The Future of Pharmacy: Disrupting New Frontiers in Cosmetic Pharmacy

For some, their prayer is simply that their skin clears

The advent of social media has seen an exponential rise in the strive for perfection globally. This notwithstanding, cosmetology has fit perfectly into the same dynamic. The use of filters, which is an image editing tool in diverse social media platforms, no longer suffice as people are moving away from their use. This leads to an increased desire for perfectionism—starting with the skin. The surge in social media influencer culture is exacerbating this, since influencers often advertise paid products, resultantly causing consumers to purchase them oblivious of the suitability for their skin. There are different skin types and various skin conditions, each requiring a unique kind of care. Pharmacists, especially in community settings, are uniquely positioned to address the gaps in cosmetic care ranging from education. Community pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients and provide the majority of education on cosmetology. Due to these trends, pharmacists have seen a rise in consumers seeking skincare advice and products. As a result, pharmacists are choosing to train in dermatology to provide better guidance.

Misinformation in the social media era is one of the biggest challenges facing consumers of cosmetics. With influencers on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram proclaiming themselves as dermatologists. This underscores the importance of regulating the information that is disseminated, and what better way to do so than by having a professional involved? I believe that pharmacists, as drug experts, have a unique and critical role in ensuring patient safety by offering expert advice on skincare products. Their academic and professional training makes them authorities on ingredient safety and proper usage. Additionally, pharmacists are skilled in compounding and can create customized skincare solutions for conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, providing patients with personalized products tailored to their specific needs. This approach goes beyond generic, store-bought options, offering a more targeted and effective skincare experience. In an industry driven by cosmetic sales and marketing, there is a clear opportunity for pharmacists to work in this space, leveraging their expertise to contribute to product development, marketing, and sales, and ensuring consumers are making informed and safe choices.

Pharmacists are using telehealth to offer virtual skincare consultations, expanding their reach and providing personalized advice remotely. They can also host workshops—online or in-person—to educate the public on skincare routines, ingredient safety, and managing common skin conditions. These efforts help boost community health and establish pharmacists as trusted sources for skincare guidance. Several community pharmacists are currently investing in devices such as the VISIA Skin Analysis System (VSAS) and the OBSERV 520x Skin Diagnstic Tool (O5SD). These advanced machines provide detailed skin analysis, helping pharmacists determine a patient's skin type and condition. After this assessment, they can proceed to recommend the most suitable products for optimal skincare results. For instance, retinol stimulates fibroblast activity, increasing their numbers and improving skin elasticity, making it beneficial for those with fine lines. The most common over-the-counter retinol sold in community pharmacies is isotretinoin, which, as showcased through TikTok, has gained immense popularity. Without a pharmacist's guidance, consumers may use a dose too high, resulting in skin purging or, in extreme situations, an expectant woman might unknowingly use it, unaware that it is a teratogen—an outcome that could have dire consequences for the fetus.

In conclusion, with the rise of skincare concerns, a new frontier has emerged where pharmacists are carving out a niche in cosmetology. By becoming experts in this specialized field, pharmacists are now offering personalized skincare consultations and working closely with their patients to help them achieve their skin goals.

References

1. 55% of Gen Alpha want to buy what their favorite YouTube, Instagram influencers wear: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/55-of-gen-alpha-want-to-buy-what-their-favorite-youtube-instagram-influen/563158/
2. Designing fit-for-purpose regulation for evolving healthcare systems: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2020-09/Country%20Report_Kenya_website.pdf
3. Dermatologists are the new influencers: https://www.byrdie.com/dermatologist-beauty-influencers-5210605
4. How misinformation on social media has changed news: https://pirg.org/edfund/articles/misinformation-on-social-media/
5. The role of community pharmacists in public health: A scoping review of the literature: https://academic.oup.com/jphsr/article-abstract/3/1/25/6086299?redirectedFrom=fulltext
6. Tretinoin topical: https://reference.medscape.com/drug/retin-a-renova-tretinoin-topical-343555

?