The skin is the largest organ in the body. It covers our skeletal system and (along with our fat and muscle tissue) protects our organs. Yet, it’s often one of the most overlooked body parts when it comes to health care.
Our skin comes in contact with everything we do, including pollution, wind, rain, sun, heavy metals, and even harsh perfumes and dyes. Basically, we put our skin through a lot.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to treat common skin conditions (like dry skin and acne) as well as more serious ones (like melasma and cancer) both online and in-person.
At-Home Skin Care Vs. In-Person Dermatologist
When it comes to skincare, there are two different types of professionals that can diagnose and treat conditions: estheticians and dermatologists. Traditionally, both these professionals only offered services in-person but can now treat patients online, too.
What Is a Dermatologist?
Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions — though they mostly focus on the skin. Of the thousands of conditions that dermatologists treat, just a few include acne, eczema, skin imbalances, melasma, cancer, and wrinkles.
Unlike estheticians (that provide waxing and facial services), dermatologists have a medical degree and can prescribe medications and perform outpatient surgeries.
Most dermatologists work with patients in-person, though many are now starting to offer services online, too. Many doctors can diagnose a skin condition through an oral questionnaire, medical history, and photos.
What Is At-Home Skin Care?
At-home skincare is a new(ish) service offered to patients that need more personalized skincare but don’t need to see a dermatologist regularly in person.
There are two types of at-home skincare: digital skincare clinics and personalized skincare.
Digital skincare clinics are often staffed by dermatologists that can write prescriptions and offer advice. Some digital clinics even fill your prescription for you and mail your products to your home.
These clinics often offer a virtual consultation or consultation via email.
How Personalized Skin Care Works
Unlike digital clinics and dermatologists, personalized skincare companies can diagnose your skin conditions simply through a questionnaire or quiz. Answer each question honestly and thoroughly to get your results.
Skincare experts will review your results and create a personalized custom serum.
Just a few examples of some of the largest personalized skincare companies include Proven, Curology, and Skinsei.
These skincare companies can offer personalized treatments without the high price tag that’s usually associated with a dermatologist.
Common Skin Care Conditions
Since the skin is so interconnected with every other organ in the body, imbalances can show up easily on all layers of the dermis. Some of the below conditions are, in fact, conditions, while others are simply symptoms of other issues.
The most common skincare conditions include:
Skin Care Products
If your skin condition isn’t too serious, it can probably be remedied through topical skincare products. The most common skincare products include:
- Cleansers
- Serums
- Moisturizers
- Spot treatments
- Masques
Cleansers are often formulated for daily use (for the morning or evening or both). They usually combat oily, dry, or combination skin. Sometimes they can be used to treat acne or eczema.
Moisturizers are also for daily use; some are for general use, while others are for night or day use. Some also contain SPF or offer other protection from the wind, elements, or pollutants.
Serums are also usually created for daily use, but they’re often only for use at night or during the day. These products can penetrate deep into the dermis layers and balance a wide variety of skin issues.
Spot treatments are applied only to the affected areas, such as the cheeks, forehead, chin, or t-zone. Some spot treatments are also formulated for the body.
Masques can be used once a week or every few days to provide added relief or balance to the skin.
Where to Get Online Skin Care
Right now, you can get online skincare through both digital clinics and personalized skincare companies. These companies mail treatments to your home and usually offer free follow-ups and messaging.
Digital clinics that offer treatment for acne, wrinkles, eczema, and other issues include:
- Lemonaid
- Musely
- Roman
- Rory
- Wisp
Lemonaid
Lemonaid offers at-home treatments for acne. Online skincare specialists charge $90 for three months of medication. All customers get a free benzoyl peroxide with their medications.
The platform also prescribes antibiotics and topical medications. Shipping is free, and products come in discreet packaging. Simply answer a few health questions and upload photos to get your diagnosis and treatment.
Musely
Musely specializes in a large list of skin conditions, including:
- Acne
- Age spots
- Chest skin
- Crepey skin
- Droopy eyelids
- Dull skin
- Fine lines
- Melasma
- Neck skin
- Pores size
- Sunspots
- Wrinkles
- Dark spots
Simply choose your condition (or treatment if you know what you need) and fill out a questionnaire. A doctor will diagnose you and approve your prescription.
Roman
Roman offers personalized skin treatment for men. Just some of the conditions Roman treats include:
- Acne
- Aging skin
- Eczema
- Dark spots
This platform offers free follow-ups and answers any questions you may have. It also specializes in other men’s health issues, such as cold sores, erectile dysfunction, and hair loss.
Rory
Rory is the sister company to Roman. Just like the men’s health platform, this online women’s health center treats a wide range of conditions and symptoms.
When it comes to skincare, its doctors specialize in treating the following conditions:
- Acne
- Aging skin
- Eczema
- Dark spots
It offers free assessments, personalized blends, and free follow-ups.
Wisp
Wisp specializes specifically in skin infections, making it the only provider on this list to do so.
In addition to cold sores, Wisp also treats the following conditions:
If you need help with acne, skin infections, dry skin, or any other condition related to the skin, we recommend checking out one of the providers on this list. Most offer free consultations and free follow-ups, so there’s no risk.