Apostrophe vs Curology for customized skincare

Table of Content:
What is Curology? | What was Apostrophe? | What is Miiskin? | Apostrophe vs Curology | How do they work? | How to start a consultation via Miiskin? | FAQ

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What is Curology?

Curology is a telehealth skincare service that provides personalized, prescription-strength treatments for skin concerns like acne, dark spots, and fine lines. After completing an online consultation and submitting photos of your skin, a licensed dermatology provider creates a custom formula tailored to your needs. This treatment, which may include ingredients like tretinoin or azelaic acid, is delivered directly to your door on a subscription basis. Curology also offers ongoing support from dermatology professionals and complementary skincare products, making it a convenient option for those seeking targeted, at-home skincare solutions.

What was Apostrophe?

Apostrophe was a teledermatology platform (no longer operating) that used to offer personalized, prescription skincare treatments for conditions like acne, rosacea, melasma, and signs of aging. Users used to complete an online consultation by answering questions and uploading photos, which were reviewed by licensed providers. Based on this evaluation, Apostrophe used to prescribe customized topical or oral medications, which were shipped directly to the user’s home. 

What is Miiskin?

Miiskin is a digital health platform that connects users with board-certified dermatologists licensed in their state, enabling them to receive expert dermatological care without the need for in-person visits. Through the platform, users can complete an online consultation by providing information about their skin concerns and uploading photos for evaluation. Based on this assessment, dermatologists can develop personalized treatment plans and prescribe medications for a range of skin conditions, including acne, melasma, rosacea, eczema, and hair loss. Miiskin streamlines the process of accessing dermatological care, offering convenience, discretion, and professional support directly through a user-friendly mobile app or web interface.

Apostrophe vs Curology: Comparative table

How do these platforms work?

How does Miiskin work?

• Select your skin concern, complete a digital intake form and upload photos of your skin, pay for your consultation (no subscription required).
• A board-certified dermatologist provides a diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Prescriptions (oral or topical) are sent to a third-party pharmacy.
• You buy your prescriptions at a local or online pharmacy.
• If you have questions, you can message your dermatologist via the platform.

How does Curology work?

• Fill out an online skin questionnaire and upload photos.
• A licensed provider reviews your information.
• They recommend over the counter and prescription products formula based on your skin needs.
• Products are shipped to your home on a recurring subscription.
• You can send messages to your provider if you have any questions.

How did Apostrophe work?

Apostrophe is no longer operating, but their consultation and prescription process was very similar to Curology.

How to start a consultation via Miiskin?

Beginning an online consultation with Miiskin is simple and straightforward. Just follow the link below, choose your state, complete a short questionnaire, and upload a few photos. From there, you’ll select your preferred dermatologist and pharmacy (for customized treatments, choose Skin Medicinals). Consultation fees range from $39 to $59, and you can expect a response within 1 to 2 days. If you have any questions during the process, you can easily reach out to your dermatologist through the platform’s built-in messaging feature.

FAQ about Curology, Apostrophe and Miiskin

Can I get via Miiskin the same medications I can get via Curology or Apostrophe?

Apostrophe is no longer operating, but in many cases, you can get the same or similar prescription medications via Miiskin that are offered through Curology, including compounded topical treatments like tretinoin, azelaic acid, and other active ingredients. The key difference is that Miiskin connects you with independent board-certified dermatologists who evaluate your condition and prescribe what’s medically appropriate, often through Skin Medicinals, a pharmacy that compounds similar formulas.

How is Miiskin different from Curology or Apostrophe?

Miiskin differs from Curology and what was formerly Apostrophe in both its service model and provider qualifications. Unlike Curology, which operates on a subscription basis and primarily offers compounded topical treatments managed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants, Miiskin provides pay-per-consultation access to board-certified dermatologists for a wider array of skin concerns. It also includes both commercial and compounded prescriptions as part of its care, while Curology primarily offers compounded topical treatments.

Are all the providers in the Miiskin network board-certified dermatologists?

Yes, all providers in the Miiskin network are board-certified dermatologists. This ensures that users receive care from highly qualified professionals with specialized training in diagnosing and treating skin conditions.

Are all Curology providers board-certified dermatologists?

No, Curology’s team includes nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and some dermatologists. These licensed professionals are trained to prescribe and manage skincare treatments, but the majority are not dermatologists.

Are all Apostrophe providers board-certified dermatologists?

Apostrophe is no longer operating, but it used to employ licensed medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and some board-certified dermatologists. 

Does Miiskin sell any products or medicines?

Miiskin itself does not sell any skincare products or medications. Instead, the dermatologists in the platform facilitate the prescribing and delivery of prescription medications through third-party pharmacies. These can include both compounded and commercially available oral or topical treatments based on the dermatologist’s plan.

Does Curology sell any products or medicines?

Yes, Curology sells over the counter and prescription skincare products as part of its subscription service. These include customized topical formulas as well as optional add-on products like cleansers, moisturizers, and spot patches designed to support the treatment regimen.

Where can I buy the customized medications that I get prescribed via Miiskin?

Customized medications prescribed via Miiskin are fulfilled via Skin Medicinals. Users need to purchase these medications via the Skin Medicinals platform and then they ship them directly to the patient’s home.

What were the main differences between Curology and Apostrophe?

The main differences between Curology and Apostrophe lie in the range of treatments offered and the provider model. Curology primarily focuses on acne and skin tone issues with compounded topical treatments. Apostrophe, on the other hand, offered a broader set of treatments. Miiskin, on the other hand connects users with independent board-certified dermatologists for the treatment of most skin problems ranging from acne to skin infections and the dermatologists in the platform prescribe a wide range of treatments including oral, topical and compounded formulas.

What is a good alternative to Curology?

A good alternative to Curology is Miiskin, especially for users who prefer pay-as-you-go consultations and want access to board-certified dermatologists for a broader range of skin conditions.