What your pharmacist can help with: Praise Fadzai

What to ask your pharmacist about your skin

A pharmacist can be a useful first contact for everyday skin questions. In the first episode of dewwie Deep Dives, we spoke with pharmacist Praise Fadzai about what she can help with at the pharmacy counter and when she would refer someone elsewhere.

In this episode

• What pharmacists can explain about over-the-counter and prescription skin treatments.
• How a pharmacist can help while you’re waiting for a medical appointment.
• What to ask about a reaction or a product you’re unsure of, and how to request a private conversation.
• Why a suitable routine does not need to be expensive.
• Sunscreen and pigmentation across different skin tones.
• When a skin concern is a reason to seek professional help.

A starting point for skin questions

Getting to a dermatologist can be difficult, particularly outside major cities. The Australasian College of Dermatologists describes ongoing gaps in access to specialist care. For an everyday question, a pharmacist can help you work out whether you need to see another practitioner.

“We are meant to be one of your first accessible points of healthcare,” Praise says. “Even if the pharmacist can’t be the person that solves your issue, we’re really good at troubleshooting. We can narrow down who you should see next, and we’re pretty well trained in things you can do in the meantime whilst you wait for that appointment.”

What you can ask at the counter

Praise sees people with questions about acne and unexpected reactions, as well as dry skin and rashes. A pharmacist can explain what is within their scope and when a concern needs a GP. For a new or changing spot, book a medical assessment promptly.

If you would prefer a private conversation, ask whether the pharmacy has a consultation room. You can also ask which services carry a fee and whether you need an appointment.

Be gentle with inflamed skin

Praise cautions against scrubbing or stripping skin that is already inflamed. “Be gentle. Be delicate. It has to properly heal.” The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends gentle cleansing and avoiding scrubbing acne-prone skin.

A suitable routine does not have to be expensive

“People think they’re being short-changed with the affordable version. And I’m like, no – this is good and affordable. You don’t have to choose.” Praise mentions pharmacy brands including QV, Cetaphil, and CeraVe. The specific formula still matters, and a familiar brand cannot guarantee that every product will suit your skin.

Sunscreen and skin tone

Praise discusses sun protection and pigmentation in darker skin tones. “Darker skin tones are much more likely to go through stages of hyperpigmentation, and you know what makes hyperpigmentation worse? The sun.” For general sun protection, Cancer Council recommends SPF 50 or SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen when UV levels reach 3 or above, alongside protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and shade. Reapply sunscreen every two hours outdoors and after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

Ask for the “why”

“Be suspicious if someone doesn’t have a why.” Ask what a recommendation is meant to do and why it fits your routine. You should be able to understand the reasoning before deciding whether to buy.

When to ask for help

You don’t have to wait until a concern is severe to ask about it. Praise encourages people to get another perspective early: “Even if it’s a two-second chat and they send you away with no purchases, you have some perspective you didn’t have before.”

Routine tips from the conversation

• Praise suggests applying moisturiser while skin is still damp after cleansing.
• Keep the routine manageable. As Praise puts it, “three or four steps and you’re done”.