Online dermatologists are now a thing–would you give it a try?

I often get quite a few skincare related questions from my beauty-loving readers, so today, I’m really excited to share my [totally un-sponsored] opinion on something that’s really been a game-changer for my skin.

This isn’t something you’d typically see on my Instagram or elsewhere on social media, as the topic of adult acne isn’t exactly thrilling to read about (DEFINITELY not cool to look at, which, if we’re being honest, is why I don’t show things like “before or after” photos)–but, I know many of you go through the same struggles as I do, so I really like to be open about the process of clearing up my skin, what’s worked for me and what hasn’t!

Specifically, I still really struggle with breakouts on the sides of my face. I don’t know if it’s hormonal, or what, but it just doesn’t. Go. Away. I’ve also had issues with my forehead and chin, too–but those have thankfully been more few and far between.

Another thing: I’m self-employed, so let’s be honest–my insurance could be defined as absolute robbery. I’ve been back and forth with so many dermatologists, and honestly just got fed up paying an arm and a leg for appointments and prescriptions that didn’t work.

I would go through months, often, where I would only wear my hair down, because it would disguise the bad breakouts on the sides of my face. (How many photos of me have you seen with my hair up? Not many, now that you think about it, huh?)

I tried Proactiv awhile back (more on that here), which got my skin about 75% of the way there, but not quite. Then, after several months of use, the sides of my face were back to flaring up just like before. I tried weirdo light face-masks (which totally work, by the way, I need to order another one–but it’s a pain to continue to use them on a regular basis because…I’m lazy), exfoliation and sonic facial brushes, deep cleansing masks, and those things help a lot, too, but nothing really made my skin completely clear.

While it’s been some time since I ruled out dermatologists, several months ago, I got an email from a local Chicago dermatologist named Alex, and his business partner, Steve. They had created a startup called Dermacare.

Essentially, it’s a website that takes the place of an in-person dermatologist appointment. Patients fill out a questionnaire and upload a series of selfies, which are examined by a professional dermatologist. Problems are diagnosed, with a custom medication made for each patient–mixed into one formula, (I really love this part) with a moisturizer.

The price is really appealing too–$20 per month, or $90 per bottle–your choice! (This works out especially great for those who are self employed and have AWFUL expensive insurance. I speak from experience-haha!)

After a couple of weeks or months, you can upload a new series of selfies as your complexion improves or changes, and your prescription can be tweaked to further optimize your skin.

They can treat all kinds of issues–mainly acne (ranging from very minor to severe), anti-aging, rosacea, and so on. (However, please note, this is not meant to take the place of a doctors checkup for skin cancer!)

Anyway, total transparency–they asked if I’d like to test out their product, no strings attached.  I was upfront in the fact that I didn’t have high hopes because no prescription product had helped me previously, and that I don’t cover things on my blog that I’m not wholeheartedly enthusiastic about. This being understood, I uploaded my selfies, and a product was mixed especially for me.

At first, like any acne medication, my skin got REALLY dry. But it didn’t take too terribly long for my skin to get used to it. After that period of dryness, I just woke up one morning and was like WOAH. (But during this dryness phase, I highly recommend Glossier’s Moon Mask for hydration, and Bareminerals Complexion Rescue–which is a tinted hydrating gel cream I use as a base–it doesn’t make your makeup flake off.)

Fast forward to now, and it has worked better than any other prescription I’ve ever used. For example, this summer, I left my makeup bag in a hotel in Indianapolis, thus, stopped using it for awhile, and WOW it showed. I hadn’t even realized how well it had been working until I was reminded of what my skin was like without it.

Overall, it is much, MUCH better. My forehead, cheeks, and chin are really smooth. Like, I don’t even need makeup on them smooth, and my day-to-day coverage has become the tinted complexion rescue without the need of heavy foundation. (Which hasn’t happened since…ever?) The sides of my face are more clear than they’ve ever been. Yes, we’re still working on clearing them up totally, but we’ve come a LONG way, and I’m so thankful for this product/service/whatever we’re calling it.

Anyway, if you’ve struggled with the process of working with a dermatologist to clear up your skin in the past, definitely give Dermacare a try! (Please let me know if you do, I want to know what you think!)

It sounds silly–but being confident enough to wear my hair up again is a really, really good feeling.

If you have any questions about Dermacare or any other skincare questions in general, leave them in the comments below! (And no–again, this wasn’t sponsored, I just love this product!)