9 Tips for Buying Acne Treatments Online Safely for Beginners

Did you know that acne is quite common? It affects 50 million Americans every year!

This pretty common skin condition has led doctors and dermatologists to create all kinds of options for acne treatments. With all of the available choices, it's hard to know where to begin. 

With so much of our lives moving online, it's only natural that people have begun buying acne treatments online. How could we know if these products are safe?

Keep reading to learn our tips for being safe when buying online.

1. Don't Trust Extremely Low Prices

Sometimes buying something cheap ends up costing us more in the long run. When you're looking at products online and the price seems too good to be true, it most likely is. 

When the cost of a medication is usually in the range of hundreds of dollars and you're seeing it for pennies and nickels online, avoid that website at all costs. This probably means that the site isn't following the strict medical guidelines that online pharmacies are required to adhere to.

Reputable discount pharmacies do exist on the internet, but they'll meet the following requirements on this list.

2. Licensed Websites Are a Must

A reputable online store will always list its licensing information on its website. If you can't find this information, stay away from that online store. The dangers of buying from an unlicensed store include receiving the wrong prescription or expired drugs.

Another way to check if a pharmacy website is licensed is to find if it has Digital Pharmacy Accreditation. This easy search can be done on the website for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

3. Valid Prescriptions Only

If an online pharmacy doesn't ask you for a valid prescription from a licensed doctor, then you shouldn't use their website for buying your prescriptions. The pharmacy could end up giving you the wrong drug which could negatively affect your health. 

When a pharmacy asks you for a valid prescription they are doing so to make sure you're getting the correct medication and dose. They also do this to prevent you from abusing prescription medications and making sure you're only taking what your doctor sees fit. 

This excludes over-the-counter medications that don't require a physician's order to purchase.

4. A Miracle Cure Claim Is a Red Flag

Websites that claim to be online pharmacies should never mention miracle cures. Many scam sites will offer drugs that "cure" illnesses like cancer. These false claims are evidence enough that these websites are not backed by medical professionals and should be avoided at all costs. 

These types of websites will only give you the wrong medical information and rob you of your money. This can cause some serious consequences for your physical health. Being taken advantage of in this way can also take a toll on your emotional health. 

5. Always Consult Your Doctor 

One of the most important tips for buying prescriptions online is to always talk with your doctor. Your medical needs should always be discussed with your doctor first, so talk to him or her before buying your medications online.

Your doctor might be able to help you navigate the online pharmacy market and lead you to some good websites to choose from. Your doctor may also be able to help you figure out if a website is following all of the guidelines for quality and safety and ease your anxieties about purchasing your medication somewhere new. 

6. Contact Information Grants Legitimacy

The risk of buying any treatments or medications online include not knowing if you'll get what you paid for. If you can't find any contact information on a website, that's not a good sign.

A physical address, phone number, and email address will give you a way to communicate with the website about your purchase. It will also allow you to reach out if you encounter any issues. No contact information usually means a site wants to steal from you.  

7. Never Buy a Prescription Without a DIN

A DIN (Drug Identification Number) is an eight-digit number that Health Canada gives to all prescriptions before they go on the market. A DIN makes sure the drug has been thoroughly evaluated before it's authorized to go on sale. 

Buying medication from an online pharmacy with a DIN will give you peace of mind that it's safe to take and has been approved by qualified medical professionals. 

8. Compare Prices Extensively 

When you buy from an online pharmacy it's important to compare prices. One of the benefits of buying treatments and medication online is that it's pretty easy to compare prices and find discounts so that you can get your prescriptions at the most affordable price!

You can also check to see if the online pharmacies take your insurance which can help you save even more money on your prescriptions. Make sure that you're also checking reviews from customers when comparing pharmacies, this will help you decide the best options to choose from. 

9. Never Give out Sensitive Information

Never give a website sensitive information like your bank account or social security numbers. If a website asks for this information in order to offer you lower prices, this is most likely a scam. You should also avoid giving these sites your personal medical information as it puts your privacy at risk. 

The Best Tips for Buying Acne Treatments Online

Buying acne treatments online or any other medication is a great resource to have. Buying your prescriptions online does come with some risks, however. The tips in the list above include some of the most important things to consider when buying products online. 

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about buying your prescriptions or acne treatments online. We'll be happy to help!