Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs

Biography

Biography: Mamoona Firdous Naqvi

Abstract

The skin is the body\'s largest organ. Nevertheless, the importance of its functional role is often underestimated, and its care is taken for granted. Establishing a skin care regimen is important to maintain healthy, hydrated skin, and incorporating preventive measures can help reduce or eliminate exacerbating conditions that may make unprotected skin more susceptible to dermatologic problems. Pharmacists receive frequent requests for information about various skin care products available for cleansing, moisturizing, and photo protecting the skin. As accessible health care professionals, pharmacists are in a key position to educate patients about appropriate skin care, especially the necessity of using moisturizers several times a day to improve the skin\'s appearance and texture and sustain its protective function. To understand the importance of moisturizing the skin and factors that may make the skin more susceptible to dryness, pharmacists must be familiar with the skin\'s physiology. Such knowledge allows pharmacists to make appropriate recommendations to patients about skin care products. The goals of therapy are to restore the hydration and barrier function of the skin. To that end, the patient should be educated in how to establish a routine cleansing and moisturizing regimen. A variety of strategies can be incorporated into a daily routine to prevent and treat dry skin. Selection of proper cleansers and moisturizers is essential to ensuring healthy skin; thus, pharmacists should evaluate the patient\'s medical and medication history and inquire about the patient\'s current skin care regimen, including types of cleansers and/or moisturizers used and the frequency of use. Referral to a dermatologist is recommended for patients with severe dry skin.