more of what you need, and less of what you don’t.

When you can’t tolerate other products, compounding your skin care products may be the best answer available.

 

Need a personalized skin care solution? Your local pharmacy is standing by to help. Stop by for a consultation or call for informed advice on how to handle all of life’s most frustrating skin struggles. From acne to vitiligo, you deserve answers and a skin care regimine that respects your individual needs.

 

Categories
Skin Care

5 Reasons to Try Cosmeceutical Skin Care Products

Have you tried cosmeceutical skin care products yet? Chances are that you have–but maybe without even realizing it at the time. The term “cosmeceutical” is trendier than ever, but it first gained popularity in the late 1990s after a boom in the cosmetics industry encouraged a crossover between health products and cosmetics. That’s exactly what a cosmeceutical is: a product that provides health benefits while also improving beauty or appearance, too. If you haven’t yet tried them, we’d like to share five why cosmeceutical skin care products may be the right choice for you.

 

What’s Are Cosmeceutical Skin Care Products?

Despite the fact that the term cosmeceutical is relatively new, as far as trends go, these revolutionary products date back to as early as the 18th Century. Originally, they came in the form of tonics or topical salves that boasted an ability to improve skin, brighten the cheeks, or even give the wearer a rush of energy.

Much as with any other medical product, the 18th Century’s cosmeceuticals were often dangerous and loaded with toxic chemicals.

Today, the news is much brighter: through research, cosmeceuticals that improve health and beauty at the same time are safe, reliable, and widely accepted by members of either sex. By far, the most common category is anti-aging products, but you can find a product to do just about everything from reducing dry skin to alleviating the symptoms of acne.

Not sure where to start, or why you should give them a try? While you should always speak with your pharmacist before using a medicated product, it’s important to know where to start. Let’s take a look at how and why cosmeceutical skin care products help.

 

1. Fewer Signs of Aging

Scientists have worked since the dawn of time itself to reduce the signs of aging. From powder to lead-containing face paint in the 18th Century, the human race has always attempted to fool the biological clock at a surface level. Today’s cosmeceuticals contain research-backed substances that may reduce the signs of aging at a cellular level.

Products that contain alphahydroxy acid (AHA) work by encouraging cell shedding, increasing the rate at which old skin cells die off and replicate themselves. Vitamin C also works in a similar fashion, and may also help your skin to detoxify itself, too. Cosmeceuticals that contain licorice extract may also lighten sunspots and even out skin tone, though the effect is often mild and it takes time to see results.

Above all else, anti-aging products should contain a skin-specific moisturizer. Your skin begins to become increasingly dry as you age, and constant dehydration is a significant contributor to wrinkles.

 

2. Alleviated Skin Conditions

If you struggle with conditions like allergic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis, you may struggle with finding the right cosmetics to suit your skin. The wrong product can exacerbate symptoms and may cause irritation or a worsening of symptoms, but cosmeceutical skin care products can sometimes reduce them when used correctly.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is notoriously difficult to treat because of the way it occurs. Rather than degeneration of the skin, it is a symptom of skin that regenerates much too quickly. Thus, using standard moisturizers or life cycle boosters alone isn’t appropriate. Instead, doctors recommend products that contain a Vitamin D analogue called calcitriol. This substance reduces the rate at which the skin regenerates slightly, balancing out skin shedding and reducing localized inflammation. When added to medicated cosmetics, it may reduce the exterior symptoms experienced during a psoriasis breakout.

Eczema

For eczema, some cosmeceutical companies are encouraging products containing dimethicone. When applied to the skin (or anything else, for that matter), dimethicone creates a waterproof barrier and can effectively reduce environmental irritation. It won’t cure your eczema, but it could very well reduce the length of breakouts and prevent cracking or chapping–a sure benefit.

Allergies

For people with allergies, adding a topical antihistamine may be all that’s required for you to enjoy your favorite cosmetic products. Some contain a tiny amount of topical diphenhydramine, while others are simply made using hypoallergenic cosmetic materials with a proven history for being gentle. Be cautious with products containing herbal substances if you have a history of allergies; some can exacerbate more than they help. When in doubt, try a small dab on the inside of your wrist first.

 

3. Reduced Blemishes and Acne

Aside from anti-aging products, cosmeceuticals that heal and reduce the appearance of acne and blemishes just might make up the second-largest portion of the industry. With good reason, too: the American Academy of Dermatology claims that up to 50 million patients struggle with acne every day.

Treating acne can be a bit of a struggle because it comes in many forms, including:

  • Acne vulgaris
  • Cystic acne
  • Comedones
  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Pustules
  • Papules
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa
  • Nodulocystic Acne
  • Acne Conglobata

Because each of these acne types can require an individualized approach, you should see a dermatologist to verify which type of acne you struggle with.

For normal, everyday acne, certain cosmeceuticals may help. Look for products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, charcoal, and alphahydroxy acid (AHA) have the most research behind them. Non-comedogenic moisturizers, creams, and foundations are a must to prevent pore clogging that leads to further infection.

Because most acne products can cause excessive drying and irritation if overused, too. If you see any signs of irritation, stop the treatment immediately and seek medical advice.

 

4. Reduced Appearance of Scars

For new mothers and those who have gained and lost a great deal of weight, stretch marks are just a fact of life. But they can be unsightly and begin to impact your confidence, especially when it’s time to enjoy warmer weather. Likewise, anyone who becomes the proud owner of a large wound or acne scars knows  that hiding scar tissue is often no easy task.

Surgical intervention and/or laser treatments can reduce the appearance of scars. But cosmeceuticals containing vitamin E could possibly produce the same results with less intervention, saving you time, pain, and money along the way.

Vitamin E doesn’t cure scars, but it does support the skin by providing it with the nutrients it needs to heal. It encourages skin to regenerate at a faster rate while moisturizing the derma, preventing excessive redness and irritation. Over time, it may help to fade scars from deep red to silvery-white.

Be cautious of quick scar fixes; scarring severity is usually dictated by genetics. While you can support the skin, you can’t make the scar disappear with cosmeceuticals alone.

 

5. Rejuvenated, Brightened, and Toned Skin

You don’t experience acne, and you’re still under 35–but cosmeceutical skin care products may still be beneficial to you, too. Cleansing products, moisturizers, and cosmetics that contain certain vitamins and minerals can brighten, tone, and rejuvenate your skin whether you’re 18 or 81. Best of all, many of them come in products you’re already using anyway–including moisturizers, face washes, serums, and foundations.

As we age, we lose our ability to produce collagen, and that results in fine lines and wrinkles.  The book, “Straight Talk About Cosmetic Surgery,” mentions the use of copper peptides (known scientifically as glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu) as one potential cosmeceutical early intervention.

The book mentions that copper peptide is “actually a protein growth factor that has been isolated from human plasma. In 1994 it was shown to improve wound healing.” The author later clarifies that,”It increases collagen formation better than tretinoin, melatonin, and vitamin C.” Used early and reliably, it may help to ward off fine lines until much later in life.

Several other chemicals may help you to achieve that bright, youthful and dewy glow. These include:

  • Niacinamide – increases localized circulation
  • Mimosa bark – reduces inflammation
  • Pomegranate extract – reduces inflammation
  • Stinging nettle extract – an antiseptic
  • Theophylline – similar to caffeine; increases circulation
  • Tyrosine peptides – reduce age spots and discoloration
  • Yeast extract – may balance sebum production
  • Zinc oxide – acts as a sunblock against UVA/UVB rays
  • Tea tree oil – antibacterial and antiseptic properties
  • Menthol – feels invigorating; may have slight antiseptic properties
  • MDI complex – inhibits collagen breakdown to reduce fine lines
  • Hydroquinone – reduces red and brown pigmentation

All-told, there are hundreds of chemicals, extracts, and supplements that directly or indirectly benefit the skin. When used correctly, cosmeceutical skin care products can achieve results for you where other treatments have failed, but they can be strong and even dangerous if used incorrectly. If you’re considering cosmeceuticals for a skin problem or even everyday maintenance, ask your pharmacist to explain each product to you and learn how to use it correctly. You won’t just keep yourself safe; you’ll maximize your chances of success, too.

This is default text for notification bar
Learn more
This is default text for notification bar
Learn more
Exit mobile version