A complete guide to personalized dermatology treatments

Table of Content:
What are compounded medications? | How are they different? | Why dermatologists recommend them? | Why do patients choose Miiskin? | Benefits | Common ingredients | Are they safe? | Who regulates compounding pharmacies? | How to get them? | FAQ

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Compounded dermatology medications (also known as personalized skincare treatments) have become increasingly popular in recent years alongside the growth of online dermatology and direct-to-consumer telehealth platforms.

More patients are now seeking personalized treatment approaches tailored to their individual skin needs, preferences, and routines. 

This guide by Dr. Amit Om, board-certified dermatologist at Miiskin, explains what compounded dermatology medications are, how they differ from standard prescription medications, and how patients can access personalized dermatology care online.

What are compounded dermatology medications?

Dr. Om says that personalized skincare treatments, also known as compounded dermatology medications, are prescription treatments prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy based on a dermatologist’s recommendations. 

Unlike commercially manufactured medications available in fixed strengths and formulations, compounded medications allow dermatologists to customize: 

• Ingredient combinations
• Concentrations
• Formulations
• Delivery vehicles such as creams, gels, foams, or solutions

In many cases, multiple ingredients may be combined into a single customized product to help simplify a patient’s skincare routine and personalize treatment approaches. 

Dermatology experts have noted that dermatology is particularly well suited for compounding because treatment often requires customization. 

Compounded medications have been used in dermatology and other medical specialties for many years. In recent years, demand for personalized dermatology treatments has grown alongside:

• Online dermatology platforms
• Digital prescribing tools
• Increased interest in personalized skincare
• Greater access to telehealth services

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has also publicly recognized the role of compounded medications in dermatology care, stating that:

“Dermatologists have a long history of safely administering compounded medications.”

How are compounded medications different from FDA-approved medications?

Dr. Om explains that FDA-approved medications are standardized products that have been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific uses, strengths, and formulations.

Compounded medications are different because they are customized for an individual patient rather than manufactured as one standardized product.

FDA-approved vs compounded medications in dermatology

FDA-approved medications	Compounded medications
Manufactured in fixed strengths	Customized for the individual patient
Standardized formulations	Personalized ingredient combinations
FDA-reviewed as finished products	Not FDA-reviewed as finished products
Available at most pharmacies	Prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies

While compounded medications themselves are not FDA-approved as finished products, the ingredients used in compounded formulations are FDA-approved or used off-label in dermatology.

Why dermatologists may recommend personalized compounded formulations

Dr. Om says that dermatologists may consider compounded formulations when a more individualized approach is appropriate for a patient’s skincare needs and preferences.

Because compounded medications are customized, they allow dermatologists to:

• Combine selected ingredients into fewer products
• Personalize ingredient combinations and strengths
• Adjust formulations for sensitive or easily irritated skin
• Simplify skincare routines
• Adapt treatment plans over time based on patient preferences and response

Learn How to know if compounded dermatology medications are right for you →

Benefits of personalized skincare 

According to Dr. Om, depending on the individual treatment plan, compounded formulations may offer several potential advantages.

• Personalized treatment approaches: Customized formulations allow dermatologists to tailor ingredient combinations and concentrations to individual preferences and tolerability.

• Simplified skincare routines: Combining selected ingredients into fewer products may help make routines easier to follow consistently.

• Greater formulation flexibility: Compounded medications may allow adjustments to:
  • Ingredient strengths
  • Texture preferences
  • Delivery vehicles
  • Ingredient combinations

• Convenient online access: Online dermatology platforms may provide patients with easier access to dermatologist-guided personalized treatment options from home.

Common ingredients used in personalized dermatology formulations

Dermatologists may customize formulations using ingredients commonly prescribed in dermatology and hair care.

Ingredients that may be included in personalized skin formulations include:

• Tretinoin
• Azelaic acid
• Niacinamide
• Hydroquinone
• Clindamycin
• Metronidazole
• Spironolactone
• Tranexamic acid

Explore commonly prescribed formulas for skin

Examples of ingredients commonly used in personalized hair and scalp formulations include:

• Minoxidil
• Finasteride
• Dutasteride
• Ketoconazole
• Spironolactone
• Latanoprost
• Melatonin
• Caffeine

Explore commonly prescribed formulas for hair

According to Dr. Om, the specific combination, strength, and formulation are determined by the prescribing dermatologist based on an individual patient’s needs, treatment goals, and medical history.

Are compounded dermatology medications safe?

Dr. Om says that compounded dermatology medications should only be prescribed by licensed healthcare professionals and prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies.

At Miiskin, compounded medications are prescribed by board-certified dermatologists and fulfilled through our trusted partner pharmacy, Foothills Pharmacy.

Patients should understand:

• Compounded medications are not FDA-approved as finished products
• Individual ingredients used in compounded formulations are often FDA-approved or used off-label in dermatology
• Compounded medications require professional medical supervision
• Patients should follow all usage instructions provided by their dermatologist

As with all prescription medications, Dr. Om says that patients should ask about the potential side effects, risks, and expectations with their dermatologist.

Who regulates compounding pharmacies?

Dr. Om says that compounding pharmacies are regulated by state boards of pharmacy. Some facilities also register with the FDA as outsourcing facilities and are subject to additional FDA oversight and manufacturing quality requirements.

The quality of compounded medications depends heavily on the standards followed by the compounding pharmacy, including:

• Ingredient sourcing
• Quality control
• Sterile preparation practices when required
• Accurate dosing procedures

Is it safe to buy compounded medications online?

Dr. Om says that patients should always be cautious when purchasing any prescription medication online, including compounded medications.

Buying medications from an unlicensed online source may expose patients to poor-quality or unsafe products.

When evaluating an online dermatology or telehealth platform, patients should:

• Verify that prescriptions are provided by licensed healthcare professionals (preferably a dermatologist)
• Confirm that medications are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies (such as Foothills pharmacy)
• Discuss any questions or concerns with their dermatologist

At Miiskin, compounded medications are prescribed by board-certified dermatologists and fulfilled through our trusted partner pharmacy, Foothills Pharmacy.

How to get compounded dermatology medications online?

Dr. Om says that to get a prescription for a compounded dermatology medication online you need to complete an online consultation with a dermatologist via Miiskin.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Complete an online consultation
2. Upload photos and answer questions about your skin or hair concerns
3. A board-certified dermatologist reviews your case
4. If medically appropriate, your dermatologist may prescribe a personalized compounded formulation
5. Your prescription is prepared by Foothills Pharmacy and shipped directly to your home

Miiskin allows patients to access:

• Board-certified dermatologists
• Personalized compounded formulations
• FDA-approved prescription medications
• Flexible treatment options without mandatory subscriptions

Learn how to get a customized prescription for your skin or hair →

How much do compounded dermatology medications cost?

Pricing for compounded dermatology medications varies depending on:

• The ingredients used
• The complexity of the formulation
• The pharmacy preparing the medication

At Miiskin, compounded formulations for skin or hair are available through Foothills Pharmacy and cost between $48.99 and $68.99.

Patients should be aware that compounded medications are paid for out of pocket and are not covered by insurance.

Article references:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31669439/
2. https://ijdvl.com/compounded-drugs-and-formulations-in-dermatology/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30005109/
4. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(25)00879-5/abstract
5. https://jcadonline.com/clinical-legal-considerations-in-pharmaceutical-compounding/

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