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The future of dermatology has arrived.
The apps mentioned in this article use facial recognition technology. If you choose to use them, we encourage you to research each site’s privacy policy to understand how your information will be stored and used.
While these apps are useful for minor to moderate skin care concerns, more serious concerns like mole checks should be done in-person.
Skin care tech is having a moment. A big one.
With major skin care companies making their entrance into the tech space, and higher demand for interactive, virtual experiences, the shift to a “tech-first” economy has rejuvenated the industry.
New developments like 3D makeup and regimens customized by artificial intelligence (AI) are about to change skin care as we know it.
I remember hearing rumors about virtual try-on apps, AI skin care solutions, and telemedicine services before they actually came to be. We’ve seen the possibilities of a futuristic utopia on our TV screens. Movies like “Zenon” and “The Fifth Element” gave us a glimpse of what that could look like.
With the rate that technology is advancing, we’re an arm’s reach away from this way of living.
I’m personally thrilled about the progression of skin care technology, and I’m jumping on the chance to try the apps that are out there.
One of my latest obsessions? Teledermatology.
With telemedicine, we can access healthcare services from anywhere that has Wi-Fi if we have a computer or mobile device.
This constitutes a significant shift for the health landscape. Although it can’t replace in-person care, telemedicine is a convenient solution for appointments that don’t require physical attendance.
I’m overdue for a trip to the dermatologist and telemedicine is solving that problem.
Expert advice can be the difference between a good skin care routine and a not-so-stellar one.
If you’re searching for an expert’s opinion about your skin care needs, look no further. I’ve curated a list of skin care apps where you can receive just that.
Curology
Price: After 30-day trial, monthly shipments for $19.95 ($4.95 S&H) up to $59.90 for shipments every 60 days (free S&H)
In the beginning of my acne journey, finding the right regimen felt like a chore. I’ve tried nearly all the popular skin care products out there. None of them could rid me of my dermatological problems.
I’d see promising results with a product at the beginning of use, but then the effectiveness would wear off weeks later.
I have yet to find a one-size-fits-all solution for my acne issues. That’s why I’m a fan of customized skin care treatments like Curology.
Curology’s not like other skin care apps that came before it. For one, you’re not limited to communicating with a machine. You get a custom-tailored experience with a real person.
Curology connects you with an actual dermatologist who provides you with one-on-one care, performs a proper assessment of your skin care condition, and advises you on regimens that work best for your skin type.
After signing up for a subscription, the platform asked me to upload selfies that my dermatologist could use to evaluate my skin. I also received a treatment timeline with more details on what to expect in the following weeks, including check-in dates with my provider and the anticipated arrival date of my regimen.
You can also order prescribed treatment plans (designed by your assigned dermatologist) through the platform. If your skin shows gradual signs of improvement, your provider may adjust the prescription as time progresses.
When my journey began with Curology, I was first prompted to answer a questionnaire. It included questions about my preexisting skin care woes to deliver the ingredients that may work best to treat them.
After completing the questionnaire, Curology invited me to personalize my “Curology set,” including their cleanser, a customized formula that’s based on my needs, and their moisturizer.
I loved the fact that they included me in the planning stages of my regimen and the overall transparency of the setup process.
It’s also helpful to be able to message my dermatologist through the platform. This way I can keep track of our dialogues on one thread. One downside is that you can’t speak with your dermatologist face-to-face. This is something that I’m still getting used to.
SkyMD
Price: Free
- iPhone rating: 5
- Android rating: 5
Have skin care concerns that you can’t quite pinpoint? A visit to your local dermatologist might not be necessary. In fact, information can sometimes be the only thing you need.
That’s where telehealth apps like SkyMD can come in handy.
When seeking medical advice on a professional scale, I prefer to have more than one opinion. SkyMD makes it easy to shop around, with dermatology services that are completely remote and simple to access.
Licensed dermatologists are always on standby to discuss your skin care concerns. Accessible 24/7, they’re available to chat whenever it’s convenient for you.
Musely
Price: Free
Musely Face-Rx offers prescription skin care at your fingertips.
It’s similar to Curology in that you can order their treatments online, but what’s unique about the app is its eNurse check-up program, which allows you to monitor your treatment results by submitting “progress selfies.” I love this feature!
At the click of a button, you can also get one-on-one advice from professional dermatologists.
Musely also gives you a chronological overview of your treatment results, which helps me remember to celebrate the small wins (and is also a reminder that skin care success is a marathon, not a sprint).
First Derm
Price: Free
A lot of people are shy about their skin conditions. If this is you, First Derm might be a good option. You can consult with a dermatologist under complete anonymity.
Here’s how it works: You send two close-up photos of your skin condition to one of the app’s dermatologists, who then gets back to you within 24 hours. It’s a commitment-free way to get an expert opinion.
Of course, you’ll likely want to follow up in person to make sure your virtual derm doesn’t miss anything that’s difficult to see on a screen. If you have a serious skin issue, definitely see an in-person dermatologist or your doctor.
Amwell
Price: Free
Diet can play a huge role in the health of our skin. As someone who has sensitive skin and a laundry list of allergies, I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
I suffer from breakouts — some major and some minor — when I eat potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, pineapples, and mangoes. Yeah, it’s a bummer.
It’s one thing to know what you’re allergic to and what you should and shouldn’t eat. It’s another thing to have accountability that can help you stick to a healthy diet. For that reason, dermatology and nutritional counseling go hand-in-hand for me.
That’s why I’m a big fan of Amwell — you can work with a dietitian and a dermatologist to tackle all your health-related questions.
And it couldn’t be easier: After registering with Amwell, I was offered a selection of nutritional counseling providers to choose from and was able to schedule an appointment with the provider I chose right then and there.
Their services generally mirror what you can expect from an in-office visit. The biggest difference (and perk) was that I could communicate with my nutritionist over video. Then I could chat with a dermatologist on the same platform right afterward.
It’s clear that telemedicine is shaking up the medical industry.
With customized skin care regimens, personalized progress tracking, and the ease of seeing multiple provider types all in one place, the future of dermatology has arrived.
Johnaé De Felicis is a writer, wanderer, and wellness junkie from California. She covers a variety of topics that are relevant to the health and wellness space, from mental health to natural living.