We’re a UK based team of doctors, pharmacists and expert formulators and we want to provide a fast virtual dermatology service so you can have access to effective, science backed ingredients.

Most of our skincare formulations are on subscription at £48.40 per 30ml (2 months supply). Your 30ml bottle is delivered every 8 weeks.

You can change this to 12 weeks.

Hormonal acne formulas are £59.99 per 15ml delivered on a monthly basis.

Please see individual product pages for the cost of tablets.

You can amend the frequency of your deliveries and delay your deliveries all from within your dashboard.

You can cancel your subscription within your dashboard or you can email us on enquiries@uncouthskincare.co.uk and we will cancel it for you.

Please note, your minimum subscription is 2 months because your bottle lasts 8 weeks.

Simply email us on enquiries@uncouthskincare.co.uk

We aim to review your consultation and deliver your formula within 7 days. We send your order via Royal Mail and you will receive a Royal Mail tracking number.

If you haven’t uploaded your photos following the consultation, you can upload your photos via the link in your dashboard. We will also send you email reminders. If you have any issues you can email us on enquiries@uncouthskincare.co.uk.

Here are the requirements for photos:
- No makeup
- No filters
- Taken in good light (daylight is best)
- Stand facing the window
- We need to see your whole face.

Yes, we need your photos as a legal requirement and we cannot prescribe you a formula without them.

Please could you check your junk folder for us and if you don’t see it please email us on enquiries@uncouthskincare.co.uk

Please head to https://uncouth.co.uk/password/reset. Please check your junk mail if you don’t receive an email within a few minutes.

Please email us on enquiries@uncouthskincare.co.uk and we can advise you on this. For procedures such as anti-wrinkle injections we may advise stopping your treatment for a few days before and after.

Your skin may be more sensitive if you are using prescription grade ingredients so we would suggest avoiding procedures such as eyebrow waxing if possible. Please contact us if you would like more advice. enquiries@uncouthskincare.co.uk

Yes, we would be happy to advise you! Please email us on enquiries@uncouthskincare.co.uk

What is Tretinoin Purging?

Purging refers to an initial breakout or worsening of acne that some people experience when they start using tretinoin. Not everybody will experience this, but it can be very frustrating, especially if you are not expecting it. It happens because tretinoin accelerates the turnover of skin cells, bringing underlying congestion to the surface.

Why Does Tretinoin Cause Purging?

Tretinoin speeds up the skin's renewal process. As your skin adapts to this increased rate of exfoliation, trapped sebum and debris may surface, leading to temporary breakouts. This process is often a sign that the medication is working to clear out deeper congestion.

How Long Does Purging Last?

Typically, it lasts 6-12 weeks, but it can vary from person to person. It's important to remember that this is a normal part of the process.

How to Minimise the Tretinoin Purge?

• Start Slowly: Apply your formula three times a week, for example Monday/Wednesday/Friday, to allow your skin to adjust and gradually increase application as your skin builds tolerance.
• Moisturise: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and reduce irritation. Hydrated skin can better withstand the effects of tretinoin.
• Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of natural oils, which can exacerbate irritation.
• Simplify Your Routine: Stay away from other potent skincare products (like exfoliants) while your skin is adjusting to tretinoin.
• Be Patient: Give your skin time to adapt. Consistency is key for tretinoin to yield its benefits. The results are worth the initial challenges!

When to Seek Help?

If the purging phase lasts longer than 3 months or if you experience severe irritation, redness, or swelling, consult your prescriber. They can adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

Conclusion

Whilst purging can be a frustrating phase in your skincare journey with tretinoin, remember that the product is working to clear out your skin. Keep motivated and over the long term, you should start to see a gradual improvement which will be worth the wait!

What is Tretinoin Peeling?

Peeling refers to the flaking or shedding of skin that some people experience when they start using tretinoin. This occurs because tretinoin accelerates the turnover of skin cells, causing the outer layer of dead skin cells to shed more quickly.

Why Does Tretinoin Cause Peeling?

Tretinoin speeds up the skin's renewal process, leading to the faster removal of dead skin cells. This rapid exfoliation can result in visible peeling, especially during the initial stages of treatment. Peeling is a common side effect that improves over time.

How Long Does Peeling Last?

Peeling can last for a few weeks to a few months as your skin adjusts to tretinoin. Typically, it's most intense during the first 2-8 weeks of treatment and gradually subsides as your skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient.

Common Areas Affected by Peeling

Peeling can occur anywhere you have applied your formula; however, it's often worse around the nose, mouth, and chin.

How to Minimise Peeling Symptoms?

• Start Slowly: If you haven't used prescription ingredients before, your prescriber will often prescribe a lower concentration of tretinoin. Start by applying the formula three times a week if your skin is sensitive before building up to alternate nights and then every night as your skin builds tolerance.
• Moisturise Generously: Apply moisturiser after tretinoin and throughout the day as needed.
• Sandwich Method: Apply a layer of moisturizer before tretinoin, apply your tretinoin, wait for 10 minutes and then apply your moisturizer again. This helps buffer the skin and reduce irritation and peeling.
• Protect Sensitive Areas: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, balm, or ointment to the corners of your nose and mouth, and to any other dry patches before you go to bed.
• Dry Skin Application: Ensure your skin is completely dry before applying tretinoin. Applying tretinoin to damp skin can increase absorption and potential irritation, leading to more peeling.
• Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of natural oils, which can exacerbate peeling. Look for squalene cleansers, cleansing balms, or milks.
• Adopt a Simple Routine: Stay away from other potent skincare products like AHAs and BHAs while your skin is adjusting to tretinoin. Simplifying your skincare routine can help reduce irritation and peeling.
• Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen daily, as tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Protecting your skin from UV rays is crucial to prevent any further damage and irritation.
• Apply Tretinoin Sparingly: If you are a first-time user, apply your formula sparingly, especially on the lower half of your face. These areas can be particularly sensitive, and using less product can help your skin adjust more comfortably.

The Delayed Peeling Effect

Tretinoin peeling can be delayed by a day or two. This means that when you first start using your formula, you may be lulled into a false sense of security. Go slow and moisturise!

Conclusion

Whilst peeling can be an uncomfortable phase in your skincare journey with a prescription retinoid, it's a common side effect that improves with time. Tretinoin can take months to work and it's important for you to be aware of this but keep motivated as it's often very worth the wait.

What is Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is a prescription skin-lightening agent used to treat hyperpigmentation, such as melasma, dark marks from acne, and dark spots from photoaging. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is essential for the production of melanin in the skin.

For How Long Can I Use Hydroquinone?

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis and depends on various factors such as concentration of hydroquinone and progress made. As a general rule, hydroquinone use is limited to a period of three to four months at a time. If there is no improvement in your skin after 3 months of use, consult your prescriber to discuss alternative treatments.

Hydroquinone may be prescribed again after a period of a few months of non-use (cycling).

Please note, this is general guidance in the UK and dermatologists may prescribe hydroquinone for different periods of time on a case-by-case basis.

What Are the Alternatives to Hydroquinone?

If hydroquinone is not suitable for you or if you've reached the recommended duration of use, your prescriber will prescribe a maintenance formula which is safe to use for longer periods of time.

The creams without Spironolactone:

• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
• C 13-14 Isoparaffin
• Caprylic Trigylceride
• Deionized Water
• Laureth-7
• Phenoxyethanol
• Polyacrylamide
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Triethylene Glycol

For the creams with spironolactone present the base ingredients are as follows:

• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
• C 13-14 Isoparaffin
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Deionised Water
• Laureth-7
• Maltodextrin
• Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Triethylene Glycol
• Ethanol