Oh, that’s such a shame – hopefully they’ve worked out any glitches now but you shouldn’t have to chase, I completely agree.

There are just so many brands out there!

You’re right to ask the questions. It’s a start up so I am assuming that a more profitable model will kick in at a later point but it’s my understanding that there are no ‘kick backs’ but they will make a normal profit on any skin care items sold. I’m curious about it because it’s at the beginning of what could be a big change in how we buy skin care and crucially, it’s not trying to replace expertise with algorithms – it has real people to talk to not bots. I mean, we get advice (or can get advice) for skin everywhere as you point out but not usually personalised at an-online retail point. I feel that they’d need a lot of clients for it to move into the profit mode but I guess that’s what they’re working on now. Oh, I should also say for clarity that a friend of mine has recently started working there (which is how I know about it) which means I will be able to keep an eye on how it’s doing on-going.

Yes! You’re right about that – I do like deep diving into ingredients and finding what best works for me, and my family. I agree that time will tell – with these types of services, transparency is everything. How often do they recommend a particular product – ie do they have a stable of pretty much the same products that they recommend for the same problems? Do they get kickbacks? What’s their ethics policy?

I know that sounds a bit full on – but to me, if they get those things right, then maybe it will work!

They’re all clinical aestheticians and there is a consultant dermatologist at hand for exactly what you describe. But as I say, if you’re someone who loves deep diving into ingredients yourself it’s not for you. If you feel you need to be referred to a doctor for your skin condition, then again, it’s not for you and would definitely be best to see your own GP for a referral. In my head, I see it as something for people who are just baffled by the array of options out there and who would rather not do the research (which can often be conflicting and confusing) and leave it to people who’ve already done the work. There’s an awful lot in between basic skin care and prescription skin care. I’m guessing you are someone who enjoys discovering ingredients and absorbing the knowledge (and implementing it carefully) but there are lots who don’t. But time will tell – I agree that there are lots of other options out there and you should do what you feel is best for you – everyone should :-))

Correct me if I’m wrong Jane, but it sounds like they’re not doctors or dermatologists – so if someone goes to them for something – they can’t prescribe the ingredients that might be needed to help.

So for me, if I’m paying, then I’d probably go to one of the prescription dermatologist services which includes the prescription skincare. For basic skincare – then it’d be one of the many amazing and well respected dermatologists who have YouTube channels with clear advice for different skin conditions and product recommendations – and they’re free!

That’s so frustrating – it sounds like the eternal search. I think it’s a big red flag that brands are now bringing out ‘calming and soothing’ products for skin that’s reacting to the influx of acids. I’m less and less enamoured with them.

I know to avoid all the usual acids for a start. Also, I can use a new product for a month with no problem, and suddenly it will break me out.