When a skincare topic becomes a health topic
Some shopping questions overlap with medical subjects. Examples include persistent or painful acne, prescription retinoids, pregnancy and breastfeeding, infection, significant reactions, scarring and symptoms affecting the eyes or causing swelling.
When a page reaches those boundaries, our role is to make the limit clear and direct the reader towards an appropriate professional route rather than trying to make an individual treatment decision.
How our tools should be read
Interactive tools on Skincare Lab UK organise general information and shopping categories. They are not diagnostic questionnaires. A result should be treated as a starting point for further reading, not as confirmation of a condition or a prescription.
Prescription and OTC boundaries
Prescription medicines are outside the site's shopping recommendation role. Where prescription options are discussed, the purpose is to explain the broad difference between over the counter skincare and professionally assessed treatment. Suitability for a prescription medicine must be decided by an appropriately qualified professional.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pages dealing with active skincare should avoid giving individual pregnancy or breastfeeding advice. Where relevant, readers are directed to a GP, pharmacist, midwife, dermatologist or qualified prescriber before using active or prescription skincare.
Red flags
Persistent, painful, rapidly worsening, infected looking or severe symptoms, significant swelling, symptoms around the eyes, widespread rash, scarring or substantial distress are reasons to seek professional advice rather than rely on an online shopping tool.
Recognised UK sources
Health related wording is checked against recognised public guidance where the topic requires it. Useful starting sources include:
- NHS: Acne overview and when to seek medical advice
- NHS: Acne treatment, OTC and prescription options
External guidance can be revised. Readers should use the current version of the professional source rather than relying on a static quotation from Skincare Lab UK.
Editorial accountability
Research led guides are published under the disclosed Skincare Lab UK editorial pen name Maya Bennett. This name does not imply medical qualifications. Read the full editorial method for how research, affiliate links and first hand testing are distinguished.