Skin ageing is a normal process influenced by genetics, sun exposure, hormonal change and lifestyle factors. The skincare market is bursting with products promising to reverse the decades. However, at best most over-the-counter skincare helps support the skin barrier, smoothes and brightens the skin. It rarely produces meaningful change in terms of preventing or improving the core signs of skin ageing. Prescription treatments can influence skin at the cell level to boost collagen production, fade age spots and refine texture. However, until recently it was only possible to get prescription anti-ageing treatments in the UK through bricks-and-mortar private dermatology and aesthetic clinics. In the last few years, a number of online dermatology platforms have made it easier and more affordable to access prescription anti-ageing in the UK. In this post, we review the leading virtual clinics where you can get anti-ageing skin treatments online in the UK.
What are Prescription Anti-Ageing Treatments?
Prescription anti-ageing treatments act directly on skin cells to improve the appearance, feel and quality of the skin. They do this by influencing cell turnover, collagen synthesis, melanin deposition and inflammatory pathways which all contribute to visible ageing. The most commonly prescribed anti-ageing skin treatments are topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapalene. These retinoids speed up skin cell renewal to exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production. High-strength azelaic acid, niacinamide and hydroquinone and can help reduce inflammation, support the skin barrier, smooth texture and even out skin tone.
Anti-ageing prescription treatments usually require long-term use and are pretty much always topical. Since these treatments alter skin cell behaviour and barrier function, incorrect use can lead to irritation, dermatitis, burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They’re also not suitable for people with underlying skin conditions or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is why they are only available by prescription in the UK following medical assessment.
How to Get Anti-Ageing Treatments in Person in the UK
Whilst GPs can prescribe topical retinoids or azelaic acid for acne and rosacea, anti-ageing is not something NHS dermatology services cater to. Traditionally, prescription anti-ageing treatments have been accessible only through in-person private dermatologists or aesthetic clinics. The main treatments on offer are usually prescription skincare containing retinoids and pigment suppressors alongside procedures such as injectables, peels or lasers. Whilst effective for some patients, in-person care can be expensive and inconvenient. This has led to an explosion in popularity for online providers of prescription anti-ageing treatments in the UK.
Where to Get Anti-Ageing Treatments Online in the UK
First of all, it’s important to be aware that getting anti-ageing treatments online requires a through skin and medical assessment by a UK-registered medical provider. You can’t (and shouldn’t) consider any service that allows you to purchase prescription medication without assessment. This is illegal and very unsafe since these treatments can cause a number of serious side effects. Below are the top platforms where you can get prescription anti-ageing treatments online in the UK.
#1 City Skin Clinic
City Skin Clinic provides personalised prescription anti-ageing treatments to suitable patients following consultation with a doctor. Patients have the option of a video or online form consultation depending on their preference. Treatments are fully customised to take into account each patient’s individual skin concerns. They can also address additional skin problems like acne, rosacea or melasma in addition to skin ageing. Patients have the option of a once or twice a day custom treatment protocol depending on their needs, goals and wishes.
Custom treatments may include ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, hydroquinone or niacinamide depending on what the patient needs. The same doctor will monitor you throughout your treatment journey, adjusting your protocols and advice over time. City Skin Clinic does not operate a subscription model in order to allow patients to order treatments when they are ready. Treatments are delivered directly to patients and typically last around three months when used on the face.
