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ARTICLES / ACNE TREATMENTS

Is MDacne the best alternative to Apostrophe?

Yoram Harth, MD
By Yoram Harth, MD | 2025-03-16

If you've been using Apostrophe for your skincare needs, you might already know that Hims & Hers suddenly shut down the platform on March 7, 2025. This has left many patients scrambling to find a new solution for their dermatology care.

What Happened to Apostrophe?

Hims & Hers acquired Apostrophe in 2021 and recently announced they're discontinuing the service with very little warning. All subscriptions have been canceled, and customers will lose access to their provider teams and patient accounts after just 30 days.

If you're one of the many Apostrophe users affected by this shutdown, I want you to know that you have options – and MDacne might be the perfect alternative for you.

Why MDacne Is Your Best Option After Apostrophe

MDacne was created with a simple mission: to provide personalized, effective acne treatment that's accessible to everyone. Here's why former Apostrophe users are finding MDacne to be their ideal next step:

Gentler Yet Effective Retinoid Options

One significant difference worth highlighting is our approach to retinoids. While Apostrophe primarily offered prescription-strength tretinoin (which, while effective, is often quite irritating and costly), MDacne provides a range of retinol options carefully formulated with niacinamide. Our proprietary combinations deliver impressive efficacy with significantly less risk of irritation, redness, and dryness. This means you can achieve similar results without the uncomfortable side effects many Apostrophe users experience. Plus, our retinol formulations are specifically calibrated for different skin sensitivities, allowing us to gradually increase strength as your skin builds tolerance—something prescription retinoids don't typically accommodate.

Truly Personalized Treatment – Just Like You Had With Apostrophe

One thing Apostrophe did well was custom compound formulations. At MDacne, we take personalization even further:

  • Our AI-powered skin analysis technology examines your unique skin condition
  • We create custom treatment formulations based on YOUR specific needs
  • Your treatment evolves as your skin improves – we're constantly adjusting to get you the best results

Seamless Transition From Your Apostrophe Regimen

We know how frustrating it is to start over with a new skincare system. That's why we've made it easy to continue your care:

  • Our dermatology team can help match the active ingredients from your Apostrophe prescription
  • We offer similar custom formulations with ingredients like Tretinoin and other proven acne-fighting compounds
  • You'll experience minimal disruption to your skincare routine during the switch

No Waiting For Doctor Appointments

With Apostrophe shutting down, you might be worried about getting quick access to dermatology care. At MDacne:

  • Open the MDacne website, take a selfie, and start your skin analysis immediately.
  • Receive your personalized treatment plan within minutes.
  • Have your custom products shipped directly to your door.
  • No need to wait weeks for a traditional dermatologist appointment.

24/7 Support From Real Acne Experts

Perhaps the biggest difference between MDacne and other alternatives to Apostrophe is our commitment to ongoing support:

  • Our team of acne experts is available around the clock
  • Get immediate answers to your questions and concerns
  • Send photos of your skin for real-time feedback
  • Never feel alone in your skincare journey

Beyond Just Prescriptions: A Complete Skincare System

While Apostrophe focuses primarily on prescription medications, MDacne offers a comprehensive approach:

  • Custom-formulated cleansers tailored to your skin type.
  • Targeted FDA-cleared topical medicated creams for active breakouts.
  • Special products for dark spots and acne scars.
  • Active moisturizers that won't clog pores or trigger new breakouts.

Apostrophe alternatives

Advanced Treatment Options Beyond Topicals

MDacne also offers two different types of powerful acne supplements – including our breakthrough formulation, specifically designed for women with adult hormonal acne. These supplements target the internal factors contributing to breakouts that topical treatments alone can't address. Our women's formula contains clinically proven ingredients that help balance hormones naturally without the side effects of prescription medications like spironolactone.

For those struggling with post-acne dark spots, our highly effective hydroquinone-free Dark Spot Corrector provides powerful brightening results without the risks associated with traditional hydroquinone treatments. This gentle yet effective formula works to fade discoloration while protecting your skin from developing new hyperpigmentation.

I'm particularly excited about our newly launched Peptide Acne Scar Cream, a revolutionary product that harnesses the power of specialized peptides to rebuild and repair damaged skin texture. Unlike typical scar treatments that only address surface concerns, our peptide formula works at the cellular level to encourage collagen production and skin renewal, dramatically improving the appearance of even stubborn acne scars over time.

Making The Switch Is Simple

Don't let the Apostrophe shutdown disrupt your skincare progress. Switching to MDacne takes just a few minutes:

  1. Start the quiz and take a quick skin scan.
  2. Get your personalized analysis and treatment recommendation.
  3. Order your custom kit (just pay for the sipping).
  4. Start your new regimen with confidence.
  5. Access our support team whenever you need guidance.

Affordable Care When You Need It Most

We understand that finding a new skincare provider wasn't in your budget plans. That's why MDacne is committed to keeping our custom treatments affordable:

  • Less than what you paid with Apostrophe.
  • No hidden consultation fees.
  • Flexible subscription options to fit your budget.

Join The MDacne Family Today

The sudden closure of Apostrophe doesn't have to mean a setback for your skin. At MDacne, we're ready to step in and provide the personalized care you need to continue your journey to clearer skin. Hundreds of thousands of people just like you have found their home with MDacne. We'd be honored to be your partner in this next chapter of your skincare journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I start using MDacne after switching from Apostrophe?

You can start using MDacne immediately after downloading our app. The initial skin analysis takes just minutes to complete, and your personalized recommendations are provided instantly. Your custom treatment kit can be shipped as soon as you place your order, with most customers receiving their products within 3-5 business days.

Will MDacne have similar active ingredients to what my Apostrophe prescription contained?

Yes! MDacne offers many of the same active ingredients found in Apostrophe prescriptions but in formulations designed to minimize irritation. If you were using tretinoin through Apostrophe, our custom retinol formulations provide similar benefits with less irritation. For antibacterial properties, we offer benzoyl peroxide formulated to be effective without excessive drying.

I have hormonal acne. Does MDacne offer anything similar to Apostrophe's spironolactone?

While we don't offer prescription spironolactone, our women's hormonal acne supplement is specifically formulated to address hormonal acne using natural ingredients that help balance hormones without prescription medication side effects. Many former Apostrophe customers have found this to be an effective alternative.

How do I transfer my skin history and prescription information from Apostrophe to MDacne?

Since Apostrophe is shutting down access to patient accounts, we recommend taking screenshots of your prescription details and treatment history before your account access expires. During your MDacne setup, you can indicate your previous treatments in our app, and our team can help recommend equivalent or improved formulations based on your history.

What happens if the MDacne products don't work for my skin?

We stand behind our products with a satisfaction guarantee. If you don't see improvement within 60 days of consistent use, our dermatology team will work with you to adjust your formulation at no additional cost. If you're still not satisfied, we offer a hassle-free refund policy.

Does MDacne work with insurance like some traditional dermatologist visits?

MDacne doesn't work directly with insurance companies, but our pricing model is designed to be more affordable than traditional dermatology visits, even without insurance coverage. Many customers find that MDacne's subscription cost is less than what they would pay in insurance copays for equivalent in-person care.

How does MDacne's skin analysis compare to the consultation I received with Apostrophe?

Our AI-powered skin analysis provides immediate results and can detect subtle patterns and variations in your skin that might not be visible in static photos. While Apostrophe's consultations were reviewed by providers, they typically took 2-3 days and were limited to what could be seen in the photos you submitted. MDacne's technology analyzes multiple aspects of your skin condition in real time.

Can I speak to a real dermatologist with MDacne?

Yes! While our initial analysis uses advanced AI technology, our team of acne experts is available 24/7 to answer questions, review your progress, and provide personalized advice. You can message our team anytime through the app and receive prompt responses from real skincare professionals.

What if I need prescription-strength medication that MDacne doesn't offer?

For the small percentage of patients who truly need prescription-only treatments, we can help identify when this might be necessary and provide guidance on seeking appropriate care. However, the vast majority of acne cases respond effectively to our personalized, pharmaceutical-grade formulations without requiring prescription medications.

How often will I receive MDacne products?

Our standard subscription sends fresh products every 60 days, which is the optimal timeframe for most customers. However, we offer flexible delivery schedules based on your usage and needs. You can easily adjust your delivery frequency through the app, and we'll send reminders before each shipment so you can make changes if needed.

To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.

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