Prescription skin care

Overview

Prescription skin care can significantly enhance the appearance of your skin. While these products may contain similar ingredients to those found in over-the-counter options, they typically offer higher dosage strengths, making them more effective.

Types of prescription skin care

For the treatment of early-stage skin cancer, your doctor can recommend imiquimod, a medicinal lotion. Psoriasis and eczema can be treated with corticosteroid creams.

Certain prescription medicines contain chemicals that minimize acne and brighten the skin. Your doctor might recommend:

• Isotretinoin
• Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)
• Hydroquinone
• Tretinoin

In the event that you require hair growth-related products, your doctor may recommend:

• Cream containing eflornithine, which inhibits face hair development.
• Finasteride for hair loss with a masculine pattern.

Reasons for using prescription skin care

Anyone can consult a dermatologist, a skincare specialist, about prescription skincare options. A dermatologist might suggest prescription treatments if over-the-counter products have been ineffective. Doctors may also prescribe medications to address specific skin conditions, such as:

• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Eczema
• Melasma
• Certain types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis.

Prescription skin care products can also be used for:

• Make your skin appear more radiant.
• Lessen scars from acne.
• Get rid of extra face hair.
• Promote the growth of hair on your scalp.
• Reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
• Delay the onset of aging

Risks

Prescription skin care treatments can have adverse consequences because of their potent compositions. When utilizing skin care products prescribed by a doctor, you could

• Stinging.
• Swelling.
• Tightness.
• Dryness.
• Peeling.
• Skin “purging,” or intervals of higher breakout rates.
• A greater susceptibility to ultraviolet (UV)

When you are expecting or breastfeeding, it is not safe to use many prescription skin care products. If you think you could be pregnant, make sure your doctor knows.

During the procedure

A lot of prescription skin care treatments are applied directly into the skin in the form of creams or gels. These creams are typically used a couple of times per week. Pills that you take one or more times a day are considered other drugs.

Outcome

Oral drugs typically start to show effects in two to three weeks. Results from topical prescription skin care may not appear for up to six weeks.