If there’s one thing that was drilled into my head through years of Dermatology school and hours of clinical practice, it was this: the number one ingredient for effective anti-aging is tretinoin.
Tretinoin is basically liquid gold, the fountain of youth, and all your smooth-skin promises wrapped into one neat little package. But what really makes this ingredient stand out is that it delivers on its promises and is backed up by decades of research and trials.
Unfortunately, there’s also lot of misinformation out there about tretinoin and what it does, so let me set the record straight about my favorite anti-aging must have:
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin, a potent retinoid or vitamin A derivative, is a topical skin treatment proven to stimulate collagen production, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fading dark spots, and enhance overall skin texture. Tretinoin is up to 20x more potent than the typical retinols that you find over the counter.
Its ability to accelerate skin cell turnover also makes it effective in treating acne, so it’s truly a multifunctional topical, and I love prescribing it!
Who Should Use Tretinoin?
If you have fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, or acne, you may be a great candidate for tretinoin. However, pregnant women or those with especially sensitive skin are generally advised to avoid it.
Please consult your medical provider with personal questions on tretinoin usage.
Where Can I Find Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a powerful ingredient, and is currently available by prescription-only. I often prescribe tretinoin for my patients, but I also recommend checking out online solutions for anyone looking for a more convenient way to incorporate it into their skincare routine.
Agency is a personalized prescription skincare brand that you can visit online! You take a quiz, submit photos of your skin, and then a licensed dermatology provider customizes a treatment plan that’s delivered straight to your door, every two months.
Their best-selling anti-aging treatment, Future Formula, is a fully-customizable topical made using active ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide—depending on your skin’s unique needs, of course.
How Much Does a Tretinoin Rx Cost?
For the most cost-conscious way to add tretinoin into your routine (subject to consultation), I recommend starting with the Agency free trial. You only have to pay the cost of shipping ($4.95) for the first month, and after that, $40 a month.
Your Agency provider can tweak your prescription ingredients and strengths according to how your skin reacts, and how your needs change as the years go by, so Future Formula is really more of an investment in your skin’s health than a temporary treatment!
You can also go through insurance and get tretinoin from a traditional, in-office dermatologist, but costs can vary wildly depending on plans, and I’ve found that Agency costs about the same or less than most insurances cover—and is significantly more convenient forgoing office visits and prescription refills.
How Long Does It Take to See Results? What Are Common Side Effects?
The time it takes to see results can vary from a few weeks to a few months. Common side effects include temporary dryness and sensitivity to sunlight, but these reactions typically subside as your skin adjusts to the medication.
Some users also experience a “purging” phase, which brings existing impurities to the surface, but this is also temporary, and is usually followed by clearer, more radiant skin.
With all this in mind, it’s important to check in with your doctor to monitor your reaction to the medication. With Agency, you can always message your dermatology provider if you have any questions, concerns, or want to tweak your medication.
Reveal the Smooth Skin of Your Dreams With Tretinoin!
As a dermatologist, I am a huge fan of tretinoin. I am so glad that online prescribers like Agency make this wonderful medication readily available to people who struggle with their skin.
For a tailor-made, convenient, and affordable way to access tretinoin, I recommend starting your smooth skin journey with Agency.
