Home FamilyKids & Teens Hoping For Clear Skin w/ Custom Teenage Acne Treatment from Curology

Hoping For Clear Skin w/ Custom Teenage Acne Treatment from Curology

by TerriAnn
Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology - teen putting on cream

There are plenty of things I miss from my teenage years but having acne all over my face is not one of them. There, I said it. I had a ton of pimples as a teen and I am so happy I don’t have to deal with that anymore. I mean, I still get the occasional blemishes and small breakouts around “that” time. But, it’s nothing like it was when I was younger. It was horrible and, no matter what I tried, my skin wouldn’t clear up. You can imagine the pain I felt inside when my daughter started to break out and the search for an effective teenage acne treatment began.

The Struggles of Teenage Acne

Now, unlike me, my daughter didn’t pick her zits (which can spread bacteria). She never used foundation on her skin either. Yet, even when left alone, the acne kept multiplying. We tried so many different cleansers, toners, scrubs, masks, creams, lotions, and strips that we lost count. At one point, she kind of gave up. She went back using a gentle cleanser 1-2 times per day and could only hope the acne would go away by itself. It didn’t. Not only was her forehead like an explosion but her nose was full of blackheads. Even her cheeks had clogged, enlarged pores. Poor baby! 🙁

(FYI, none of the photos in this post are edited, aside from some lighting, so you can see actual results.)

Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology - initial skin condition

A company called Curology reached out to me at the beginning of summer. Basically, you send them photos of your skin. Then, a board certified dermatology provider examines those and creates a custom formula to treat your issues. Along the way, he or she can adjust the ingredients as needed. I know skin is more sensitive to the sun when using acne medicine. So, since we had a trip to Hawaii coming up, we decided to hold off on signing up for the service until after we returned home.

Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology

Trying Curology Custom Acne Treatment

When we got back, I input our information, noted the conditions we were concerned most about, and uploaded a few photos. I accidentally put my birthdate in and not my daughter’s so I had to contact customer service. I didn’t want the formula to be for my 38-year-old skin (though Curology can treat adult acne too). I sent a message and later that day I received a response that the information had been adjusted. Such a quick response!

The onboarding process was simple and done in a flash. We received a text message to confirm our order, one to notify us of a message from our assigned dermatology provider, tips for starting Curology acne treatment, and when our bottle was on its way. About a week later, we received our first shipment.

Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology - first bottle shipment

Before my daughter started using the treatment, I made sure she read up on how to use it. Curology makes this SUPER simple. They sent an email with two steps to follow in the morning and two steps to follow before going to sleep. There are also nine online guides. These describe different skin conditions, how to deal with them, and how other factors such as diet and birth control can affect things. Each guide only takes a few minutes to read, totaling to a little more than a half hour. With that information in her head and the Curology bottle in her hand, she was ready to go.

Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology - online guides

Does Curology Work for Teenage Acne?

At first, we didn’t see any difference. While her skin wasn’t improving yet, it was a good sign that her skin wasn’t having an adverse reaction to the formula. Each week, we received a text and email to upload updated photos. A new feature allows patients to take photos with their cell phone and send them via text message. This is very convenient when you don’t have time (or the equipment) to get out a big camera and upload them on the computer. We haven’t taken advantage of it yet but there is also an active online community. Other Curology patients can share concerns, stories, or progress with each other for moral support.

Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology - week 1, eye liner and mascara but no other makeup

My daughter did experience some breakouts, sensitivity, and dryness starting around week 2. The guides touched on this and gave suggestions to remedy the condition. She mixed in moisturizer and began using the cream every other night instead of daily. I emailed the dermatology provider to make sure this was okay. She assured me that this was normal and said that improvements wouldn’t show until about eight weeks of use. I was supposed to send new photos but I forgot.

By week 4, the dryness got better. This time I did send photos and, after examining them, the dermatology provider said my daughter could start using the formula every night in another few weeks. She also asked how the blackheads were doing and recommended some over-the-counter treatments to use in addition to the Curology acne treatment.

Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology - dermatology provider messages

Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology - week 6

At week 6, she started to use the cream every night again. Breakouts were fewer between and the pores seemed to be shrinking. Munchkin’s forehead is much clearer and the blackheads are not as numerous or pronounced. She still gets 1-2 clogged pores on her cheeks every now and then but the oil pretty much slides out on its own.

We’re nearing our eighth week and, I have to say, things are headed in the right direction. She still has to be careful around certain areas like under her nose, though, due to dryness. I might ask our dermatology provider if the formula needs to be adjusted. Curology can also prescribe oral medication in severe cases but I don’t think my daughter’s case is that bad.

Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology - week 8, eye liner and mascara but no other makeup

We still have another month to go on our trial period (the usual trial period is one month but we received three for this review). As we are seeing positive results thus far, I hope things continue this way. I’m just so happy that she doesn’t have to suffer the embarrassment of having a “zit face” anymore! Oh, and this reminds me that I’m way overdue on uploading new photos…

Curology Custom Adult or Teenage Acne Treatment

The experience we have had with Curology acne treatment has been a positive good one. I was pretty nervous to try it since it involves my daughter’s sensitive skin. Fortunately, it has worked out nicely. It’s not a miracle treatment but it has been the most effective on her teenage acne so far. The notifications via text message are helpful and timely, as are the tips included. Oh, and having such easy access to a dermatology provider is amazing! It really feels like we have our own personal medical team assisting us through the process and rooting for her success. I can’t wait to see how her skin improves!

If you’d like to a free trial of Curology for you or your teen and to see more real life examples, visit Curology’s official site here. Thanks to the generosity of the brand, one of my readers will win a ONE YEAR subscription of Curology. That’s a value of $240! Enter below!

 
Custom teenage acne treatment w/ Curology

This is a sponsored post and product was provided to share our honest experience. All opinions are my own.

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122 comments

Abigail Gibson August 31, 2017 - 7:51 pm

Oily skin has always been an issue. But I am leary of using any kind of chemicals. Prefer natural and more holistic alternatives.

Pam Philebar September 4, 2017 - 9:43 pm

Hi I’m concerned with acnevand scarring, thanks

Marian August 31, 2017 - 9:07 pm

PCOS for my teen.

Ashley C September 1, 2017 - 4:48 am

I”m definitely concern with acne and blackheads. Acne scarring as well! Curology sounds amazing!

Jennifer Oppel September 1, 2017 - 7:03 am

I took isotretinoin (accutane) a few years ago and was “cured” of severe cystic acne. Now some acne has slowly resurfaced. Not as bad as before but as an adult it is not fun to still be dealing with. I am concerned about oily skin with breakouts and scarring.

TerriAnn September 18, 2017 - 9:11 am

I’m glad you found something to help at one point but we all hope acne is part of our past as we reach adulthood!

Gina Ferrell September 1, 2017 - 7:20 am

I have oily skin and concerned with some blackheads.

Tracy Davis September 1, 2017 - 8:43 am

My biggest concern is the acne.

Azeem Isaahaque September 1, 2017 - 4:07 pm

I am concerned about my acne and clogged pores

kim keithline September 1, 2017 - 4:36 pm

I am most concerned with large pores

.Christine L September 1, 2017 - 5:13 pm

I have greasy but dry skin, clogged pores, scarring & mild acne

Christina Graham September 1, 2017 - 7:08 pm

I am mostly concerned about acne and blackheads for my pre-teen, but also for me. Poor thing inherited my acne prone skin.

Allyson Tice September 1, 2017 - 10:44 pm

I am concerned about blackheads and clogged pores for my teenage son. I also worry about his “under” skin acne as well. seems he gets it once or twice a month on his chin!

Wendy R. September 1, 2017 - 11:13 pm

I have a son who struggles with some acne. He’d love to try this!

Richard Hicks September 2, 2017 - 6:03 am

I am still concerned with acne even after all these years

Irene C. September 2, 2017 - 6:08 am

I’m concerned about acne and scarring.

Char September 2, 2017 - 6:45 am

I am always concerned about scars, thank you so much!!

Lisa A September 2, 2017 - 8:24 am

For myself redness (rosacea) and for my teen acne and breakouts are my biggest concerns.

Kevin P September 2, 2017 - 8:56 am

Blackheads

accontests6 September 2, 2017 - 9:24 am

acne

monique s September 2, 2017 - 11:28 am

my biggest concern is acne

Tandi Cortez September 2, 2017 - 12:06 pm

My top concern is acne! My daughter has it and she does NOT like it! 🙂

heather s September 2, 2017 - 1:19 pm

I am most bothered by clogged pores. I have to be careful of the makeup I use as it clogs my pores easily.

TerriAnn September 18, 2017 - 9:12 am

I know what you mean. I use a mineral foundation but still have a few clogged pores and have to be sure to clean it all off before bed.

Claire September 2, 2017 - 2:13 pm

I have acne and very oily skin. I’m in my 30’s and I thought these conditions would have gone away by now, but unfortunately they haven’t!

TerriAnn September 18, 2017 - 9:13 am

Grr! That’s so frustrating! Having it as a teen is bad enough but when it doesn’t go away, it can be super frustrating!

Christy Peeples DuBois September 2, 2017 - 4:13 pm

I have extremely oily skin that is acne prone. I also have aging skin, lines and wrinkles.

Jamie Williams September 2, 2017 - 6:05 pm

I’m most concerned about my adult acne.

Jessica September 2, 2017 - 7:38 pm

My biggest concern is acne.

Kelley H September 2, 2017 - 8:48 pm

I’m woried most abput blackheads, clogged pores and scaring.

Michelle Coles September 2, 2017 - 8:55 pm

My biggest concern for my son is acne and scarring

Laurie Nykaza September 2, 2017 - 9:44 pm

I have such a problem with acne, & blackheads so this looks like it could really help with this problem.

Kyla Fugate September 3, 2017 - 1:07 am

I am most concerned about everything. I have had severe acne and nothing freaking works. Its not just on my face eother on my back and tushie. It is embarassing and terrible from blavkheads to huge hard pimples that are painful.

TerriAnn September 18, 2017 - 9:17 am

I’m so sorry! People who have had clear skin all their lives just don’t understand the physical and emotional scarring bad acne can cause. It can really be a major hit to your self-esteem and confidence! I hope Curology works for you. I used a randomizer to choose a winner for the giveaway but, if you don’t win, there’s still a free trial you can try.

Robin Blankenship September 3, 2017 - 6:42 am

My biggest issue is acne. I still have major breakouts.

Heather Manu September 3, 2017 - 9:17 am

Actually, my biggest skin concern is for my daughter who struggles with severe acne. We have tried so many things and been to the dermatologist so many times.

TerriAnn September 18, 2017 - 9:20 am

The poor thing. It’s even harder when it’s for teens because it can affect their emotional and mental growth. Plus, there’s always the worry that you’re damaging that young skin more than healing it. If you don’t win, I hope you can give the trial a try at least. It’s still helping my daughter but she still has to be mindful of dryness and using extra moisturizer in some parts. Given, hers wasn’t that bad. But, we still saw a different that washes and scrubs just made worse before.

Jenny Stanek September 3, 2017 - 11:04 am

My biggest problem is acne breakouts along my hairline and tons of blackheads

Ashley B. September 3, 2017 - 1:05 pm

Scarring!

Carrie McCarthy September 3, 2017 - 3:54 pm

my biggest problem is clogged pores and acne

Brynn Dexter September 3, 2017 - 8:24 pm

I would love to find a treatment for acne scars and blackheads

Crystal Gregg September 3, 2017 - 11:24 pm

Mostly clogged pores

Ally September 4, 2017 - 2:38 pm

Acne’s a big issue for me, primarily when it gets painful :/

joanna September 4, 2017 - 4:58 pm

acne along the jawlilne

Tom Bellamy September 4, 2017 - 5:07 pm

Aging is what I am concerned with.

Kelly McGrew September 5, 2017 - 8:55 am

I have cystic acne which is very painful and creates large bunps instead of smaller zits/whiteheads/etc. i would love to try something formulated for me to try to end this!

I also have a problem with blackheads on my nose that I’d love to get rid of ?

TerriAnn September 18, 2017 - 9:23 am

I didn’t realize that could cause so much pain! I really, really hope you are able to find something that helps at least lessen the symptoms of your condition. I do like the fact that you can go back and forth with the dermatology provider to monitor the condition and adjust the formula. If you don’t win, maybe the trial will be enough to see if it can help. It takes a few weeks to show effects and may get worse at first to clear out what’s in there. But, it’d be great if it helped your skin!

carol clark September 5, 2017 - 12:17 pm

scarring is mine main concern and blackheads and just uggg i wish my kids didnt have to go through this

TerriAnn September 18, 2017 - 9:23 am

When my daughter started to get acne, it made me so sad. It was rough for me and I didn’t want her to have to deal with it too. 🙁

Tiffany S September 5, 2017 - 3:21 pm

I am most concerned with acne and blackheads.

Terry September 5, 2017 - 4:33 pm

I am most concerned about acne and blackheads.

Linda Walker September 5, 2017 - 5:45 pm

Right now it’s breakouts, large pores and blackheads. Nothing seems to work.

Carrie H. September 5, 2017 - 6:13 pm

Tough call ! But like so many, oily skin and acne.

Darlene Carbajal September 5, 2017 - 6:46 pm

I have oily skin, big pores, scars, blackheads and dark spots.

Geraldine September 5, 2017 - 7:18 pm

Clogged/giant pores, blackheads, oily

Shannon Egan September 6, 2017 - 8:48 am

I worry about the scarring caused by the acne. That’s a lot harder to cover up in the long run. 🙁

Nikki September 6, 2017 - 10:54 am

my acne scars and blackheads are the worst.. and I always pick at my face because they bug me! By the looks of it, this stuff really clears that up! Thanks for sharing!

TerriAnn September 18, 2017 - 9:26 am

I’m a total picker so it was always hard for me to leave the pimples alone. It has helped her so far. It’s not a miracle cure. But, having a custom formula and a personal dermatology provider to walk you through it sure beats standing at the drug store and reading dozens of labels for over the counter treatments.

Jolene Johnson September 6, 2017 - 11:13 am

I’ve been struggling with painful adult acne for almost two years now. I see a dermatologist but it seems like whatever I’m using stops working after several months. It’s so frustrating!

Ashley Horner September 6, 2017 - 12:45 pm

I have pimples that I struggle with as an adult. My teenage son is starting to deal with a lot of break outs we are trying to get under control.

Josie R September 6, 2017 - 2:24 pm

I have oily skin and I have scarring left from when I was younger.

kelly woods September 6, 2017 - 6:57 pm

I am concerned with acne, scarring, blackheads. They all worry me. Thank you for the chance. Would love to try this.

Natalie yeoman September 6, 2017 - 8:21 pm

My problem is acne and blackheads

Em Mahr September 7, 2017 - 10:06 am

My biggest concern is acne

Angela Thorpe September 7, 2017 - 12:47 pm

My biggest concern is blackheads

Maryann D. September 7, 2017 - 2:54 pm

Scarring and clogged pores are a concern for my daughter.

DeAnna Keller September 10, 2017 - 4:54 pm

My biggest concern is scarring from chicken pox and acne.

Karley Moore September 11, 2017 - 10:21 am

I have some scarring. I am always looking for products that will help with that. Thanks for the giveaway!

Kristin McCall September 11, 2017 - 7:03 pm

My major problem is black heads.

amy stonger September 11, 2017 - 9:39 pm

My biggest skin concern is and has always been acne. I’ve been battling with it for more than 20 years.

Christy McMahon September 11, 2017 - 9:56 pm

I’m most concerned with acne, blackheads and clogged pores!!

deana September 12, 2017 - 4:44 am

I am most concerned with my pores.

Taryn T September 12, 2017 - 12:11 pm

My teenage son has large pimples, and I am concerned about possible scarring, and ways to treat his acne.

susan smoaks September 12, 2017 - 12:12 pm

i am most concerned with my big pores. i would love to get rid of them.

Sunnie September 12, 2017 - 1:46 pm

Acne for my teen daughter.

Kimmy Ripley September 12, 2017 - 3:41 pm

I get whiteheads on my chin. SO frustrating!

Oily nikki September 12, 2017 - 11:32 pm

Oily skin, always chasing a few zits around my face

Nicole C September 13, 2017 - 10:40 am

I am most concerned with acne.

BusyWorkingMama September 13, 2017 - 11:24 am

I’m concerned about blackheads and clogged pores.

kelly tupick September 13, 2017 - 1:28 pm

My biggest concern is scaring acne.

Leela September 13, 2017 - 7:39 pm

Clogged pores.

Lisa V. September 14, 2017 - 3:32 pm

Redness and scars.

Erica B. September 14, 2017 - 6:17 pm

My biggest concern is blackheads.

Jane McGregor September 14, 2017 - 8:31 pm

Crows feet!

Jen R September 15, 2017 - 1:23 pm

The skin condition I am most concerned with for me is sensitive skin and redness. For my teen sons they are dealing with blackheads and pimples pretty regularly now.

Amy Lee September 15, 2017 - 3:28 pm

I have always had a lot of acne problems… I was on accutane twice before I turned 14! Now at 27, my acne isn’t as bad but I still get hormonal breakouts and I have a lot of clogged pores.

Jodi Hassel September 15, 2017 - 5:19 pm

I am most concerned with large pores

Karen Behrman September 16, 2017 - 4:04 am

dry skin patches and acne

Lori Walker September 16, 2017 - 8:10 am

Blackheads 🙁

jeremy mclaughlin September 16, 2017 - 8:25 am

Oily skin

Cheryl VanBrunt September 16, 2017 - 9:29 am

Mostly blackheads and milia

Gabrielly September 16, 2017 - 10:19 am

My biggest concern is the acne.

Ed September 16, 2017 - 10:50 am

Irritation would be my concern.

Denise C September 16, 2017 - 11:45 am

I worry about clogged pores, black heads, and now milia.

Kathy Pease September 16, 2017 - 12:59 pm

I am most concerned with clogged pores

Stephanie Liske September 16, 2017 - 4:33 pm

I get acne as an adult, I also suffer from eczema.

Breanne September 16, 2017 - 5:06 pm

I’m concerned with post acne hyperpigmentation.

Renee Richardson September 16, 2017 - 5:24 pm

My main concern is scarring. Thanks for the amazing giveaway!

Michelle H. September 16, 2017 - 5:31 pm

For me, I am concerned about sun damage. One of my daughters has acne breakouts and this would be for her.

Laurie Emerson September 16, 2017 - 6:48 pm

I am most concerned with acne and scarring.

shawna September 16, 2017 - 8:40 pm

I’m concerned about acne and clogged pores.

Starla September 16, 2017 - 8:45 pm

Her skin looks so great! I am definitely concerned about scarring, clogged pores and blackheads. These products seem like they could help a great deal!

angela smith September 16, 2017 - 11:07 pm

I have acne and dark spots i am concerned about

Kayla Klontz September 17, 2017 - 8:03 am

My biggest concern is blackheads.

Breanna Pollard September 17, 2017 - 12:25 pm

i suffer with acne and scarring

Philip Lawrence September 17, 2017 - 12:39 pm

I am most concerned about scarring.

Eileen Boyce September 17, 2017 - 2:07 pm

Acne for my daughter.

Heather Dawn September 17, 2017 - 3:04 pm

I am concerned with acne and blackheads.

Amanda Lindsay Shearouse September 17, 2017 - 3:31 pm

Blackheads / pores.

jules September 17, 2017 - 3:33 pm

i am most concerned with oily skin and acne

Kathryn J September 17, 2017 - 4:01 pm

My biggest concern is acne.

S. Carter September 17, 2017 - 4:03 pm

Rosacea is my biggest concern. I also have an uneven tone. Thanks

Jennifer H. September 17, 2017 - 7:53 pm

I am most concerned with acne.

Trisha McKee September 17, 2017 - 8:19 pm

At my age, I’m most concerned about pores.

Janine H September 17, 2017 - 9:01 pm

I’m most c Ncerned with hyperpigmentation

sand September 17, 2017 - 9:08 pm

I have vitiligo and have to wear a lot of sunblock . Sunblock causes me to break out on occasion.

AEKZ2 September 17, 2017 - 9:59 pm

I’m most concerned with blackheads.

Lily Kwan September 17, 2017 - 11:52 pm

I am most concerned with acne.

Mikayla September 21, 2017 - 7:46 am

All three of my daughters were having acne problems and I found dermalmd serum on google and it’s worked awesome. We’ve been to the dermatologist several times and they always want to put them on an on going prescription which I don’t think is healthy. Dermalmd acne serum is a miracle worker and I’d highly recommend it.

TerriAnn September 27, 2017 - 11:03 am

Thanks for sharing and I’m glad they found something that worked for them!

Paige May 12, 2018 - 8:39 am

I’m so happy for your daughter! In addition to acne, this is also a great opportunity for those with aging skin like mine. I’m 49 and have skin damage from tanning in my younger days not to mention wrinkles and clogged pores. I’ve been using Curology for a month and have seen positive results! I started on tretinoin (Retin A), vitamin C, and Niamicide. This is a much less expensive way to obtain Retin A without the hassle of a visit to the dermatologist. My care provider has been excellent at responding to my endless questions. Next month, she will increase the dosage of tretinoin and add Azelaic acid instead of vitamin C. I’m so excited to see what happens! Thanks for sharing your story!

TerriAnn May 12, 2018 - 1:46 pm

Wow! I’m so glad your skin has been responding so well to that formula! Since this was written, we’re still figuring things out. My daughter is having an influx of hormones and that has affected her skin. But, I agree with the great communication! Thank you for sharing your story!

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