- 76% feel more anxious about their skin condition during summer, with more than half (53%) saying their skin condition makes them feel self-conscious
- 79% of people reported GP-prescribed or over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked for them, leading many turning to off-the-shelf options – spending an average of £177.48 a year.
- More than three in four (77%) UK adults with a current skin condition report that social media trends, such as the Korean beauty ideal of ‘glass skin’, have intensified pressure to achieve flawless skin, rising to 85% of millennials and 93% of Gen Z
- With 50 days until British summertime, Roseway Labs has seen a 31% year-on-year increase in queries for dermatological treatments, suggesting increasing demand for people looking to become more confident in their skin.
29 April 2025: With 50 days to go until summer, new research by Roseway Labs, a leading private compounding pharmacy, highlights the deepening impact of skin conditions on mental health in the UK and the need for more personalised treatment options where standard treatments are failing.
As temperatures rise, so does anxiety about skin – and each summer, Roseway Labs sees a growing number of people turning to personalised solutions for long-standing skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis and eczema.
With NHS England reporting that half of UK adults experience a skin condition each year, an estimated 35 million are currently affected. Around 27 million (76%) say they feel more anxious about their skin during summer.
Moreover, 79% of people say GP-prescribed or over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked for them, many turn to off-the-shelf options – spending an average of £177.48 a year – yet still face long-term skin issues, side effects and limited awareness of personalised alternatives.
A further (77%) reported social media trends, such as the ‘glass-skin’ K-beauty ideal, have exacerbated the pressure to achieve the perfect complexion.
The research reveals that more than half (53%) of respondents feel self-conscious due to their skin condition, with millennials reporting the highest levels of insecurity (57%).
The findings also reveal for most respondents, their skin condition prevents them from peace of mind, with 38% of UK adults thinking about their skin often.
Roseway Labs partners with dermatologists to provide customised skincare for a variety of skin conditions including acne, DSAP, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis and eczema, rosacea and scarring, helping patients better manage seasonal flare-ups so they feel more comfortable and confident all year round.
Unlike off-the-shelf or standard-prescription skincare products, personalised prescription skincare is made specifically for an individual’s skin type, needs, and sensitivities, including any allergies to ingredients they may have. This tailored approach makes it easier for patients to stick to their treatment plans, minimises the risk of unwanted reactions and benefit from effective treatment for relief of the symptoms of their skin condition.
Elizabeth Philp, CEO & Founder of Roseway Labs, commented: “Millions of people across the UK are struggling, every day, with visible skin conditions that affect their confidence and quality of life. This is seen and experienced even more acutely by younger people, who are shaped by social media’s unrealistic skin ideals.
Our research shows this distress peaks in summer, when flare-ups from UV exposure, pollution and allergens combine with the pressure of baring more skin. Worryingly, nearly four in five haven’t found a treatment that works. That’s where personalised medicine, through compounding, can offer a much-needed alternative – whether for acne, psoriasis, DSAP or other conditions.”
Miriam Martinez Callejas, Superintendent Pharmacist & Founder of Roseway Labs, added: “Summer should be a time for confidence and ease, yet for many, it brings heightened anxiety and discomfort as skin conditions flare and conventional treatments fall short. As a pharmacist, I see first-hand how limited options can leave patients feeling stuck – especially when standard prescriptions don’t reflect their unique skin needs.
Compounded medication allows us to tailor treatments precisely, taking into account everything from allergies to formulation preferences. By working closely with GPs and dermatology specialists, we’re helping bring personalised medicine into the mainstream – offering effective, targeted relief and helping people feel more comfortable in their skin, all year round.”
Kirsty Robertson, a 49-year-old patient from Glasgow comments: “After nearly a decade of misdiagnoses and being told by GPs there was nothing they could do, I finally found out I had DSAP. I was advised to stay out of the sun entirely - something that’s simply not practical. It left me constantly covering up, even using umbrellas on sunny days just to feel secure. I tried a variety of over-the-counter remedies, including using wart treatments to freeze off the legions. I felt desperate until I discovered the compounded treatments offered by Roseway Labs. Using the medication has made a real difference to how confident and emotionally settled I feel. It has changed my life.”
Bridie Hill, a 70-year-old patient, from Folkestone explains: “I’ve lived with DSAP for nearly 30 years, but for much of that time I was misdiagnosed with eczema and psoriasis and told there was no treatment. It really impacted my confidence - people would stare, and I found myself constantly covering up, even in summer. When my three-year-old grandson asked what was wrong with my legs, I knew I had to try something. The compounded cream from Roseway Labs has made the marks far less visible, and for the first time in years, I feel more at ease in my own skin.”
Roseway Labs is dedicated to advancing innovation in personalised care, empowering patients with bespoke treatments that address their unique health needs and improve their quality of life. By partnering with GPs and healthcare professionals, Roseway Labs wants to make personalised medicine a valuable option within the UK healthcare system, helping to ease the strain on the NHS.
To learn more about personalised medicine from Roseway Labs, visit www.rosewaylabs.com or speak to your healthcare professional.