Customer scenario
CUSTOMER SCENARIO
A 25-year-old woman has just collected a prescription for a topical retinoid (tretinoin) gel to treat acne. The pharmacist has given detailed advice on how to apply the gel (sparingly before bed, after washing her face) and any side effects. She must also avoid exposing her skin to sunlight without using sun protection6 and the pharmacist has asked that you continue the conversation on what skincare products she could use alongside the gel.
What would you do?
Select all that apply.
DIRECT HER TO THE SKINCARE AND SUNSCREEN SPF SHELVES IN STORE AND LEAVE HER TO CHOOSE SUITABLE PRODUCTS FOR HER NEEDS
ASK HER IF SHE KNOWS HER SKIN TYPE SO YOU CAN TAILOR YOUR ADVICE TO MEET HER INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
ASK HER WHAT HER CURRENT SKINCARE REGIME IS SO YOU CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT PRODUCTS MAY NEED TO BE CHANGED/ADDED
ASK HER IF SHE CURRENTLY USES A DAILY SPF MOISTURISER OR FACIAL SUNSCREEN
Incorrect, try again.
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She says she has dry, sensitive skin and has been using aqueous cream as a moisturiser and an emollient all over her body, but noticed it has been irritating her face lately. She does not use a daily SPF currently.
What advice would you give?
Select all that apply.
EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF A SKINCARE ROUTINE IN MAINTAINING HEALTHY SKIN, INCLUDING STEPS FOR CLEANSING, TARGETING SPECIFIC CONCERNS, MOISTURISING AND PROTECTING SKIN
EXPLAIN ABOUT THE FIVE SIGNS OF SENSITIVE SKIN AND HOW CERTAIN PRODUCTS, LIKE THE CETAPHIL RANGE, ARE FORMULATED TO HELP DEFEND AGAINST THEM
RECOMMEND CLEANSING THE FACE ONCE IN THE MORNING AND ONCE IN THE EVENING, BUT NO MORE AS OVER-WASHING CAN LEAD TO MORE DRYNESS AND IRRITATION
REASSURE HER THAT SHE SHOULD CONTINUE WITH THE AQUEOUS CREAM, AS IT IS COLOUR AND FRAGRANCE FREE AND SO A GOOD CHOICE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
RECOMMEND A DAILY MOISTURISER WITH A HIGH SPF TO AVOID ACUTE ULTRAVIOLET (UV) EXPOSURE, SUCH AS THE CETAPHIL DAILY DEFENCE RANGE, AND RECOMMEND COVERING UP AND WEARING A HAT AND SUNGLASSES WHEN IN THE SUN
Incorrect, try again. She has told you that aqueous cream has been irritating her skin lately.
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Additional advice3
For dry skin, wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Avoid taking baths that are too long or with the water too hot, as this can dry out skin even more
Apply moisturiser several times a day as needed, but especially after cleansing while skin is still damp, as this will help lock in moisture
The ideal moisturising cream for dry skin should contain ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain more water, such as the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser
A rich, overnight, hydrating formulation is useful for moisturising at night, e.g. Cetaphil Rich Night Cream7
For dry skin, exfoliating once a week can help, but use a gentle exfoliator designed for sensitive skin, like Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
Skincare routines may involve a number of products; each layer should be allowed to absorb fully before applying the next4
After checking her understanding, she thanks you, and decides to buy some Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser as well as Cetaphil Daily Defence Cream with SPF50 for the daytime and Cetaphil Rich Night Cream at night.
Encourage her to return to tell you how she is getting on. You explain there are many other skincare products to try specially formulated for her dry and sensitive skin, that can be used alongside the prescribed retinoid gel, if this particular combination still doesn’t fully manage all her symptoms.