Dermatica vs Miiskin: Choosing between subscription skincare and one-off consultations
This article compares Dermatica and Miiskin, two online dermatology services, highlighting how they differ in pricing models, treatment options, and provider types to help you decide which is the right fit for your skin needs.
Table of Content:
What is Dermatica? | What is Miiskin? | How to do an online consultation? | Dermatica vs Miiskin | What health problems can be addressed with each? | Price | Are they subcription-based? | Choice of dermatologist | Medications
Dermatica and Miiskin are similar in that both provide access to personalized dermatology care through online consultations. In each service, users share information and photos of their skin concerns, which are reviewed by qualified professionals who can then prescribe tailored treatments. This remote approach makes expert-led skincare more accessible and convenient, removing the need for traditional in-person visits.
Both also focus on evidence-based care, ensuring that the treatments or prescriptions offered are grounded in dermatological science. Whether it’s Dermatica’s customized monthly formulas or Miiskin’s dermatologist-prescribed treatments, the goal is to give users safe, effective solutions guided by medical expertise, delivered directly to them at home.
What is Dermatica?
Dermatica is an online prescription skincare service that provides personalized treatments for concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, aging skin, and uneven tone. After completing an online consultation with photos and skin history, a dermatology team creates a custom formula with evidence-based active ingredients such as tretinoin, azelaic acid, or hydroquinone. Treatments are delivered to your door on a subscription basis, with ongoing support and adjustments as your skin progresses, making it a convenient way to access expert-led, science-backed skincare from home.
Who should choose Dermatica?
Dermatica is best suited for people who want ongoing, customized skincare formulas and are comfortable with a monthly subscription model.
What is Miiskin?
Miiskin allows users to connect remotely with board-certified dermatologists for the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems issuing prescriptions for branded, generic or compounded formulas tailored to an individual’s needs. After submitting photos and information about their skin concerns, users will receive in 1-2 days tailored treatment plans and prescriptions for common conditions like acne, rosacea, and pigmentation. This service provides convenient, on-demand access to expert guidance without needing an in-person visit.
Who should choose Miiskin?
Miiskin is best suited for people who prefer one-off dermatologist consultations without committing to a monthly subscription. It’s a good option if you need professional dermatology care, prescription renewals, or targeted advice from a board-certified dermatologist.
How to do a consultation via Dermatica?
To start a consultation with Dermatica, you complete an online questionnaire about your skin concerns, medical history, and goals. You’ll also need to upload photos of your skin. Their clinical team (which may include dermatologists, pharmacists, or nurse practitioners) reviews your information and then prescribes a personalized topical formula tailored to your needs. You’ll receive your first formula after paying the small prescribing fee, and subsequent treatments are delivered as part of your subscription. You can message the team at any time and have your formula adjusted as your skin progresses.
How to do a consultation via Miiskin?
With Miiskin, you begin by selecting a board-certified dermatologist licensed in your state. You then complete an online intake form describing your skin issue and upload photos of the affected area. The dermatologist reviews your submission asynchronously (no live video needed) and provides a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescriptions. New consultations are typically completed within a short timeframe, often within 1–2 business days, and you pay a one-time fee per consultation (around $59 for first visits, lower for refills).
Dermatica vs Miiskin: Comparative Table
Feature | Dermatica | Miiskin |
Core Service | Subscription-based prescription skincare service. | Online dermatology consultation and prescription service. |
Process | Online consultation with photos → dermatology team reviews → personalized topical formula prescribed. | Online consultation with photos → board-certified dermatologist reviews → treatment plan/prescriptions provided. |
Conditions Treated | Acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea, aging skin, uneven tone. | Acne, rosacea, pigmentation, and other common skin conditions. |
Prescription Delivery | Custom formula shipped directly to your door on a recurring basis. | Prescriptions provided after consultation, with medication filled through partnered pharmacies. |
Pricing Model | Monthly subscription (around $29.95/month). | One-time consultation fee (e.g., ~$59 for first visit, ~$39 for refills). |
Ongoing Support | Continuous check-ins and formula adjustments as skin progresses. | Follow-up consultations available as needed, paid separately. |
Type of Providers | Dermatology team (including dermatologists and prescribing clinicians). | Board-certified dermatologists. |
Best For | People who want ongoing, customized skincare formulas with a subscription. | People who prefer one-off dermatologist consultations without enrolling in a monthly subscription. |
What health problems can be addressed via Dermatica?
Dermatica offers tailored prescription skincare treatments for a range of skin concerns, including:
- Acne (from mild to more persistent forms)
- Acne scars & pigmentation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture)
- Aging skin (fine lines, loss of firmness, wrinkles)
- Hyperpigmentation (dark spots, sun spots, uneven tone)
- Melasma (hormonal pigmentation, often on the face)
- Rosacea (redness, inflammation, visible blood vessels)
- Skin glow / radiance issues (dullness, lack of brightness)
What health problems can be addressed via Miiskin?
Miiskin’s platform connects users with board-certified dermatologists who can diagnose and treat a wide array of skin and hair-related issues, including:
- Anti-aging concerns – Options for wrinkles, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation.
- Hyperpigmentation – Care for melasma, sun spots, and other dark patches.
- Acne – Board-certified dermatologists provide treatments for mild, moderate, or hormonal acne.
- Hair loss – Treatments such as minoxidil or prescription medications for thinning or pattern hair loss.
- Eczema – Management of flare-ups with creams or medications.
- Psoriasis – Tailored therapies for chronic, scaly, or inflamed skin patches.
- Fungal skin infections – Prescriptions for athlete’s foot, ringworm, and similar infections.
- Herpes – Treatment for cold sores and genital herpes outbreaks.
- Genital warts – Dermatologist-prescribed therapies for HPV-related warts.
- Other skin conditions – Care for rashes, bacterial infections, or other dermatologic issues.
What is the consultation price at Dermatica?
For Dermatica, you begin with a free 28-day trial of the subscription service, during which you receive a personalized prescription skincare formula. The only cost at this stage is a $4.99 prescribing fee, which covers the prescription process and delivery of your first formula. After the trial, if you continue, the subscription is approximately $29.95 per month for ongoing treatment.
What is the consultation price at Miiskin?
With Miiskin, dermatology consultations have tiered pricing: $59 for new patients, and $30 – $39 for returning patients seeking prescription renewals.
Is Dermatica a subscription based service?
Yes, Dermatica is subscription-based. After a free 28-day trial, your personalized skincare treatment (prescription formula) is delivered approximately every 2 months.
Is Miiskin a subscription based service?
Miiskin charges a one-time consultation fee for access to licensed, board-certified dermatologists. For new patients, the fee is typically $59, while returning patients—such as those seeking prescription renewals—pay a reduced rate around $30 to $39.
Provider & Prescription Information
Miiskin connects patients with independent dermatologists who provide care through their own private practices. Miiskin does not employ dermatologists and does not sell or distribute medications. Any prescriptions issued by the dermatologists can be filled at third-party pharmacies of the patient’s choice.
When you consult a provider via Dermatica is it a board-certified dermatologist?
When you consult via Dermatica, you are not always consulting with a board-certified dermatologist. Your case is reviewed by their clinical team, which includes a mix of providers—such as dermatology specialists, prescribing pharmacists, and advanced nurse practitioners. While Dermatica does employ a consultant dermatologist, most day-to-day consultations and prescription management are often handled by these qualified non-dermatologist clinicians.
When you consult a provider via Miiskin is it a board-certified dermatologist?
When you consult via Miiskin, you are always connected with a board-certified dermatologist. The platform explicitly states that consultations are conducted by independent, licensed dermatologists, ensuring that all medical evaluations and prescriptions come directly from board-certified experts.
Can you choose your provider with Dermatica?
Dermatica does not allow you to choose your provider. They have a care team that includes consultant dermatologists and other prescribing clinicians who manage cases, but when you consult with them, the assignment is done by their internal process. There’s no option on their website to select a specific provider for your consultation.
Can you choose your dermatologist with Miiskin?
Yes, Miiskin does allow patients to choose their dermatologist. Their platform includes a “Find a board-certified dermatologist in your state” feature that lets you select from dermatologists in your region for an online consultation.
Can you get customized formulas tailored to your skin via Dermatica?
Yes. Dermatica specializes in creating personalized topical formulas based on your skin type, concerns, and goals. These formulas are mixed using prescription-strength active ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, or hydroquinone.
Can you get customized formulas tailored to your skin via Miiskin?
Yes. Miiskin also offers personalized compounded formulas with up to five active ingredients based on your skin’s needs. After an online consultation, the dermatologist prescribes a tailored combination of active ingredients. While Miiskin itself does not dispense the medication, it works with online compounding pharmacies that prepare and ship the treatment directly to you.
Can you get generic medications via Dermatica?
No. Dermatica does not dispense standard generic medications; their focus is on custom formulations only.
Can you get generic medications via Miiskin?
Yes. Depending on your dermatologist’s assessment and your preference, Miiskin can also prescribe generic medications (such as tretinoin or oral treatments), which are then filled through any local pharmacies.
Can you get oral medications for common skin problems via Dermatica?
No — Dermatica does not provide oral prescription medications. Their services are focused exclusively on topical, personalized prescription skincare formulas.
Can you get oral medications for common skin problems via Miiskin?
Yes — Miiskin does provide oral medications where medically appropriate. Miiskin allows dermatologists to prescribe oral and topical medications through a local or online pharmacy.
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