Not wearing SPF or sleeping in your makeup can cost you down the line. Now that I am in my mid 40s, I have visible fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots so skincare has become a top priority.
Once I noticed them in the mirror, I knew it was time for a skincare overhaul. Although Neutrogena had long been my default drugstore choice, my loyalty was more rooted in habit than visible results. I decided to test prescription-grade solutions and after delving into glowing reviews, my curiosity led me to give Nurx a shot.
You might be asking - are prescription-grade products actually worth the upgrade? Here’s the lowdown on both products I tried:
For a prescription product 20x more powerful than retinol... Nurx
After filling out a short questionnaire and providing some photos, I was prescribed Tretinoin by a real licensed provider. If you’re prescribed Tretinoin for Melasma treatment like I was, Nurx offers Tretinoin 0.1% which is the highest available concentration of this powerful retinoid that’s 20x more powerful than retinol. Neutrogena has a wide range of products that does include retinol in their formulations, but the exact concentration in some of their products is unclear.
After just two weeks of using the treatment I was prescribed by my Nurx medical provider, I've noticed actual differences that I never saw with over-the-counter products. My complexion is much brighter, and I see a reduction in my existing melasma and have not seen any new dark spots appear.
For a personalized treatment plan provided by a licensed provider... Nurx
With a drugstore brand like Neutrogena, it can be hard to find which product is suited to your needs. I tried their Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector for $21.99 with high hopes but found that, despite it being on the pricier end of drugstore prices, it didn’t do much for my dark spots and the product ended up discarded in my cabinet.
With Nurx, a licensed medical provider works with you to create the most effective routine, assessing your health history and specific concerns. With my very own skin expert, I no longer have to make a guess on whether a product is right for my needs.
I actually reach for the product...because it works.
Nurx’s fee is $40 but that includes the initial consultation and ongoing medical support for one year. It’s definitely an investment, but the continuous support and ability to work with my doctor to get a personalized treatment plan make me feel like a celebrity.
If you want to build your own skincare regimen without expert guidance... Neutrogena!
On the flip side, if you’re a skincare junkie who enjoys exploring new products regularly, Neutrogena may be the brand for you. They offer a wide range of products, making it an ideal option for those who like to do their own research on skincare formulas and experiment until they find something that works for them.
Me on the other hand - I like to rely on experts whenever I can. Nurx does all the heavy lifting, which saves me so much time and money in the long run. After you fill out a quiz online and submit photos of your skin, a Nurx medical provider licensed in your state assess your skin and prescribe a prescription retinoid that’s right for you, if medically appropriate.
Plus, Nurx is more targeted in their offerings. Their topical creams contain just one active ingredient, so they can be used alone or layered with another cream on a more customizable schedule. As a result, I saw major improvements much faster with Nurx and I was less worried about adverse reactions since I was only adding one ingredient at a time.
To skip the in-store hassle and have products delivered straight to your door…Nurx
I was particularly impressed by the convenience of getting an online prescription. I have a busy schedule, and I don't have the time to make an appointment and pay the office visit fee. The mobile site was intuitive and the process was super straightforward - it only took me about 10 minutes to complete the online consultation on Nurx. It takes around 3-5 days for the medication to arrive after your prescription is filled.
Before I made the switch, I’d spend ages browsing through the aisles of CVS, looking up the reviews of every single product to see if they’d work for me. Talk about time-consuming.
The ultimate winner… Nurx
Trust me, if you want to see an actual difference in fading dark spots, fine lines, and melasma prescription skincare is the way to go. Not only are the ingredients better and stronger but you’ll be getting a much more personalized experience than with off-the-shelf products. The best part is that getting an online prescription is so easy.
For my money, I’ve found the most success with Nurx. I highly recommend anyone battling dark spots to sign up for a consultation today - it only takes 10 minutes!
