Tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid, is a form of vitamin A that is commonly used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In the UK, it is only available as a prescription medication, and it’s important to 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. Traditionally, you had to get a prescription from a dermatologist or a doctor providing cosmetic skin services. Unlike 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.
Some aesthetic clinics also provide Tretinoin cream or gel. This is usually a branded form such as 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. Often these companies provide their own formulation of Tretinoin but some may 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 8 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 skin and hair loss treatments using active ingredients like Tretinoin and hydroquinone where appropriate. Unlike other online skincare services including those listed below, City Skin Clinic provides the option of a a video or online form consultation with an aesthetic doctor. They will assess your skin concerns and goals to design a bespoke treatment plan for you which may include Tretinoin alone or combined with other actives either in a gel or cream formula. 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 and if following this the doctor feels Tretinoin is suitable for you, they will create a bespoke treatment for you with it using the right strength. They’ll deduct the consultation fee from your order. They will then ship the products directly to you. All treatments are designed to last 3 months and your doctor will work with you to adjust the composition of your formula for the new course based on your progress. We are not a subscription service as we know everyone is different and so 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 dermatologists. 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 dermatologists. 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 dermatologists 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 Tretinoin formulated with Clindamycin. 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 who aims to target “middle-life” women, Klira who are aimed at the luxury skincare market and Uncouth who seem to be aimed at a younger demographic. As these are aimed at different markets, they generally have slightly different subscription costs and frequencies.
Although Tretinoin is not as widely available in the UK as it is in places like the USA, When it comes to ordering Tretinoin in the UK, you have a lot of options both in person and online. Whilst you can’t simply buy Tretinoin online as it is a prescription only medicine, there are several reputable telemedicine startups in the UK that offer virtual consultations and skin assessments. They can then send Tretinoin to you. A few of these clinics offer video consultations which give you the chance to discuss your concerns and treatment plan in real time with a doctor. The majority use skin questionnaires which a doctor or other healthcare provider reviews. The type of Tretinoin they offer also differs in terms of whether they it is just the Tretinoin cream/gel or if it is formulated with other skincare ingredients or medicines.
When choosing which service to use try to work out which type of consultation you’re comfortable with. Also, review factors such as price and clarity on additional fees, aftercare and monitoring as well as customer reviews to select the best telemedicine skincare service for your needs.
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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