Tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) is a vitamin A derivative that was acne %20treatment” target=”_blank”>first approved by the FDA in 1971 for treatment of acne vulgaris. These days, it is a common treatment for skin conditions like acne and hyperpigmentation . It also helps stimulate skin cells to make collagen. As such, Tretinoin is can be useful in anti-ageing to treat photoageing, fine lines and wrinkles . In the UK, Tretinoin is only available as a prescription medication online and in person to suitable patients following a thorough medical review. To reduce side effects, it is important to only use it under the guidance of a healthcare provider. In this post we review where you can get Tretinoin online and in person in the UK.
How to Get Tretinoin in person in the UK
Tretinoin is available by prescription only in the UK as it is a powerful topical retinoid with possible side effects such as skin irritation. It is also not safe in certain situations such as severe eczema, pregnancy or breast feeding and requires strict SPF use to prevent sunburn. Traditionally, you had to get a prescription from a dermatologist or a doctor providing cosmetic skin services. Unlike isotretinoin (roaccutane) or adapalene, it is generally not available through the NHS. As such most people would need to see a private dermatologist or GP. The doctor then provides you with a prescription which you can take to the pharmacy and buy generic branded Tretinoin. This may or may not be contain other ingredients such as antibiotics.
There are also pharmacies that have walk-in clinics where you can also access a consultation with an on-site doctor and obtain a prescription for Tretinoin which you can get from the pharmacy. Again, this is usually for generic Tretinoin. Additionally, some aesthetic clinics also provide Tretinoin cream or gel for mild acne, pigmentation and anti-ageing. This is usually using brand names like Obagi which is one of the most famous brands of Tretinoin in cosmetic dermatology. You would normally have a consultation in the clinic and then either return to pick up your Tretinoin from the clinic or some may be able to arrange delivery of your products for an extra fee.
Where to Get Tretinoin Online in the UK
There are also a number of telemedicine companies that offer virtual consultations with a doctor or specialist nurse. Like with in person clinics, these practitioners can then prescribe it if they believe it is the right treatment for you. These companies either provide compound formulations of topical Tretinoin in lotion, cream or gel form or offer generic or specific brands of Tretinoin. They then deliver the product to your home. If you’re looking to buy Tretinoin online in the UK and receive personalised advice on how to use it safely and effectively, telemedicine startups that offer virtual consultations can be a convenient option. Here are 11 of the most popular telemedicine startups in the UK that offer virtual consultations and can send Tretinoin to you.
#1 City Skin Clinic
City Skin Clinic is an online skin clinic providing personalised treatments. We create custom topical skin and hair loss treatments using active ingredients like Tretinoin, Hydroquinone and Azelaic acid, Finasteride, Spironolactone and Dutasteride where appropriate. Unlike most online clinics, City Skin Clinic provides the option of a a video or online form consultation with an aesthetic doctor. They will assess your skin type, concerns and goals to design a bespoke treatment plan for you. This may include Tretinoin gel or cream either alone or compounded with other actives. We really like to involve our patients in the process and accommodate their wishes as much as possible. Regardless of which consultation type you choose, we’ll pair you with the same doctor to monitor your progress and help you get the most out of your treatment. You can reach out to your doctor at any time by email for help or advice.
You can easily book a virtual consultation or complete an online form consultation. If following this the doctor feels topical Tretinoin treatment is suitable for you, they will create a bespoke protocol using the right strength and bases. They’ll also advise on the best way to use your Tretinoin to reduce side effects and dryness. Your plan will include tips on how to use existing skincare products like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to avoid skin irritation as well as sunscreen. We deduct the consultation fee from your first order and deliver the treatment directly to you. All face treatments usually last 3 months and your doctor will work with you to adjust the composition of your next formula based on your progress. We are not a subscription service as we know everyone is different. We leave it up to you to tell use when you’re ready for a refill.
Skin+Me is a popular subscription service that offers virtual skin assessments by clinicians. They provide their own brand of personalised skincare formulations that may include Tretinoin and other prescription products. After completing an online assessment, customers receive a customised treatment plan designed specifically for their skin concerns. They deliver the Tretinoin products to their customer’s doorstep.
#3 Dermatica
Dermatica is a another popular subscription skincare service that offers online skin assessments reviewed by their practitioners. If found suitable for you, they will provide you with their own formulation of prescription skincare treatments that may include Tretinoin, to address various skin concerns. With Dermatica, you can easily complete a virtual assessment on their website, and their clinical team will review your case and recommend a personalised treatment. They then deliver the products directly to your doorstep.
#4 Zava
Zava is a telemedicine platform that offers virtual skin assessments which their doctors then review. They provide a range of prescription skincare products, including Tretinoin formulated with erythromycin, that you can order through their website. They will then deliver the products directly to the customer’s home.
#5 MedExpress
MedExpress is similar to Zava in that they offer prescription skincare including topical Tretinoin formulated with Clindamycin (e.g. Treclin gel). They offer virtual skin assessments which their doctors then review. If your assessment is approved, you can order their recommended prescription skincare treatments through their website. The products are delivered to the customer’s designated address.
#6 Doctor4U
Doctor4U is another established prescription skincare service. They provide Tretinoin formulated with Clindamycin. Skin+Me, Dermatica, Zava and MedExpress, you complete an online questionnaire. Their healthcare providers will then review it. If approved, you can order their recommended products through their website and they will deliver the products to you.
#7 Push Doctor
Push Doctor is a well-established telemedicine startup that offers video virtual consultations with doctors. If they feel Tretinoin is appropriate for you then they will issue you with a prescription for generic Tretinoin. You can then pay for it and collect it from a pharmacy.
#8 The Online Clinic
The Online Clinic is a telemedicine platform that offers virtual assessment questionnaires which their doctors then review. Based on this survey, they may provide prescription skincare products, including Tretinoin formulated with Clindamycin. This is for a fee that includes the consultation, prescription and medication (this varies depending based one each case). They then deliver the products to the customer from their pharmacy.
#9 The New Comers
Since we first wrote this post, a number of new skincare platforms offering compounded formulations of Tretinoin have come up. We’ve grouped these here as they essentially offer a very similar subscription service to Skin+Me and Dermatica but with a slight twist. These startups include And Begin (now rebranded as Renew + Me) which is owned by Skin + Me and aims to target “middle-life” women, Klira who target the luxury skincare market and Uncouth who seem to target a younger demographic. As these are aimed at different markets, they generally have slightly different subscription costs and frequencies.
Tretinoin is not as widely available in the UK as it is in places like the United States but when it comes to getting Tretinoin in the UK, you have several options both in person and online. However, you can’t simply buy Tretinoin online or over the counter as it is a prescription only medicine. It is not suitable for everyone and there are a number of adverse effects when used inappropriately. There are several reputable telemedicine startups in the UK that offer virtual consultations and skin assessments. They can provide you with proper medical advice and Tretinoin treatment if they deem it safe and appropriate for you. Some clinics offer video consultations so you can discuss your concerns and treatment plan in real time with a doctor. However, the majority use skin questionnaires which a doctor or other healthcare provider reviews. The type of treatment they offer also differs in terms of whether it is just a basic Tretinoin cream or gel or if it is compounded with other ingredients. When choosing which service to use first consider the type of consultation you’re comfortable with. Then look at factors like price, customer service quality and aftercare.
Remember that skincare is personal and should always centre around your needs. For the right patients, Tretinoin can be a safe and effective for treatment of acne vulgaris, hyperpigmentation, melasma, fine wrinkles and skin ageing. It may also help in hair loss treatments alongside ingredients like Dutasteride, Finasteride or Minoxidil for some patients. We also customise your formula and protocol to reduce side effects like dry skin or irritation. However it is not appropriate for everyone and it is important to use it correctly. If you would like to learn more about our personalised skincare treatments please book a video consultation with one of our doctors or use our online skin consultation form. Start your treatment journey today and take your first step towards great skin.
Authored by:
Dr Amel Ibrahim
Aesthetic Doctor & Medical Director
BSC (HONS) MBBS MRCS PHD
Founder City Skin Clinic
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Associate Member of British Association of Body Sculpting
GMC Registered - 7049611
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