Boots has launched dermatology training on common skin conditions for its pharmacists and pharmacy team members in 200 stores nationwide, with more stores to be added in the coming months. The training has been developed in partnership with L’Oréal Groupe and leading consultant dermatologist, Dr Justine Hextall, and is approved by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).
Leveraging L’Oréal Groupe’s extensive scientific research and skincare expertise, this initiative equips Boots pharmacists to advise on the most common skin conditions, including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, rosacea and hyperpigmentation, with no appointment needed. The training also covers melanoma, skin structure, skin microbiome and scalp health.
The announcement comes as the UK’s leading health, wellness and beauty retailer has also launched an AI-powered skin tool that can screen for over 70 skin conditions and is available via Boots Online Doctor.* The Boots Online Doctor SmartSkin Checker works by a simple photo upload of a skin concern. Using AI technology, the tool will return up to five possible skin conditions the patient is experiencing including acne, eczema, rosacea, impetigo, and fungal infections.
There is a 95% likelihood that one of the five results returned by the SmartSkin Checker is the correct condition.[1] While the results returned are not a diagnosis and do not replace advice from a trained healthcare professional, the SmartSkin Checker can help provide customers with an indication and advise on next steps.
Boots is bolstering the range of advice, tools and products it offers online and on the high street as demand for support for skin concerns continues to rise. According to research from No7, almost all (97%) women in the UK say they have experienced at least one skin issue[2] and the British Skin Foundation reports that almost two thirds (60%) of the population currently live or have lived with a skin condition in their lifetime.[3] Additionally, skin conditions are the most common reason for people visiting GPs, accounting for one in four new consultations in England and Wales.[4]
Jamie Kerruish, Healthcare Director at Boots, said: “There is a clear need for accessible support for skin concerns and conditions, which is why we are so proud to be launching new technology and upskilling our pharmacy team members in stores. Combined with our huge skincare product range and beauty expertise, we can be the first port of call for all those with a skin concern, making it really easy for people to get quick advice and helping to relieve pressures on GP surgeries across the country.”
Dr Justine Hextall, Consultant Dermatologist, said: “The training I developed for Boots in collaboration with L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty gives pharmacists the ability to advise on and treat the most common skin conditions. We know that the numbers of people suffering from common skin conditions is rising and, for those affected, it can have a huge impact – from uncomfortable, itchy skin to loss of confidence. Pharmacists are already highly-trained healthcare professionals, and this training allows them to get a deeper understanding of the skin.”
Alongside the support available in-stores from the derm-trained pharmacists and pharmacy team members and online through the Boots Online Doctor SmartSkin Checker, Boots offers a broad range of skin support, including:
- Online health tools and information – Diagnostic and treatment services from Boots Online Doctor** and information and resources via the Boots Health Hub and Boots Skin Hub
- Beauty experts, tools and services instore – including Boots Beauty Specialists, No7 Advisors and the No7 Pro Derm Scan, a NEXA skin imaging tool in six flagship Boots stores
- A wide range of products – Boots is home to thousands of skincare products – from treatment for common skin conditions to specialist and premium skincare from leading brands like La Roche-Posay, CeraVe and Vichy alongside its own label brands
Boots is also expanding its best-selling own label brand for healthy skin, DermaCare, to include an acne range. Within the range are five targeted products, which are classed as medical devices, that have been developed to treat symptoms of acne.
For more information on skin support at Boots, visit the Boots Skin Hub.
* Powered by Autoderm AI. Not a diagnostic tool; results are for information only. Subject to availability.
**Eligibility criteria and charges apply. Subject to availability.
