The NHS has launched a skincare range – here’s what we know

‘SKINCARE you can trust’ is the tagline for My Trusty Skincare, a sunflower oil based skincare range developed and tested by the NHS. With no celebrity endorsements and no over-zealous promises, it’s simple, straight-to-the-point marketing in a world of elaborate beauty jargon.

And the NHS supported range does much to prove it's a trustworthy addition to the vast skincare market. 

Hailed as a great product for problematic skin, My Trusty's moisturising cream has been used by doctors since 1983 to care for patients’ skin including those with severe burns and recovering from plastic surgery. 

Originally launched commercially in 2013, the brand only recently became available to buy in supermarkets and pharmacies, such as Boots and Superdrug, nationwide. 

Far more notably, the profits from every purchase go straight back into the NHS. 

Aside from creating another viable revenue stream for our health service, why is the NHS venturing into the beauty business? 

My Trusty Skincare was first created by Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust skincare scientists who were ‘dissatisfied with the products that were generally available and wanted to provide better care for skin'.

Made with a unique sunflower-based formula, the dermatologically tested line of body lotions, skin cleansers, and body oils is said to help reduce the appearance of scars. 

Highly problematic skin types including dry, itchy and oily skin, as well as  acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea are also said to benefit from My Trusty products. 

Of course all skincare companies promise to improve our skin, yet My Trusty has the benefit of an NHS kudos.

‘Beautiful skin starts with effective hydration and this natural sunflower oil formula is rich with essential fatty acids to intensively nourish and moisturise’, say My Trusty.

After completing a study to measure the effects of My Trusty, the products were said to show 'a substantial reduction in the appearance of scars and a significant increase in skin hydration for up to 24 hours’.  

These are results we could happily get behind. 

Clinical scientist Dr Mark Brewin, PhD, comments, “The linoleic acid found in sunflower oil is an ideal skin moisturiser.  In addition to its intense moisturising properties, it has a low viscosity which means it doesn’t clog the pores. This makes it suitable for either dry or oily skin.  Although originally developed to treat patients here with burns and scars, My Trusty is gentle enough for the whole family to use every day.

“Our users have reported significant benefits on problematic skin conditions, so we’re very excited that the range is now available to everyone, whilst benefitting the NHS.”

What else? Expectedly, the range contains no parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or artificial perfumes. They're also affordable averaging around £4-£6.

As more skincare brands are pushed to become both effective and ethically made, My Trusty passes on all accounts. With the added benefit of NHS support, we'd be keen to add supporting the health service into our daily skincare regimes.

Find the My Trusty range in Superdrug and Boots