Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tretinoin? Tretinoin is a powerful, prescription-only derivative of Vitamin A, widely recognized as the gold standard for anti-aging and acne treatment. It works by accelerating cell turnover and promoting skin renewal, improving texture, reducing wrinkles, and clearing blemishes. Learn more about its benefits in the section above on Understanding Custom Tretinoin: The Gold Standard in Skincare.
How does Musely personalize treatments? Musely connects you with U.S. board-certified dermatologists who assess your skin concerns and medical history. They then prescribe a freshly compounded custom tretinoin formula, that combines tretinoin with other active ingredients, tailored precisely to your needs. This process is detailed in The Musely Advantage: Personalized, Expert-Driven Care.
What's the difference between prescription and OTC retinoids? Prescription-grade tretinoin is significantly more potent and impactful than over-the-counter retinol. It penetrates deeper into the skin for faster, more dramatic results and is backed by extensive clinical research. You can find a comprehensive comparison in Why Prescription Tretinoin Trumps OTC Retinoids.
How long does it take to see results? Most patients typically observe improvements in skin texture within 6-8 weeks, with optimal and more dramatic results generally developing over 3-6 months of diligent and consistent use. Refer to Your Skincare Journey: What to Expect for a detailed timeline.
Is online prescription skincare as effective as in-person dermatology? Yes. Musely's board-certified dermatologists provide the same rigorous level of care and prescription authority as traditional in-office visits, enhanced by the unparalleled convenience of home delivery. Teledermatology has been found to be comparable to in-person care in terms of patient and clinician satisfaction, with satisfaction rates for store-and-forward (SF) teledermatology at 96% for patients [5].
Who should not use tretinoin? Tretinoin should be avoided by individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with extremely sensitive skin conditions like active rosacea or eczema flares, and patients using certain photosensitizing medications. Always consult a medical professional to ensure it's suitable for you, as outlined in Safety and Best Practices for Optimal Outcomes.
What other conditions does Musely treat? Beyond custom tretinoin for anti-aging and acne, Musely offers specialized prescription treatments for a range of concerns, including melasma (The Spot Cream), loss of elasticity (The Aging Repair Cream), and hair loss (The Hair Pill, The Hair Topical Solution). Explore our full offerings in Beyond Tretinoin: Explore Musely's Full Skincare Portfolio.
How much does Musely's custom tretinoin cost? The cost for Musely's custom tretinoin prescription online varies but typically starts around $35 per month, offering a predictable and often more affordable alternative to traditional visits. This pricing is part of our commitment to accessible, effective prescription skincare.
Next Steps
Further research will explore long-term patient adherence rates and comparative efficacy against emerging in-clinic treatments.