Skinceptance: Superdrug announces new free skin consultation service

Skin health can have a powerful impact on your mental health and wellbeing. But what happens when your skin issues can’t be solved by a hyaluronic acid serum or a magical age-reversing moisturiser?

95% of those between 11-30 have experienced acne

Often skin concerns such as acne, eczema and dermatitis require dermatologist attention and prescription drugs that can only be attained with months-long waits for appointments, leaving many to revel in skin insecurities and even turning to damaging treatments that might only make the problem worse.

To combat this ever-growing issue, Superdrug has announced it will be training pharmacists to provide a range of support for skin-related problems and, if needed, prescribe medication to tackle these issues. In order to tackle rising inaccessibility to skin services, Superdrugs’ consultations will also be walk-in and free of charge, with patients only needing to pay for any treatments prescribed.

The pharmacy/health and beauty retailer expects to see an influx of people suffering from acne and eczema, the two most common skincare conditions in the UK, with 95% of those aged 11-30 suffering from acne and one in 12 people suffering from eczema.

More than half of UK adults have made doctors appointments due to visible skin conditions, but Superdrug’s own research has shown that people are much less likely to seek treatment when met with long waiting lists and limited specialist availability. Superdrug’s new initiative, Skinceptance, hopes to mitigate this issue with free skincare advice and access to medication.

Skin can have a huge influence on our self-esteem

If our skin isn’t looking dewy and blemish-free like Instagram often dictates we need, it can be a major blow to our self-esteem and mental health. Superdrug’s research showed that two-thirds of people were self-conscious about their skin, and nearly half felt their confidence took a dive. Meanwhile, another 41% feel embarrassed by their skin ailments, 24% have even admitted to cancelling plans because of their skin and a further 21% admitted to suffering from depression.

Often, skin insecurities are nothing more than a product of beauty standards and reflects the desire to live up to them. But it can sometimes help to know that perfect skin is often just the result of makeup and editing, and most people experience skin issues at some point in their life.

That’s why Superdrug has also paired up with five influences for their Skinceptance initiative, who will showcase their skin without all the added touch-ups to help normalise these very normal skin conditions.

Caris Newson, head of healthcare services at Superdrug, explained: ‘As our research has shown, skin conditions can, unfortunately, have a huge impact on an individual’s self-esteem.’

Our new service will hopefully go some way in giving people an easy and convenient way to get professional help, advice or treatment for their skin, simply by visiting their local high street Superdrug pharmacy.