Bespoke Prescription Skincare

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Retinoids describe a group of vitamin A derivative compounds that are converted between several steps into an active form which act on skin to promote collagen production, reduce sebum production, and increase skin cell turnover. This can produce more even skin tone, improved skin texture, and reduction in blackheads and breakouts. 

Retinoids in earlier steps in the pathway are available in cosmetic products, but takes longer than prescription strength retinoids to produce effect as they need to be converted to the active form in your skin before they can take effect. While prescription strength retinoids can work faster, they do come with their unique precautions and require careful instructions and titration to ensure you are getting the benefits while minimizing the chance of side effects. At Dr J. Aesthetics we take particular care in building retinoids into bespoke treatment creams along with other active ingredients to help our patients acheive their long term skin goals.

Other than sun damage, hyperpigmentation can also occur after a bout of localised inflammation, either from irritant dermatitis, allergic deramatitis, trauma, acne, or other skin conditions. Like for melasma, there are a number of both prerscription and non-prescription evidence-based topical active ingredients that can be used to gradually fade the pigmentation. There's a lot of gimmicks and snake oil out there in the market place so it's important whoever you seek advice from can explain to you in detail the evidence behind the treatment options available. 

Melasma is pigmentation that is caused by either hormones (especially around pregnancy) and certain types radiation (UV and short spectrum visible light). They appear as patchy pigmentation typically around the forehead, nose, cheeks, upper lip, or chin. 

There are a number of both prescription and non-prescription evidence-based topical active ingredients that can be used to gradually fade pigmentation from melasma. They all have their own risks and benefits, variable timeframes of use before you expect results, and special considerations which will all be discussed in detail during your consultation. 

Acne can be a complex beast to tackle. There are many factors that can play a significant role in contributing to the development and severity of acne. This is why at Dr J. Aesthetics we believe it's very important we take the necessary time and care to take a comprehensive history to review all possible factors that may be contributing to your acne, whether it's stress hormones, sex hormones, poor diet, skin congestion, skin barrier impairment, excessive inflammation, or a disturbance in your natural skin flora. It's also important we distinguish between the type and severity of both your skin and acne. Once we have all the information we can then discuss all options available, their potential benefits & risks, realistic expectations of costs and outcomes of each option, and if deemed appropriate provision of any scripts**, investigations, and/or referrals.  

All presription options for Acne are available except for the most extreme measure which is limited to Dermatologists for which a referral can be provided if necessary. That option is generally considered a last resort, can only be taken for a limited time, and even if it is to be considered, education and advice on maintenance treatment is still extremely important for long term management which will be discussed in detail during your consultation.