The onset of skin imperfections linked to aging, weather conditions, or the state of the skin is more widespread than you might think.
When it comes to skin, people often tend to view its appearance as merely aesthetic and therefore underestimate it. They then turn to outdated or “grandmother’s remedies,” trying to alleviate the discomfort without considering the possible functional implications. If everything concerning the skin were so simple to resolve, there would be no need for dermatologists.
The skin is our largest organ: its main function is to protect the body from external agents, and it sends us signals about what is happening inside us. Every small change in the skin is a signal the body sends to draw our attention. If you want to understand how it is structured and how it works, you can find everything in the guide to the structure and functions of the skin.
Such an important organ deserves care: improving its appearance also means supporting its function. That is why buying a cosmetic product at a pharmacy can be one of the best options.
Why the pharmacy channel has grown
The cosmetics sector has experienced strong acceleration in recent years—not only because of the influence of social media, but above all because of the greater need for care and prevention that has developed in recent years. We analyzed the figures behind this phenomenon in the articles on the overall picture of the cosmetics sector and the trend in pharmacy purchases.
Skincare means not only caring for your appearance, but also rediscovering a broader sense of well-being that involves the mental sphere as well. For this reason, the cosmetics produced today are often functional: the active ingredients they contain work synergistically to improve specific skin conditions or prevent them from worsening.
One important clarification: a cosmetic product is not a medicine. By regulatory definition (EC Regulation 1223/2009), a cosmetic product acts on the surface of the skin to clean it, protect it, keep it in good condition, or modify its appearance. It does not treat diseases. When a dermatological condition is present—psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, severe acne—the point of reference is the dermatologist, and a cosmetic product can at most complement the treatment process by improving comfort and hydration.
People go to pharmacies in search of high-quality functional cosmetics, formulated with well-studied active ingredients at sensible concentrations. This is the field of so-called cosmeceuticals, a term whose limits and meaning we explained in the article on what cosmeceuticals are.
Choosing a cosmetic product at a pharmacy
Entering a pharmacy and finding yourself faced with the increasingly extensive dermocosmetics section often means being confronted with products of every kind, from many different brands, all making important promises and providing a great deal of information. How do you choose the right one? Feeling overwhelmed is natural: the necessary scientific knowledge cannot be taken for granted, which is why relying on experienced staff is an ideal solution.
Unfortunately, some people rely solely on what they find online and choose a product that seems miraculous without knowing its contraindications. Drawing on misleading or purely promotional content can leave you disappointed with the results or lead you to choose formulas that are not suitable for your skin.
Buying a cosmetic product at a pharmacy is a good solution for several reasons, first and foremost the opportunity to consult trained staff and receive honest, professional advice.
The pharmacist’s role
A knowledgeable pharmacist plays an important role: they can guide you toward the most suitable product on a personalized basis, taking your skin type and any ongoing treatments into account. Thanks to their technical expertise, they can also recognize formulations that promise more than their composition can deliver.
However, it is important to make one distinction: the pharmacist recommends a cosmetic product; they do not prescribe it. Prescriptions concern medicines and fall within the doctor’s remit. This is a substantial difference, and knowing whom to turn to for each matter is part of self-care.
Suitable concentrations of active ingredients, capable of genuinely acting on skin imperfections, are available on the market: they can be used for prevention, during periods of greater need, and as ongoing support for skin quality. This is why the sector needs trusted professionals who know how to provide appropriate advice.
It should be noted that there is no separate legal category for products defined as “cosmeceuticals”: from a regulatory standpoint, they remain cosmetics. However, some brands use communication strategies that make them resemble medicines. It is true that certain active ingredients interact with skin processes in a more targeted way than simpler formulas, but this does not make them medicinal products. Sometimes the power of marketing is more effective than that of active ingredients.
How you use it matters as much as what you use
The methods of use and leave-on times of certain cosmetic products are also important: understanding how to use them effectively is essential to achieving the desired results. It is also worth remembering the issue of storage, which we covered in the guide to cosmetic expiry dates and PAO.
If you do not know where to start, the first step may be to understand what type of skin you have: we have prepared a quiz to identify your skin type.
Are you a pharmacist?
LeLang collaborates with pharmacies throughout Italy, providing product training and support for in-pharmacy consultations. If you would like to learn more, you can visit the page dedicated to LeLang partners or apply to become a partner pharmacist.
