What is dermatological care?
Dermatological care encompasses all treatments and practices aimed at maintaining and improving skin health.
It encompasses medical procedures performed by a dermatologist, cosmetic products available at pharmacies, and personalized advice onlifestyle habits.
Dermatological care supports the management of many skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and the signs of aging.
To explore our complete selection, approved by our pharmaceutical team, browse our facial care section.
Why see a dermatologist?
Seeing a dermatologist is still the safest way to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to your situation.
Dermatologists are specialized physicians trained to identify and treat a wide range of skin conditions, from a suspicious mole to severe psoriasis.
They also provide guidance on best daily skincare practices to prevent flare-ups and maintain long-term skin health.
What treatments are available for acne?
Acne treatment depends directly on its severity and, for moderate to severe cases, requires a doctor’s evaluation:
- Topical creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, available at pharmacies in various strengths.
- Prescriptionoral or topical antibiotics to reduce inflammation.
- Oralisotretinoin for severe cases, available only by prescription and under strict medical supervision (including mandatory contraception for women of childbearing age).
- Hormone therapies for certain women; discuss with a dermatologist or gynecologist.
- In-office procedures such as chemical peels or laser treatments, performed by a professional.
For related skincare products, explore our section dedicated tofacial acne.
What are the signs of skin aging, and how can they be treated?
The main signs of skin aging include wrinkles, loss of firmness, age spots, and a more uneven skin texture.
Several complementary approaches exist to reduce these signs:
- Anti-aging creams containing retinoids or vitamin C, available at pharmacies or by prescription for the most potent concentrations.
- Hyaluronic acid-baseddermal fillers, administered in a doctor’s office by a cosmetic physician or dermatologist.
- Laser therapies to stimulate collagen production, performed under medical supervision.
- Chemical peels to exfoliate and promote cell renewal.
Our selection of anti-aging skincare products features the most well-known cosmetic brands available at pharmacies.
How can eczema be treated effectively?
Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a chronic condition that requires a tailored, personalized treatment approach from a dermatologist.
- Emollient creams to moisturize the skin daily and restore the skin barrier.
- Topical corticosteroids, available by prescription, to reduce inflammation during flare-ups.
- Calcineurin inhibitors, available by prescription, for sensitive areas such as the face or eyelids.
- Phototherapy for moderate to severe cases, performed in a specialized setting.
- Avoid identified triggers (harsh soaps, certain fabrics, food allergens) in consultation with your doctor.
For daily supportive care, check out our eczema section.
What are the benefits of chemical peels?
Chemical peels offer several visible benefits for the overall quality of the skin:
- Deep exfoliation that improves skin texture and tone.
- Reduction of superficialwrinkles and fine lines.
- Reduction of pigmentationspots and mild acne scars.
- Improved skin elasticity over the course of multiple sessions.
- Stimulation of cell regeneration.
Medical-grade peels (medium to deep) must be performed by a dermatologist in a clinic.
What is psoriasis and how can it be managed?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with an autoimmune component that causes thick, scaly patches to form on the skin.
Treatment is managed by a dermatologist and may include, depending on the case:
- Prescriptiontopical creams containing corticosteroids or vitamin D derivatives.
- UVB or PUVAphototherapy, in a specialized setting.
- Systemic medications (methotrexate, biologics such as anti-TNF or anti-IL-17 agents), prescribed and monitored by a dermatologist for moderate to severe cases.
- Regular use of emollients to reduce dryness and irritation between flare-ups.
For complementary daily care, browse our psoriasis section.
What are the risks associated with laser treatments?
Although laser treatments are effective for many conditions, they carry risks that you should be aware of before any session:
- Temporary redness and swelling in the treated area, which are usually short-lived.
- Changes in skin pigmentation, which may be prolonged depending on your skin type.
- Infections if post-treatment instructions are not followed.
- Scarring in rare cases, particularly in at-risk skin types.
These procedures must be performed exclusively by a dermatologist or a trained physician, following a preliminary evaluation.
How do you choose the right dermatological treatment for your skin?
The choice of a dermatological treatment depends directly on your skin type, your medical history, and your primary concerns.
A professional diagnosis remains the best foundation for guiding your skincare routine.
The dermatologist will thoroughly evaluate your skin and recommend appropriate treatments—whether medical or cosmetic—taking into account your age, lifestyle, and family history.
Are dermatological treatments covered by insurance?
Coverage by health insurance depends on the nature of the treatment and whether it is medical or cosmetic in nature.
Medical treatments for recognized conditions (severe acne, psoriasis, atopic eczema, precancerous lesions, skin cancers) are generally covered under standard reimbursement guidelines.
Cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels or laser treatments for aesthetic reasons, are generally not covered.
What are the common side effects of dermatological treatments?
Dermatological treatments can cause several side effects, which are usually temporary:
- Redness and irritation after applying active topical creams.
- Dryness or flaking of the skin, which is common with retinoids.
- Increased sensitivity to the sun, requiring enhanced sun protection.
- Itching or tingling at the start of treatment.
- Potentialinfections or scarring following invasive procedures—these are rarer but should be reported.
Report any persistent or unusual side effects to your dermatologist.
How can you prevent scarring after dermatological surgery?
To minimize post-operative scarring, strictly follow these recommendations:
- Keep the wound clean and properly moisturized according to the surgeon’s instructions.
- Apply the recommendedhealing creams (silicone, dexpanthenol) as prescribed.
- Avoid directsun exposure on the treated area for several months.
- Never scratch or pick at scabs while the wound is healing.
- Strictly follow the healthcare professional’s post-operative instructions.
For complementary healing care, check out our facial scar care section.
What are the best practices for a daily routine?
A well-structured daily skincare routine helps maintain the health and radiance of your skin over the long term:
- Gentlycleanse your skin morning and night with a product suited to your skin type.
- Dailymoisturizing to maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
- Broad-spectrumsun protection year-round, even on cloudy days.
- Weekly exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, while respecting your skin’s tolerance.
- Targeted products to address specific concerns (acne, dark spots, wrinkles), ideally selected with the advice of a pharmacist.
What treatments are available for pigment spots?
The management of pigment spots combines several approaches depending on their nature and depth:
- Cosmetic lightening creams containing vitamin C, niacinamide, or kojic acid.
- Prescription-only depigmenting agents (hydroquinone, for example, is not permitted in cosmetics in Europe and must be compounded by a pharmacist based on a prescription).
- Chemical peels to even out skin tone; medium and deep peels must be performed under medical supervision.
- Laser therapies to target the deepest pigments in a dermatologist’s office.
- Strict dailysun protection to prevent the appearance of new spots.
How should sensitive skin be managed during treatment?
Caring for sensitive skin undergoing dermatological treatment requires a few essential precautions:
- Choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-freeproducts to minimize reactions.
- Test each new product on the inside of the elbow before applying it to the face.
- Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh mechanical exfoliants.
- Moisturize regularly with products rich in ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.
- Consult a dermatologist if reactions persist to adjust your skincare routine and prevent cumulative sensitization.
