How to get a prescription for acne online

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people every year. While drugstore cleansers and spot treatments can help mild breakouts, persistent acne often requires prescription treatment.

Getting in to see a dermatologist for acne is harder than it should be. Two months out. Sometimes longer. For someone watching a breakout get worse week by week, it's frustrating.

Research published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2025) by Dr. Ines Mordente and colleagues found that tele-dermatology and virtual acne visits show strong agreement with in-person assessments, while also improving treatment adherence, clinical outcomes, and patient quality of life. This suggests that online acne care can be a safe and effective option for many patients.

The good news is that you no longer need to wait weeks for an in-person appointment to get professional help.

A licensed clinician can write the prescription after a virtual consultation, and your pharmacy can usually have it ready the same day.

Can you get an acne prescription online?

Yes. Many types of acne can be evaluated and treated through virtual healthcare visits. Healthcare providers can review your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and determine whether prescription medication is appropriate for your condition.

Online acne treatment is especially convenient for people with busy schedules, limited access to dermatologists, or those looking for a faster way to access care.

Benefits of online acne treatment

• Convenient access to licensed healthcare providers from home
• Faster treatment without long wait times
• Prescriptions sent directly to your preferred pharmacy
• Personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms
• Easy follow-up care and treatment adjustments
• More affordable and time-efficient than many in-person visits
• Private, discreet, and accessible from anywhere
• Early treatment may help prevent acne scarring
• Streamlined experience from consultation to prescription and follow-up care

How to get an acne prescription online with August

Step 1: chat about your symptoms

Start by describing your acne symptoms directly in the August chat. Be ready to share:

• When your acne started
• Where you break out
• Treatments you've already tried
• Current medications
• Relevant medical history

August's AI reviews your information and helps determine whether a clinician visit may be appropriate.

Step 2: upload photos of your skin

You'll be asked to upload a few clear photos of the affected areas. Well-lit images help clinicians evaluate the type and severity of your acne and make informed treatment decisions.

Step 3: connect with a licensed clinician

If medical care is needed, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider through a virtual consultation. During the visit, the clinician reviews your symptoms, photos, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending the next steps.

Step 4: receive your prescription

If prescription treatment is medically appropriate, the clinician can send the prescription directly to your preferred pharmacy. August charges a flat fee of $39 per visit, which is not billed through insurance.

Step 5: free follow-up care

Acne treatment often requires adjustments over time. August includes free follow-up care for up to 12 months for the same prescription, allowing patients to ask questions, discuss side effects, and request treatment adjustments without paying for additional follow-up visits.

With August, the process is straightforward: chat about your symptoms, upload photos, connect with a clinician if needed, receive a prescription, and access free follow-up care for up to a year.