If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, then you know skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Just because your bestie had a great experience with one product doesn't mean your skin will love or react the same to that product. Thankfully, personalized skincare popularity has been increasing over the years, which makes it quick and easy (and cheaper!) to find products perfect for your skin. Read on to learn about the different ways that companies are personalizing skincare treatments. 

Personalization by product recommendations

A dermatologist's visit is a form of customized skincare where a professional evaluates your skin and recommends products for your specific skincare needs. Not all of us have the time and budget to get a personalized skincare regimen from a dermatologist or skincare specialist, though. However, personalized skincare companies are bringing this personalization to your smartphone, making it easier and cheaper to find products for your skincare needs.

Most companies with this choice know it can be overwhelming to find which product fits your exact skin needs when there are hundreds of options. To make it easier, skin quizzes are used to narrow down your skin type and recommend products that are made to address those specific skin concerns. Other companies employ more tech-savvy analyses like a face scan, pH, or moisture test before providing product recommendations.

Personalized formulations 

Other skincare companies, like Dermala, personalize your products by altering the ingredients in your personalized formulation, which is especially useful when searching for acne medication. There are a handful of FDA-approved ingredients for the over-the-counter treatment of acne, including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur when used in specific concentration ranges.

Dermala uses a skin quiz to determine your skin type, type of acne, and acne severity. From there, the concentration of the active ingredients is altered depending on your skin type and needs. For example, suppose you have sensitive skin but moderate, inflammatory acne. In that case, your personalized regimen will consist of starting month 1 at a low concentration of salicylic acid and the SE Microbiome Complex to prevent irritation and allow your skin to adapt to the treatment. During months 2 and 3 the concentration of these ingredients will increase to better unclog pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, and support beneficial skin bacteria.

Personalized consumer experiences 

Dermala and other skincare companies also provide a personalized consumer experience to address your skincare woes. Many outside factors including hair and skincare products used, diet, daily habits, and stress can contribute to breakouts when dealing with acne. The Dermala Acne Tracker app allows you to take weekly pictures and track what products and daily habits could be contributing to your acne. Other skincare trackers will do a similar analysis for anti-aging concerns or remind you to apply SPF or hydrate for skin health.