Why prescription skincare changes the game

Results you can measure

In Curology’s own clinical testing of the Curology Personalized System, the difference is clear: in a clinical trial of 150 patients, 90.5% reported improvement in their acne after three weeks, and higher rates of improvement were reported at later time points. Of course, results may vary from person to person, but 87% of dermatologists agree prescription acne treatments work better than OTC options.* 

Why prescriptions often outperform over-the-counter treatments

There are two practical reasons why prescription care may generally outperform generic over-the-counter (OTC) products:

Access to more clinically proven active ingredients.

Some of the most effective topical acne treatments (for example, tretinoin) are only available by prescription and may act faster and offer greater improvements than many OTC retinoids. Our compounded prescription formulas contain multiple active ingredients, such as tretinoin, and are designed to maximize efficacy while minimizing effort. At Curology, we believe that the prescription combination treatments we offer can be more efficacious than traditional therapy with a single ingredient.

Personalization and clinical oversight.

Personalized prescription regimens, such as Curology’s Rx products, are tailored to your skin by a licensed provider, who can combine several active ingredients at the right strength for your unique skin, and adjust the formula as your needs change over time — something generic over-the-counter products can’t offer. With Curology, you also have direct contact with your medical provider to ask questions and make changes so your formula evolves with your skin. 

What “prescription” means for your routine (and your wallet)

Prescription care such as Curology may seem more expensive, but consider what it replaces: multiple doctor visits, separate co-pays, and trial-and-error purchases of generic products that don’t address root causes or individual concerns. One prescription product might replace multiple products in a routine to help simplify and reduce overall spending on one’s skincare regimen.

Who benefits most — and how to get started

Prescription skincare can be especially valuable if you:

• Have persistent or moderate acne that hasn’t responded to generic over-the-counter products.

• Want a targeted approach (for example, combining a prescription topical retinoid with other active ingredients to address multiple concerns at once).

• Prefer having a clinician who can monitor your progress, offer personalized guidance,  and adjust treatment as needed.

Practical tips for combining Rx and over-the-counter products

• Use prescription formulas as directed by your provider. They’ll tell you when and how to layer other products like moisturizers and sunscreens.

• Don’t stack too many exfoliating or active ingredients at once; let your provider guide additions.

• Use gentle, barrier-supporting cleansers and moisturizers to help reduce irritation while maximizing treatment tolerance.

Prescription Skincare FAQ

What makes prescription skincare different from OTC products?

Curology’s prescription skincare model can help take the guesswork out of determining which ingredients and products may be right for your specific skin concerns and unique medical history. Working with a licensed dermatology provider who can take all of this into consideration and examine the patient’s skin before prescribing active ingredients helps to optimize their routine.

Prescription products are also used under the guidance of a medical provider who can adjust the prescription strength and ingredients as one’s skin and skin goals change with time. 

How effective is prescription skincare?

In a clinical trial of 150 Curology patients, 90.5% saw improvement in their acne at 3 weeks, with 95% seeing clearer skin by week 12.

Results vary by individual. Your provider will help you understand expected timelines for your specific concerns.

Who should consider prescription skincare?

Prescription skincare is valuable if you have:

• Persistent acne unresponsive to OTC products

• Multiple skin concerns requiring combined active ingredients

• Need for clinical monitoring and formula adjustments

Can I use prescription skincare with other products?

Yes, with provider guidance. Use prescription formulas as directed and avoid stacking multiple active ingredients without consultation. Pair with gentle cleansers and moisturizers to support your skin barrier.

How long until I see results?

Many patients don't see improvement until weeks 6-8, though some may start seeing results as early as 3 weeks. 

Your medical provider can adjust your formula if necessary to go for more improvement.

Will I experience “purging?”

Topical acne treatments increase the exfoliation of skin cells, which can lead to clogged pores and cause a temporary acne flare. If this occurs, we typically see it in the first 1-2 weeks. This lasts between 2-8 weeks, with improvements seen a few weeks later.

What about skin irritation?

Topical retinoids such as tretinoin can cause temporary irritation, including burning, scaling, or dermatitis. It can also be normal to experience temporary dryness or flaking when adjusting to other topical acne treatments.

Your provider can adjust your formula and offer personalized guidance to help your skin adjust.

Source: PMC - Retinoids in Treatment of Skin Aging

Do I need an in-person dermatologist visit?

Not with Curology! Certain dermatologic conditions can be diagnosed and managed effectively via telemedicine. Complete a quick yet comprehensive skin quiz and upload photos for a licensed medical provider to review and prescribe your personalized formula, if appropriate. Ongoing communication with your dermatology provider is available without office visits from the comfort of your phone or computer.

Subject to medical consultation. Subscription required. Restrictions apply. 

*Based on a third-party survey of 251 Dermatologists in October 2025

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Elise Griffin, PA-C