First launched in February 2020 by founder Dr Michele Squire, Qr8 MediSkin develops a customised treatment containing a blend of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for each customer.
According to Squire, typical skin conditions she treats are related to sun induced damage, “particularly in Australia, there is a big problem with sun exposure in Australia, which causes wrinkles or pigmentation.”
Squire observed similarities between Australia and South East Asia in terms of climates and the type of skin conditions.
“We see a really lovely synergy with South East Asia and what we do because we share similarities in terms of climate. A lot of the treatments that we have, particularly in relation to pigmentation are also applicable to South East Asia as well.”
The firm is currently assessing which nations would be suitable in terms of regulatory approvals.
One-of-a-kind
While there are many prescription-based skin care companies in the market, Squire believes the telehealth element sets it apart.
According to her, “There are a few companies internationally that offer prescription skin care, but they may or may not have a photograph. They don't do telehealth so nobody's using this type of technology to really have a look at the patient's skin and see what's going on in a virtual sense.”
The process begins with a detailed questionnaire on lifestyle and skin care issues, after which customers upload photos of their skin, followed by a video consultation with one of QR8’s medical practitioners.
The photos uploaded by customers are then stitched into a three-dimensional model in its software for doctors to assess.
After which, a personalised treatment product will be formulated and delivered directly to the customer.
The product will be either a cream or serum based product depending on the choice of actives that were prescribed.
Qr8 MediSkin works with AC Pharm, a compounding pharmacy located in Queensland to formulate the treatment product.
It cost between AU$130 to 220 for three months’ supply of the product (50g), depending on the APIs used.
Squire said it takes between three to six months for most people to see benefits: “And with something like tretinoin, you start to see the best results a year down the track.”
Qr8 MediSkin has since treated a range of conditions across different age groups including pregnancy and post-pregnancy melasma in the 30 to 35s age group, acne in teenagers and older age groups, and people going through the menopause with accelerated collagen loss in their skin.
During the peak of the COVID-19 period last year, when people were required to wear facial masks, Squire also observed an increase in maskne.
“Maskne isn't actually acne, it's often an irritation, that leads to an infection that looks like acne lesion but it's not.”
Software upgrade
Its telehealth consultation proved to be a blessing in disguise when the pandemic hit, and physical consultations were affected.
Squire is now implementing a new software programme which will enable an even smarter telehealth consult, by creating an interactive platform for customers.
“Our process is a medically robust way of diagnosing a patient properly. We want patients to really feel like they are seen and heard, and part of the treatment process.”
Squire said for most people, they turn to the beauty industry first when they have actual medical skin conditions, which often cannot be fixed by cosmetics alone.
“We want people to come to us, fix their skin conditions, and then go back to the beauty industry and enjoy their cosmetic products.”