Dermatica

Dermatica: online dermatology with personalised formulas

Dermatica is an online dermatology service that creates personalised treatments for a range of skin conditions. Its approach is based on an initial online consultation that allows its team of experts to prescribe a formula tailored to each individual's skin. The company states that visible results begin from 6 weeks, although the general service description mentions 8 weeks for certain cases.

Personalised treatments by condition

Dermatica's range is organised around specific skin concerns. The areas it covers include:

• Acne: treatment of whiteheads, blackheads, breakouts and cystic acne.
• Acne scars and pigmentation: reduction of red or dark marks and improvement of skin texture.
• Ageing: reduction of wrinkles and improvement of pigmentation, texture and skin smoothness.
• Hyperpigmentation: fading of dark spots and marks.
• Melasma: reduction of pigmentation for a more even tone.
• Rosacea: control of redness and flare-ups, while protecting sensitive skin.
• Radiance: aiming for healthy-looking, glowing skin.
• Weight loss skin support: skin care during that process.

How the service works

The process is divided into three steps. First, the user completes an online consultation that allows dermatology experts to prescribe the right formula. Then, the formula is applied once a night; for best results, it is recommended to pair it in the morning with the brand's Vitamin C 15% serum. Finally, there is follow-up throughout the treatment to monitor progress and adjust the prescription when necessary.

Formulas and active ingredients

The personalised formulas are presented as based on scientific evidence rather than trends. They are made with powerful active ingredients and blended with the hydrating SmartBase cream, which contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and panthenol. According to the company, this base locks in moisture, softens, nourishes the epidermis on multiple levels and strengthens the skin barrier.

Routine products

In addition to personalised formulas, Dermatica sells a line of daily care products organised by steps:

• Cleanse: the Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser, for oily or acne-prone skin, and the Caring Squalane Cream Cleanser, for balanced or dry skin.
• Retinal: a retinal range available in three strengths (0.05% to 0.2%) to treat and help prevent signs of ageing, suitable for all skin types. It includes the Retinal 0.05%—0.2% Serum, formulated with dermatologists.
• Treat: targeted serums for hyperpigmentation, breakouts and hydration. Highlights include the Advanced Dark Spot Corrector Serum, with three actives and encapsulation technology, the Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum, with five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, and the Daily Firming Multi-Peptide Serum, with peptides and plant exosomes.
• Moisturise: lightweight creams and gels. The Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser, oil-free, for oily or combination skin, and the Nourishing Ceramide + Peptide Moisturiser, with niacinamide and ceramides, for balanced or dry skin.
• Protect: the Vitamin C 15%: Fresh Batch Ascorbic Acid, with triple antioxidant protection, and the SPF 50 Photodamage Defence Sunscreen, for UVA and UVB protection all year round. Also the Restoring Ceramide Skin Balm, a repairing balm for recovery from retinisation in dry or irritated skin.
• Supplement: the Collagen Complex, a marine collagen peptide supplement with antioxidants to support skin, hair and nails.
• Kits: curated routines for oily, dry or combination skin, with three essential products. The Balancing Kit, for blemish-prone skin, and the Nourishing Kit, for younger-looking, glowing skin.

Team and clinical approach

Dermatica's dermatology team is made up of consultant dermatologists, pharmacists, GPs, clinical researchers and formulation scientists. The company highlights its goal of bringing expert dermatology and evidence-based formulations to an accessible and personalised service. Dr Shendy Engelina, consultant dermatologist and dermatological surgeon, serves as Medical Director of Dermatica; she completed her dermatology training at St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London, and has a special interest in skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology and general medical dermatology.

Availability and pricing

The site states that the first month of treatment has a promotional price of £2.90 instead of £24.99, with shipping to the UK and the US. The shop shows prices in pounds sterling for the UK and in dollars for the US.