As a clinical pharmacist, I value ingredient-focused skincare that is evidence-based, and I always want to ensure that I am recommending and using products that actually work.
I have always had an interest in skincare, but I take more of a scientific approach in my research than most "beauty gurus" do. Now that I'm in my 30s, skincare has become even more important to me. Sure, I want to maintain the youthful glow of my twenties, but it’s not just a matter of vanity. Skin is the body’s largest organ, and taking care of it is just as important as exercising to keep your heart healthy or doing sudoku to keep your mind sharp.
These are the top 5 ingredients that I trust (and recommend!) the most to deliver results and bolster skin health:
1. Tretinoin
Tretinoin is the most well-studied ingredient for treating fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes cell turnover, encouraging dead or damaged skin cells on the surface to fall off and be replaced by new ones underneath.
Another benefit of tretinoin is increased collagen production and slowing of collagen degradation. Collagen is the protein in our skin that promotes elasticity and hydration, keeping our skin firm and youthful. As we get older, the production of collagen slows significantly, so tretinoin can help here as well!
Tretinoin is a form of retinol, similar to the ones you can find over-the-counter, but it’s up to 20x more potent and available by prescription only.
And since landing a dermatologist appointment can take ages, I use Agency’s Future Formula, a prescription-strength, custom anti-aging treatment that gets delivered straight to my door!
The concentration of tretinoin can also be slowly adjusted over time by your Agency provider while your skin adapts to using it regularly. Starting with a higher concentration too soon can cause irritation and dryness, so I recommend starting low, and going slow!
2. Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is a great multitasking ingredient used to treat dark spots, texture, redness and irritation of the skin. It does this by neutralizing free radicals which can cause damage over time. It gently exfoliates the skin and reduces excess pigmentation to promote a smooth, bright appearance.
3. Tranexamic Acid
This is another ingredient which can help reduce the appearance of redness and excess pigmentation over time. Dark spots and hyperpigmentation have been shown to be significantly improved with consistent use.
4. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a powerhouse to fight against free radicals, and it also helps keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact and functioning well. Skin with a healthy moisture barrier is less likely to be irritated, dry, or dull.
5. Dexpanthenol
Dexpanthenol is an emollient, meaning it’s a moisturizer that is great at soothing and hydrating the skin. Keeping skin well hydrated is one of the best things you can do to support its daily function, and it’s an easy way to minimize the appearance of fine lines.
Prescription Strength Skincare That’s Actually Convenient
Skincare is personal, and every bottle of Agency’s Future Formula is made-to-order using one, two, or possibly all of these effective ingredients depending on each user’s unique skincare needs, with the ability to adjust the concentration of each ingredient over time. Also, it reassured me to learn that Agency is actually owned by Curology - so the founders really know what they're doing.
All I had to do was take Agency’s online quiz to give them some insight into my skincare goals, and my dermatology provider created my custom routine and mailed me a trial size Future Formula for just the cost of shipping ($4.95). Let me repeat that for the people in the back - YOU CAN GET STARTED WITH AGENCY'S PRESCRIPTION PRODUCTS FOR JUST THE COST OF SHIPPING! Who doesn't love free skincare?
If you love your personalized Rx formula as much as I love mine, post-free trial you’ll receive a full size Future Formula every two months for $80. Your dermatology provider will work with you to tweak your routine over time based on your feedback, but if you aren’t satisfied, there’s a 90-day money back guarantee.
My work keeps me incredibly busy, and having powerful, effective ingredients in my skincare arsenal without needing to leave my house is seriously invaluable. Agency does all the heavy lifting while my skin reaps the benefits. 💪
The Future of Skincare Looks Bright ☀️ With Agency
As a pharmacist, I love knowing that the skincare I invest my money in is also investing in my skin’s health and longevity. With Future Formula, I can already see a difference in my fine lines, and my skin feels much healthier, glowier, and firmer overall.
Give Agency a try to get your custom, prescription-strength routine delivered straight to your door!
