Skincare
Prescription Skincare in Australia
Prescription skincare compounded specifically for your skin, using active ingredients you cannot buy over the counter. The doctor consultation is included with every order.
From $158
Visit Prescription SkinHow it works
What prescription skincare actually is
Prescription skincare is a formula made up by a compounding pharmacy to a doctor's prescription, using actives that are not available over the counter in Australia. Tretinoin is the best known of them, and it is commonly combined with ingredients such as niacinamide or azelaic acid in strengths chosen for your skin rather than for a shelf.
The practical difference is that one formula replaces a shelf of products bought on guesswork, and the strength can be moved up or down as your skin settles. It also means a doctor has looked at your history first, which matters because several of these actives are not appropriate in pregnancy or alongside certain other treatments.
Results take time. Most actives need eight to twelve weeks of consistent use before they can be judged fairly, and a period of dryness or irritation early on is common. No formula suits every skin, and part of the point of an ongoing review is changing what is not working.
What it is commonly used for
Acne
Formulas combining retinoids with other actives for persistent or hormonal breakouts.
Pigmentation and melasma
Prescription actives aimed at uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks.
Fine lines and texture
Retinoid-led formulas for early lines, rough texture and dullness.
Rosacea and redness
Prescription options for flushing, redness and inflammatory bumps.
Prescription skincare FAQs
What is prescription skincare?
Prescription skincare uses active ingredients that are not available over the counter in Australia, such as tretinoin, and combines them at strengths a doctor has chosen for your skin. Instead of buying several products and hoping they work together, a compounding pharmacy makes one formula to the doctor's prescription.
How much does prescription skincare cost?
Formulas start from $158 and the doctor consultation is included at no charge. Pricing and what each formula contains are set out on the Prescription Skin website, which is where orders are placed.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. These are prescription medicines, so a doctor has to assess your skin, your history and anything else you are using before a formula can be prescribed. The consultation is included and is done online.
What concerns does prescription skincare treat?
The common ones are acne, pigmentation and melasma, fine lines and skin texture, and rosacea. What is prescribed depends on the assessment, and for some conditions a doctor will recommend something other than a compounded formula.
How long does it take to see a difference?
Skin turns over slowly, so most active ingredients need eight to twelve weeks of consistent use before the result is fair to judge. Many people see irritation or a temporary worsening of breakouts in the first few weeks as the skin adjusts, which is expected rather than a sign the formula is wrong.
Can I use prescription skincare while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Retinoids including tretinoin are not used in pregnancy, and several other prescription actives are avoided while breastfeeding. Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, and they will either prescribe something appropriate or advise waiting.
Can the formula be changed later?
Yes. Strengths are commonly started low and adjusted once the skin has settled, and ingredients can be changed if something is not working or is causing irritation. Ongoing review is part of the service rather than a separate cost.
Is Prescription Skin the same company as Medio?
They are separate services with the same people behind them. Medio is the telehealth clinic; Prescription Skin handles the skincare assessment, the formulas and the ordering. Placing a skincare order and managing your treatment both happen on the Prescription Skin website.
Prescription Skin is operated as a separate service. Visit the Prescription Skin website for full details, pricing, and ordering.
Go to Prescription Skin