When it comes to custom skincare, many people think of personalized products. But what if we told you there’s more to it than just tailor-made products? Personalized skincare is about having a dermatology expert on your team to answer questions you have about your custom skincare routine. 

It’s where professional dermatology meets personalized advice. 

A custom routine gives you tailor-made benefits

Whether your skin concerns include hyperpigmentation, breakouts, fine lines, or rosacea, personalized skincare often offers more than most over-the-counter products. You get to know the ingredients in your products without having to do the research on your own. Why? Because you can reach out to your dermatology provider and ask. They are there for you to discuss your formula and routine. And this puts you where you belong—in the driver’s seat. 

Not all customized skincare brands are the same. Some provide customized formulas based on your skin type and skin condition. Others, like Curology, pair you with a licensed skincare professional who will develop a treatment plan for and with you. 

Your dermatology provider will evaluate your skin and ask questions about your lifestyle, environment, and skincare goals. They’ll curate a program designed for your skin, so you can start your routine right. Because your formula is made for you, it's not stuffed full of unnecessary ingredients—just the good stuff designed to work for your unique skin. 

It helps you stay up to date with your skincare needs

With a personalized skincare regimen, you have the privilege of being able to reach out to your provider to discuss tweaking your formula or routine at any time. This is especially beneficial as your skin naturally changes over time! If needed, you’ll also be able to make adjustments during life events, like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Personalized skincare can be especially beneficial for transgender patients who might be experiencing huge shifts in hormone levels. Changes in hormones can sometimes lead to unwanted skin changes like acne.¹ 

Remember, one of the major perks of personalized skincare is that it gives you direct access to licensed experts whenever you have questions. They’re there for you—so use them! 

Why do I need a custom skincare routine?

Everyone’s skin is different, with different needs. This means that one person’s skin may react very differently than someone else’s to the same product. Most over-the-counter products cast a wide net, using a range of active ingredients. But your skin doesn’t necessarily need that. More is not always better—specific care is. And that’s what a customized skincare routine is all about. 

Our experts develop customized skincare routines after you take a skincare questionnaire, which involves sharing your medical history, selfies of your skin, and your skin goals. They also tap the latest skincare research to create customized skincare products to address where your skin is right now.

Affordable custom skincare is about building trust in your dermatology expert to formulate products that work without sacrificing quality! Just know, it is possible to have clearer skin without combing through hundreds of cleansers, serums, oils, moisturizers, and other skincare products lining the shelves of your local drugstore. 

It’s easy as 1, 2, 3

A one-size-fits-all approach can mean mixing and matching products to get the skincare ingredients you need. But toners, serums, exfoliants, and masks are all optional. Proven skincare can be as simple as three easy steps in the morning and before bed. It really is that easy to be effective. Science has shown that improving the appearance of your skin has a beneficial effect on how you feel about yourself.² So, let’s make it easy: 

Your morning routine:

1. Cleanse. Whether morning or night, washing your face is an essential first step. Use lukewarm water to wet your face before applying a gentle cleanser. Rinse and pat dry. 

2. Moisturize. Hydration is important to keep your skin plump and supple. Some of the best moisturizers have humectants to draw water to your skin and emollients to seal it in. And, of course, it’s often helpful to use moisturizers formulated for your specific skin type—oily, dry, or combination. 

3. Protect. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is a must! It’s your best defense against harmful UV rays. Apply 15 minutes before leaving the house and at least every two hours throughout the day.

And at night:

1. Cleanse. Day or night, you need to start with a clean slate. Consider using micellar water before cleansing if you’re wearing stubborn makeup. It’s super powerful—and gentle—for removing waterproof makeup. 

2. Treat. Use your treatment lotion, cream, or gel at night so it can work its magic while you sleep. Many have exfoliants, retinoids, or other reparative ingredients like vitamin C, whether it’s a personalized Curology formula or a store-bought product. These ingredients have a variety of benefits including increasing cell turnover and clearing dead skin cells from deep inside your pores. Ingredients like retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) may also leave your skin more sensitive to UV rays, which is why they should only be used at night.

3. Moisturize. Just as your daytime routine incorporates moisturizer, so does your nighttime routine. 

We get a lot of questions about toner and whether micellar water is a toner. Micellar water is a rockstar at removing makeup, but it’s not generally considered a toner. Some toners contain alcohol that makes your skin feel tight and dry—they may actually suck up water. It’s a misconception that acne-prone skin needs to be toned. In fact, drying out your skin using the wrong toner may lead to more breakouts. Keeping your skin properly hydrated is one of your best defenses. Just another reason why personalized routines are the future of skincare!

A guided process, every step of the way

You don’t need to comb the shelves and endlessly research custom skincare reviews on Google. There’s a better way! The goal of a customized skincare routine is to work toward achieving the best results for your skin without the headache. Curology’s licensed dermatology providers will be with you every step of the way. Checking in on your progress and updating your formula has never been easier! 

Plus, we’re here to cheer you on as your skin adjusts to your personalized prescription formula. 

Curology: Personalized full-service skincare 

Many of our customers experience clearer skin within two to three months. But it’s not just the ingredients that matter. It’s knowing how to use the products and fine-tuning a personalized skincare routine. That’s what we’re all about. Our goal is to combine clinically proven ingredients with personalized guidance by a licensed dermatology provider to give you results without the guesswork. 

Work with a brand you can trust to get what you need at an affordable price. Our commitment to you is to create a personalized routine for your skin. 

So, join the 95% who see their acne improve in 12 weeks!** 

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Your first month’s on us. You’ll be paired with a dermatology provider who will formulate a personalized prescription formula to address your specific needs as well as make other product recommendations from our lineup like the acne body wash. During your first month, you can try those for free, along with Curology’s cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen to round out your skincare routine. Get the most from your trial by asking questions—we’re here for you. The best part? It’s all delivered right to your doorstep.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Motosko, C.C., et al. Acne: A side-effect of masculinizing hormonal therapy in transgender patients.British Journal of Dermatology. (January 2019). 

2. Zhang, L., et al. The impact of routine skin care on quality of life.Cosmetics. (2020).

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary. 

**In a clinical trial of 150 Curology patients. Self-reported. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Nicole Hangsterfer, PA-C