The pharmacy products we shouldn’t waste our money on
Many of us will be jetting off on holiday this summer and stocking up on travel health essentials at the pharmacy before we go. But which products are actually value for money and worth taking up precious space in our suitcase?
From whether we can swap expensive ‘after sun’ lotion for a standard moisturiser and the truth about branded painkillers, Dr Sara will be revealing the pharmacy products we shouldn’t waste our money on this summer.
After sun lotion
Many after-sun lotions contain paraffinum liquidum which helps form a second skin allowing your own to repair underneath; however this same ingredient is commonly found in a standard moisturiser and does the same job.
"You do not need to spend extra money on a specific 'after sun' lotion. All you need is something cooling to put on your burnt skin. In most cases your basic body moisturiser is absolutely fine or some aloe vera helps too. Don't waste space in your suitcase or money on especially branded 'after sun' products."
Once a day sun cream'
'Once a day' sun cream is marketed as being easier as protection lasts all day - and therefore you use less product. However, on the labels it will often say reapplication is needed after swimming, sweating or towel drying. This means you will be applying more than once a day - using a very expensive sun cream to do so.
"People generally don't put enough suncream on, we should be reapplying every 2 hours. Plus, everyone always misses a bit of skin - if you're only applying once a day, that area of skin will have no protection all day long. Yes sunscreen that is branded as only applying once might last a bit longer then your regular, but it isn't worth spending the extra money on."
Rehydration sachets:
It's common for people to experience upset stomachs whilst abroad on holiday. Rehydration sachets claim to help with the fast and effective replacement of lost water and body salts.
"If you have a sickness and diarrhoea bug whilst on holiday, or you have had too much sun and become dehydrated the best thing you can do is drink plenty of water. Or you can make your own solution with two heaped teaspoons of sugar and three pinches of salt in a large glass of boiled, cooled water. It is not necessary to spend money on rehydration sachets."
Travel sickness bands:
It is thought that these elasticated wristbands are said to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness by pressing on the Nei - Kuan pressure point.
"There is very little scientific evidence to show that travel sickness bands are effective. However if they work for you, then great. Travel sickness tablets are more likely to be effective and cheaper."
Mosquito-repellent wrist bands:
Mosquito wrist bands have a concentrated formula and claim to form a protective halo around you to keep mosquitoes at bay.
"These are thought to reduce the number of mozzie bites on your hands and wrists but are not a substitute for lotions or sprays. So my advice is don't bother with them, as you will end up having to buy the repellent as well anyway."
Cough syrup
There is very little scientific evidence that cough medicine helps relieve coughing. Many people use it to try and self medicate before going to the doctor, but even the NHS admits that lemon and honey has a similar effect.
"My advice is make your own soothing drink and don't bother wasting your money on cough medicine. Make lemon and honey tea instead. It will do exactly the same and you won't have to spend additional money."
Cotton ear buds
Much scientific research has shown that we don't need to clean our ears.
"Nothing smaller than an elbow should go in our ears! They self clean, and by sticking earbuds in them you are potentially killing off the ear hair which protects the lining of the ear. Ear wax is helpful and stops dirt going into the ear so don't get rid of it."
Feminine hygiene products:
Products such as feminine wipes are supposed to clean your vagina. However, like ears, it cleans itself.
"By using sprays, wipes and gels to clean your vagina you are messing with the PH levels which could in fact cause irritation or even make it smell. Do not waste your money on these types of products and use water instead."
You don't need branded products
One easy way to save money at the pharmacy is to switch to non-branded medicines such as paracetemol, ibruprofen and anti-histimines.
"The marketing is clever so it makes you think that nurofen will fix your headache quicker than regular ibuprofen and piriteze will stop you sneezing quicker than regular unbranded piriton. This is not the case, the cheaper ones are just as good."
If the marketing authorisation number ('product licence' or 'PL') is the same on two products, they are the same medicine.