Curology's Superbottle vs. the 12 Products on My Shelf
- A
- Apr 15, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 17, 2019
I’m the type of person who enters into a state of nirvana when applying skincare products on my face. I’m also the type of person who loves trying out a multitude of different brands, serums, lotions, you name it--mostly because I am tired of dealing with acne flare-ups and am desperate to piece together a perfect skincare routine. However, a product’s effects never really become apparent or are enduring since I am switching so often. AND, using too many products on your face sometimes does more harm than good on my skin. These are just a few things I've learned going through the Curology process.
*Not sponsored by Curology. I’m voluntarily sharing my honest opinion of my experience*
The Process.
For those who have already signed up and are awaiting your package in the mail, you can go ahead and skip this section!
Signing up for the free-trial was fairly simple. Their free trial is basically a smaller, 1-month’s worth, set of their products for the price of shipping. Just like any free trial, you can either cancel before the next month’s subscription billing or start the full-sized subscription.
You have to answer a few medical questions (skin concerns, birth control related questions, medications you take, etc) just to make sure that they can provide something that will be a good fit for you--there is a chance you can get denied**!
Following these questions, be prepared to take photos of all angles of your face. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to wear makeup or hide any blemishes because that just won’t help your case! I also waited until my skin was at it’s worse to show them what I was dealing with. These photos will then be sent to a dermatology provider who will then assess your records/ photos and provide the perfect mixture for your “superbottle”!
I do suggest trying out all 3 products during the trial period since the cost of shipping doesn’t change. However, when it comes time to pay for the next subscription--unless you really end up loving the moisturizer and cleanser--I think the true value in their business is in their “superbottle”. I personally feel that there are cheaper and larger bottles of non-irritating cleansers and moisturizers that will do the job!
**I have a friend who was denied because her skin concern ended up needing more attention than what Curology could provide (non-acne related). The cool thing was that the dermatology provider she was paired up with sent her a follow-up e-mail with more questions, to truly understand her situation (you actually get paired with a real person, it isn’t just for show!). Unfortunately, her provider told her she might need a stronger prescription, suggested she meets face to face with a dermatologist and gave her a few quick tips on how to possibly reduce irritation until then.
My Custom Mix.
When they ask what kind of skin problems you’d like addressed (acne, enlarged pores, wrinkles, moisture or texture) I only focused on 2-3 of the major ones I wanted to be addressed: acne, texture, and pores. Below are the three ingredients included in my mix chosen by my dermatology provider.
What I appreciated is that each ingredient came with a precise explanation of what it’s meant to do. All three are typical ingredients that fight against dark spots, acne-causing and pore-clogging bacteria, and inflammation--just what I need, but will it work?
Along with my custom mix, was an outline of a standard routine using 4 products (the cleanser, the “superbottle”, the moisturizer and your own SPF)--which was simple and easy enough to follow. The only hard part was that it advised against including any other product into the routine! But, it was the only way to see if my “superbottle” actually worked.
The Cleanser, Moisturizer, and "Superbottle".
Cleanser: a mix of a lightweight gel and creamy consistency. My skin feels matte but supple after drying.
Moisturizer: feels like a light gel consistency. It does its one and only job, to moisturize. And it doesn’t feel oily or too heavy after.
"Superbottle": a solid white, light, creamy consistency. Spreads over the skin and absorbs easily.
The Results.
I was very adamant about sticking to the routine, and in doing so, the “superbottle” lasted me almost exactly 1 month. In terms of how it affected my skin, it had noticeably reduced the number of little flareups I’d get on my cheeks and minimized the deeper hormonal acne I’d get around that “time of the month”. I do still have a little bit of hyperpigmentation left (as you can see in the second "after" picture), but it has healed significantly since the start of the process and I am happier with my complexion.
Although, regardless of how effective the products you put on the surface is, it will have no effect unless you improve what you put inside your body as well. I’ve been told this countless times, but I’ve finally come to understand it’s true meaning when I cut out sugar in my diet and minimized dairy intake before a vacation (I also began eating more greens and berries). My skin seemed to improve much more quickly. It wasn’t until I began eating a good amount of sugar again (we were at an all-inclusive resort with an exceptional dessert section at their buffet haha) that I started welcoming back the red little monsters that appear on my skin.
While I would say that my diet played a huge role in clearing up my skin, I’d still state that my custom mix did a great job at minimizing the severity of my flare-ups and helped in speeding up the healing process.
Overall, I do visibly see that my pores have shrunk and that the texture of my skin has softened, now that it is mostly free of little bumps and pimples. By also simplifying my routine, I do feel that I’ve regained a balance in my skin’s moisture barrier and no longer feel excessively oily around my T-zone or dry around my chin.
Subscription Plans.
Curology has 3 subscription plans. The only thing I dislike about the larger bottle options is that you have to pay for two months---which just seems like a lot. However, with how effective it is on my skin and for the amount I am getting, it is still relatively cheaper-- if not an equal cost--to the products I’ve been using prior.
Moving Forward.
I’m now at the point to where I have to decide whether to continue with Curology or not. Canceling the subscription is free, however, if I do decide to start up with them again there is a fee for a second consultation. There is also an option to delay your next shipment and payment for up to 8 weeks (which I’ve done and have come close to the end of my extension).
I am only hesitant because of the fact that I have found azelaic acid for a reasonable price through the Ordinary product line and Clyndamicin through a dermatology office in the Philippines, both totaling half the price of one month’s worth of the large bottle. I have been using both products for two weeks now, since I’ve run out of my “superbottle”, and it has continued to keep my skin clear. However, I know that once I run out of Cyndamicin (an antibiotic), I’m going to have to go through a doctor to get a prescription in the U.S--which can be costly.
Still determined to find a cheaper alternative (sorry, I’m frugal), I think, for now, I am going to pay for one more “superbottle” through Curology--not only because it does work, but also to maintain my consultation records and avoid paying the second fee if I can’t find a cheaper alternative:)
Last words. I swear.
Do I think it’s worth a shot? Yes, I do think it’s worth applying for their free trial and testing their products out! Just make sure you remember to cancel the subscription before the trial period ends if you’re not looking to continue on with their products.
Just keep in mind a few things:
Be honest about your skin concerns and with your photos. The more clear and open you are about it, the more they will be able to help you.
If you are in the middle of the trial period and you feel it still isn’t working, it might be time to reassess your diet and sleep! Take it from me, it will help!
Stick to the routine! It will take some time for any product to work its magic.
So try it, or don’t! Up to you, here is my link to a free Curology trial anyways ;)
Just out of curiosity, what were your skin concerns and as a result what were the ingredients in your custom mix?
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