Anti-Ageing Treatment

This service is not suitable for you if:

• You are under 18 years of age.
• You are not located in the Republic of Ireland.
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy in the next six months and wish to request a retinoid.
• You have a personal or family history of eczema and are requesting a retinoid.
• You have a history of skin cancer or precancerous skin lesions and are requesting a retinoid.
• You are seeking a prescription for oral retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin). This service provides topical treatments only.
• You are seeking treatment on behalf of another person — prescriptions are issued to the account holder only.

This service provides access to the following prescription-strength topical treatments:

Topical Retinoids
A vitamin A derivative and the most extensively studied topical retinoid for skin ageing.

Topical Azelaic Acid
A well-established topical treatment for uneven skin tone, dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and skin texture. Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Topical retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and are among the most evidence-based topical treatments for skin ageing. They work by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and improving the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone and texture over time. Results typically become visible after 8–12 weeks of consistent use.

Important:

• Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin on the face at night only.
• Avoid the eye area, lips, corners of the mouth and nostrils.
• Start by applying every two to three nights and build up gradually to nightly use as your skin adjusts. Initial skin irritation (dryness, flaking, redness) is common and usually settles within 4–6 weeks.
• Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning. Retinoids increase sensitivity to UV light — sun protection is essential.
• Do not use if your skin is currently sunburned, irritated or broken.
• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy should not use topical retinoids.

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mild exfoliating properties. It is effective for improving uneven skin tone, dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and skin texture, and has a well-established safety profile for long-term use. It is suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive skin.

Important:

• Apply a thin layer to clean skin on the affected area(s) of the face, morning and/or evening as directed.
• Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• You may experience mild tingling, burning or itching on first application — this usually settles with continued use.
• Azelaic acid is compatible with sunscreen — apply sunscreen on top.
• If you have asthma, please be aware that in rare cases azelaic acid may affect breathing. Contact your clinician if you notice any change in your breathing.

Topical Retinoids
The most common side effects are skin irritation, dryness, peeling and redness — particularly in the first few weeks. These are expected and usually improve as your skin adjusts. Contact us if you experience severe irritation, a rash or any signs of an allergic reaction.

Azelaic Acid
Common side effects include mild itching, burning, tingling or redness at the application site, particularly when starting treatment. These effects are usually mild and temporary. Contact us if you experience severe skin irritation or any signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash).

If your treatment request is approved, a prescription will be sent to your nominated pharmacy via Healthmail. You will receive a notification in your secure Webdoctor.ie account once it has been sent. Please call the pharmacy to confirm your medication is ready for collection before visiting.

Please read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication before starting treatment.

We also recommend informing your local GP of any treatments you receive to ensure safe and appropriate ongoing care. You can download your consultation summary from your Webdoctor.ie account.