A Review of new U.K. Online Dermatologist, Dermatica with before and after pictures.

If you have ever spent time on skincare chatrooms, you’ll know that the surest way to changing the skin’s condition is by using prescription strength skincare. Rosacea benefits from prescription strength Azeleic Acid. Acne is best treated with prescription strength retinoids. The only clinically proven treatment for signs of aging is Tretinoin, which is only available on prescription. So we just need to get our mitts on a dermatologist and we have a chance of our best possible skin.

For a free month of prescription strength skincare from Dermatica and 20% off your 2nd month use my code NIAP1. You might also be interested in my podcast interview with Dermatica’s Dr Baldeep, I grilled her about using Tretinoin  and how to build the rest of your skincare routine.

Here in the U.K. our system is a little different to elsewhere in the world. American friends go to their “derm” and can get what they need, I think it’s similar in Australia. In Britain, we have to go through our GP. GPs are busy busy people faced with any number of life limiting conditions every day, my three chin spots don’t appear on their radar. I have resigned myself to sorting out my skin without medical intervention after a few awkward doctor appointments.

I had heard of an American service called Curology, and recently noticed talk of a UK version. Dermatica is the British version of Curology- an online dermatologist that assesses remotely and prescribes what you need. It’s a great idea and jumped at the chance to try it out.

Dermatica UK Online Dermatologist Website Review

Updated 2021– As a long time customer of Dermatica now, I thought it would be worth updating the post. Dermatica is still the cornerstone of my routine, I’m on Tretinoin and Hydroquinone now as well as their over the counter Azelaic, and I’ve had excellent results. My skin is younger, smoother and less textured by far. I get loads of compliments and I put that down to the prescription strength products. The process is still as streamlined and the website is slicker. Plus you can chat to a dermatologist whenever you want to. Delivery is quick, I can’t recommend enough!

The website is clean looking and easy to follow. The options are easy to understand and navigate. You can choose either acne or anti-ageing . There is an option for eyelashes coming soon, which I assume means a prescription for Latisse– a topical treatment that gives huge eyelash growth. I initially clicked on the Acne option, as I have acne. It takes you through a series of questions-

• Your skin type
• Any other concerns you may have (like pigmentation or wrinkles)
• Are you aware that hormonal issues may be the cause of acne and a GP visit may be appropriate?
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and are you using contraception?
• Does your skin burn easily?
• What type of acne do you have? ie the number of spots and type of spots
• Do you have scarring or post acne pigmentation?
• Have you tried any treatment before? Did it work? Did you have a reaction to it?
• Do you use sunscreen daily?
• Do you have any medical problems or take regular medication?
  

  

The Dermatica website gives the option of adding an oral antibiotic for £15 a month. Then it gives the options of treatment based on the information given. You’re asked to upload photos of your acne for the Dermatologist to assess, so have those at the ready. Thanks

The Dermatica service is a subscription. This means that your 15ml of treatment cream or gel will be sent out automatically every month and you’ll be billed £19.99+£2.90 postage. After 3 months Dermatica will reassess your prescription and alter it according to the response you’ve had. If you click the anti-aging option, you’ll just have a few short questions- your concerns and shipping address. Then you’re asked to arrange a phone consultation with a pharmacist. The treatment options available for acne include-

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Adapalene
• Adapalene+ Benzoyl peroxide
• Azeleic acid
• Tazarotene
• Tretinoin
• Clindamycin

Treatments for wrinkles, texture and pigmentation include-

• Tretinoin
• Tazarotene
• Niacinamide
• Hydroquinone

Dermatica UK Online Dermatologist Review

I was offered a choice of either Azeleic Acid 15% or Adapalene 0.1% (aka Differin) based on my consultation. I went for the Adapalene. Adapalene is a third generation Retinoid- this means it will bind to fewer retinoid receptors in the skin cells. It isn’t going to give the same anti aging effects as Tretinoin or Retinol for this reason.

But since I’m trying to treat acne, Adapalene is a good option. Adapalene is a useful treatment for acne because it has a stable structure, which means it can be used with Benzoyl Peroxide (which Tretinoin cannot). It also has exfoliating and anti inflammatory effects. The exact mode of action is unknown but it seems that it modulates the skin cells to make them behave more normally.

My Dermatica treatment arrived very quickly. The packaging is ok, the box is a little flimsy but that’s no big deal- it’s transferred to the recycling bin quickly enough. The Adapalene is housed in a secure airless pump with a blue lid. It comes with the drug information sheet and all looks very clinical and nicely branded.

I’ve tried a fair few creams for my acne over the years with varying success. I feel that now I’m better equipped to deal with the side effects of acne treatment, like the dryness and irritation. Knowing about how to hydrate and moisturise appropriately makes treating acne a lot easier. Also having great sun protection is crucial and I’ve got that nailed.

My acne is mild, adult, hormonal cystic acne with blackheads and blocked pores. I’ve always got at least one spot on the go and they tend to be nasty and deep. Since starting my Dermatica trial, I haven’t had a single one (barring some tiny pimples around the time of the month). It’s astonishing.

I had some very minor initial peeling that only lasted a day. Dermatica prescribed the Adapalene for every other day use but in all honesty I’ve been using it every day because it was working so well. The first 15ml tube is still going at six weeks despite my daily habit.

Update- 2021, a few years later and I’m still using Dermatica, I’m on Tretinoin 0.05% +Hydroquinone 4% for melasma and aging and also their 20% Azelaic cream for acne, it’s working a treat.

Dermatica UK Online Dermatologist Photos

Here are the before and after pictures-

Dermatica UK Online Dermatologist In a Nutshell

I thoroughly recommend Dermatica. It’s an option for us Brits getting our hands on prescription strength products, like Tretinoin cream, without bothering the busy NHS GP or paying for an expensive private consultation. Over the counter creams can only do so much if you have real skin concerns.

It’s £22.98 a month for 15mls of product, the consultation is free, and you can cancel at any time. The other option for online prescriptions include Boots acne clinic, their Differin/Adapalene is £24.60 for a tube.

Dermatica is still quite new and I’m sure their site and services will be evolving with time. If you’re looking for an online pharmacist or dermatologist for an above board acne or aging prescription head to Dermatica. For a free month of prescription strength skincare from Dermatica and 20% off your 2nd month use my code NIAP1.

(Received the first month of my Dermatica prescription free for a review. I was not paid for this post and everything written here is my opinion)