Curology vs Apostrophe vs Miiskin for online acne treatment

Table of Content:
What is Curology? | What was Apostrophe? | What is Miiskin? | How is Miiskin different? | How to start a consultation? | Apostrophe vs Curology vs 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. Curology also offers complementary skincare products, making it a convenient option for those seeking an all-in-one solution.

Price: $29–$69/month (varies by plan and product selection)
Provider: 🧑‍⚕️ Nurse Practitioners, PAs, and some Dermatologists
Prescriptions: ✅ Yes
Choose Your Provider: ❌ No
Subscription Required: ✅ Yes – Monthly skincare shipments
Response Time: ~1–2 days
Conditions Treated: Acne, anti-aging, dark spots, clogged pores

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.

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. 

Price: Was ~$25–$75/visit + meds
Provider: 🧑‍⚕️ Dermatologists and other Licensed Providers
Prescriptions: ✅ Yes
Choose Your Provider: ❌ No
Subscription Required: ✅ Yes – Monthly skincare shipments
Response Time: ~24 hrs
Conditions Treated: Acne, rosacea, melasma, wrinkles

How did Apostrophe work?

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

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.

Price: $59 new consult / $39 follow-up + medication costs
Provider: 🧑‍⚕️ Board‑Certified Dermatologists
Prescriptions: ✅ Yes
Choose Your Provider: ✅ Yes
Subscription Required: ❌ No – Pay-per-visit
Response Time: ~24–48 hrs
Conditions Treated: Acne, hair loss, acne scars, anti-aging, and chronic skin problems

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 is Miiskin different from Curology or Apostrophe for online acne treatment?

Miiskin differs from Curology and what was formerly Apostrophe in both its service model and their providers. 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.

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.

Online acne treatment quick comparison: Apostrophe vs Curology vs Miiskin

FAQ about Curology, Apostrophe and Miiskin

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

Through Miiskin, you can get the same or similar prescription medications that are offered through Curology and Apostrophe, 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, through mail order pharmacy that compounds similar formulas.

Do all three platforms offer prescription acne treatments?

Yes, Curology, Apostrophe (while it was active), and Miiskin all offered prescription skincare treatments.

• Curology provides custom prescription topicals as part of a subscription.
• Miiskin connects you with board-certified dermatologists who prescribe both compounded and commercial medications, filled via third-party pharmacies.
• Apostrophe offered prescription plans that included oral and topical meds before shutting down.

Are the healthcare providers the same across these platforms?

No, the type of providers differs. Apostrophe used a mix of dermatologists and other licensed providers. Miiskin only works with independent, board-certified dermatologists. Curology primarily uses nurse practitioners and physician assistants, with a few dermatologists on staff.

Do online acne treatment services like Miiskin, Curology and Apostrophe sell medications directly?

• Miiskin does not sell any skincare products or medications directly. Instead, their board‑certified dermatologists prescribe customized oral or topical medications—either compounded or commercially available—which patients obtain through third-party pharmacies.
• Curology, by contrast, does sell both over-the-counter and prescription skincare products. Their subscription services include custom-formulated topical medications plus optional add-ons like cleansers, moisturizers, and spot patches to complement your treatment plan.
• Apostrophe, like Curology, used to sell prescription skincare products through a monthly subscription services.

So if you’re prescribed a customized medication through Miiskin, you’ll receive it via an external pharmacy, while Curology handles both the prescription and delivery of the products themselves.

Is a subscription required to use these services?

• Miiskin: ❌ No – pay-per-visit, no ongoing commitment.
• Curology: ✅ Yes – monthly billing and product shipments.
• Apostrophe (no longer operating): ✅ Yes – monthly billing and product shipments before it shut down.

Can I choose my provider on any of these platforms?

Miiskin lets you choose your dermatologist from their network. Curology and Apostrophe automatically assign you to a provider based on availability and your case.

What types of skin conditions do these services treat?

Each platform treats overlapping but somewhat different conditions:

• Miiskin: Acne, hair loss, acne scars, anti-aging, chronic skin issues.
• Curology: Acne, dark spots, anti-aging, clogged pores.
• Apostrophe: Acne, rosacea, melasma, wrinkles (before closure).