You can ask your primary care provider for tretinoin as well, just in case your insurance doesn't cover dermatologists. They usually will provide a prescription. Then you can show the good rx coupon. Hope that helps!!
I get prerscription from my Dr. and use good rx coupon for about $30 (same size Abbey demonstrates in the video). I use every other day and it lasts me about six months using a pea-sized dose - so for daily users it should last 3 months. Far better cost vs. services. Once you have a prescription from the Dr. you don't have to go back to him/her, just phone in for another.
thats what I do! I was prescribed the generic form and it only costs $12, then I just email my doc when I need more and she refills it without me needing to pay to see her :)
Literally just got here but Apostrophe is my fave ever of these services. Cannot overstate how good the experience with them was. The doctor assigned to me truly listened and helped me with my skin condition. Curology was so rude with me and dismissive.
My daughter and I both use and love Apostrophe. I like that they evaluate you with photos every 3 to 6 months. My daughter uses the spironolactone and her skin is so clear now between that and the tretinoin. Really can't recommend them enough. Also, My daughter says you do not need to pee all the time so I wouldn't let that hold you back, Abbey!
I heard another channel make the point that its worth considering how Curology puts a bigger percentage of their costs into marketing than Apostrophe does.
@@Cornwall3 I also take the spironolactone and I maybe felt more easily dehydrated a little bit at first but nothing extreme. I have stayed at a low dose the whole time because it cured my hormonal acne almost instantly (this is not everyone’s result) literally when I got my period that month I only had one pimple (normally my face would erupt) and by the next cycle none at all!
I’ve used Curology for about 4 years for the Tretinoin. Have always had a great experience. Every time I’ve asked to increase my Tretinoin (about twice a year because they started me on a very low dose of it) the dermatologists have always agreed and done so with no issues. They have always responded to my messages within a day as well and have been really friendly and helpful. Would def recommend:)
@@nickmaulfair1088That is a really low dose, my curology provider started mine on .007% which is even lower than yours but you can always ask to increase.
Your lucky yours are so willing to not give you any problems... when I was trying to increase my tretinoin strength my provider always gave me problems when I first started with curology even though I would only ask to increase like every 5 months and I was sure my skin got used to the strength.
I’ve been using Apostrophe since 2019 and love it. It’s $75 for three months but they have an option of pausing if you still have enough product and it’s as easy as one click no questions asked. I normally never get through the tube in three months so I end up buying 1-2 tubes per year. max. I also skip June through September.
@@alyssamanning3125 actully that’s only one charge per year. I’m ok with it to be honest. It’s worth not having to turn on the car and drive tot he derm 😅
@@deepashamusic Totally agree. Sometimes you just don't wanna go to the derm and depending on insurance, it may cost 30 to a few hundred dollars which isn't worth it. A one charge per year of 20 dollars for the consultation just feels cheaper for me and I don't have to wait in line to see the derm and waste 3 hours. Ngl, I prefer the online services more even if I am covered with insurance
I used to do this but it proved useless for me because 1 month after my yearly check at the beginning of 2019, I developed a skin cancerous mark on the back of my hand and I didnt know what it was and I didnt get it cut out until 6 months later... so perhaps twice a year would be more beneficial?🙁
I started with Curology and in January switched to Agency so I could get the dark spot formula. I am really enjoying the new mixture I get so will likely stick with it for now.
Been using Agency for a few months now, had FANTASTIC results, and was very easy to transition to them from Curology. My provider with them is very helpful, and the formulas they gave me have been very individually specific to me. Awesome video 😊
The problem I had with Curology and Agency was, I was on Curology for several years when they came out with Agency (and I never could get Curology to *not make my face so dry it flaked in spots) so they suggested I switch to Agency and I did, only to wind up with the exact prescription that was in my Curology but at a higher price point! WTF, so I called and was like, I might as well stayed on Curology and paid less and the person I spoke with told me yes, I should have😂
My dermatologist gives out Good Rx cards with tretinoin prescriptions. Another point about dermatologists is that a good one will assess all the skin on your body. My dermatologist found a serious skin cancer which could have killed me if it wasn’t caught early. Anyone who has ever had a sunburn should have at least one visit with a dermatologist as part of their regular medical care. That said, I use Agency for my tretinoin because of the convenience factor.
My gyno does that and I got one of my prescriptions cheaper on GoodRx than my copay would have been 😅 also I would so recommend using prescribed tret, which you can also find through Nurx, just because they are running these FDA trials on the vehicle as well as the active in order to evaluate total efficacy, and Amazon now has a pharmacy that will mail it to your house! Often times you can call your derm and they’ll write the prescription so long as they’ve seen you within the last year.
I started with curology then also switched to agency. I get the dark spot along with Tretinoin. I was still having some breakout so I let Agency know and they called in a prescription for clindamycin to my local pharmacy.
Don't. I did curology/agency for two years and had zero results. The added ingredients just dilute the tretinoin. I switched to Nurx and had immediate results. More is not better in this case.
Fun fact . Without insurance generic tretinoin is around $100-300 . But if you ask the pharmacy to switch to brand (Retin-a) it’s about 36 dollars . Since it’s a consignment product it’s just a flat fee . Go for the name brand 😊
Do agency and apostrophe also allow you to reschedule shipments at no cost? That’s my favorite part of curology. My bottles last much longer than 2 months because I spread it out to avoid dryness. I get notified via text when a shipment is coming up, and if I’m not ready for a new bottle I just push back the shipment for a few weeks. They don’t charge until they ship. So I’m not paying for wasted bottles.
Hi Abbey, after watching you consistently for YEARS, I honestly have to say, you are my favorite TH-camr ever! :) Love your content, and I never get bored of it! Greetings from Munich, Germany!
Just started Agency, based on your recommendation about 2.5 months ago. I had never used Tretinoin or hydroquinone before. I am loving my formulas and I'm just starting to see some improvement with my melasma. However, the texture of my skin is unbelievably smooth!! Tretinoin is a game changer! Thank you, for helping to change my skin for the better.💖💖💖
I noticed that too.....it doesn't last two months, the pump seems to run out of formula way before it's supposed to. Only using a pea size amount, makes me wonder how much is actually in the bottle
I end up seeing my derm a lot with my psoarsis and other skin issues, so I get my script through her. My insurance covers it and it ends up being free. I really want to try Agency to get a group of ingredients; just can’t justify the cost when it’s free. Thank you for your thoroughness!! My favorite channel by far!
This was SO HELPFUL! I can’t THANK YOU enough for you sharing your precious time, experiences, knowledge, & outstanding presentation of info on these various services! Sending hugs to you! 😘
I just started Curology and I did not think it was geared only to acne. I maybe get 1 pimple a month if even that often. I do have rosacea and that quiz did seem to address that. Maybe they are evolving.
The fact that people are paying hundreds for a derm appointment, then hundreds for a tube of tret shows just how bad the medical system in America is. If a company can create a custom formula with multiple prescription ingredients and other beneficial ingredients for $30 or so, then why is it $300 to get JUST tretinoin from a pharmacy?
NURx is $35 for a whole year (during which you can message with your provider as often as you want to change prescriptions, increase strengths, etc.) and you can use your insurance to pay for the prescriptions (just not the initial $35 fee). If you don't have insurance I believe the prescription is $30/month. If you don't want them to mail it, you can have them send the script to your local pharmacy and you can pick it up using insurance or a GoodRx coupon (most of the coupons I've seen bring the cost down to about $50 for a 45g tube). I think this is actually the cheapest option if you have insurance, or maybe even without, since a 45g tube will last you a LONG time. I've had mine for over 6 months and it's still only half way through.
I was looking to get my tretinoin through them, how did you put it so that it would be sent to the pharmacy? I'm only seeing the option to get mailed to my home. Thanks!
I’m said to hear about people having a bad experience with Curology. My provider with them is great, and I’ve seen great results. They started me on an insanely low strength of tretinoin (0.005%, while the standard starting strength is 0.025%), but I actually really like that because my skin is really sensitive. And even with that low strength, I saw a big difference in my melasma/hyperpigmentation, probably because of the 5% tranexamic acid, which is my new hero ingredient 😊
Thank you for commenting on your experience with Curology. I just started with them and i love the products. My provider is amazing and i have contacted her several times already.
I had a good experience with Agency. However, I couldn't justify the cost so I ultimately cancelled after about 9 months. Of note, my husband is a PCP and is happy to prescribe Tretinoin to his patients. If you are already seeing a primary care provider (and may not have a copay) you can request a prescription from him/her.
You couldn't justify the cost of Agency? I only pay $60 a month and that includes: large cream oil cleanser, large future formula, large dark spot formula, and large whipped moisturizer. So an entire prescription skincare routine for $60 a month is absolutely fantastic in my opinion. Of course everyone's idea of "affordable" is different.
I also use Agency and pay $36 per month, I use the future formula and dark spot corrector. One of the reasons I love agency is because I think its so affordable
@@cassthompson3386 wait what?!!! I just signed up with the agency over the weekend and it tells me just for the tretinoin & dark spot formula they’re going to charge me $90 every 2 months. Is that what you mean basically $45 a month?
@@juliannerogers5283 wait what?!!! I just signed up with the agency over the weekend and it tells me just for the tretinoin & dark spot formula they’re going to charge me $90 every 2 months. Is that what you mean basically $45 a month?
@@angelinebiswas7611 yes, I get charged $72 every two months for the two products. I think I may have gotten a discount because I switched over from curology and had been with them for about 15 months
Did you experience any scratchy crystals from any of the compounded formulas you tried? I’ve read online that that seems to be a recurrent complaint issue across all the telederm companies although you won’t see any videos on it, because most of the people advertising for these companies, are sponsored by them (not yours & bless you for that!). Cosmetic chemist Lab muffin beauty science (love her!) speaks about these crystals being the result of a “clear stability issue” which can happen when mixing actives together in a compounded formula. She recommends buying them separately for that reason. The cost is pretty significant to use the services so the last thing I wanna worry about is having to pick out sharp crystals before applying it to my face. Would love to hear if anyone else has experienced this.
older video, i know, but THANK YOU! i'd been wondering how to get tret but there's so many out there i didn't know who to trust. i ended up going with goodrx and within 15min i literally had a script sent to a pharmacy for it lol.
I get my tretinoin prescription is through my dermatologist. I then go to GoodRX (not GoodRX Care) for the best price at various pharmacies - usually about $70 for 45g tube of .1%. My tube lasts me for almost one year. FYI - tretinoin is by prescription only in the US. So on your visits to other countries just pop into a pharmacy and purchase some tubes. I have purchased tretinoin in Paris, Mexico and Canada (about $20 a tube).
I do the same and have found it’s much less expensive just to purchase the prescription. I get it on GoodRx and a 45 g tube of Trent last me 7 to8 months vs paying $40 month for a compounded prescription, which I’ve since learned, can I have stability issues from the actives being compounded. I use tretinoin and azelaic acid. Yes, it’s a little more work to layer the products as opposed to popping them out of a tube, but when I read regular complaints from people about scratchy crystals coming out of their compounded formulas and then came to learn from a cosmetic chemist, that those scratchy crystals were the results of a stability issue, I’m wondering why anyone would pay 40+ dollars a month for an unstable formula that can potentially leave you applying cream that could scratch your face? Then the companies tell customers that they just need to shake the bottle or the crystals are a result of a temperature thing, but this cosmetic chemist said it’s a known stability issue and you’re better off purchasing your prescription separately.
Am I the only one that had a horrible experience with Apostrophe? It says i have to pay $20 for each follow up and each refill cost me $75 and to make it worse I received a horrible texture of tret it felt grainy almost as if i was physically exfoliating my skin and i was told it was normal.
Do not use Agency. I'm totally disappointed with them. It's nothing but a scheme and there's a ton of bad reviews out there. I'm sorry I used them. Save your money, they're expensive. Better to go to the derm.
Thank you so much for this. I’ve used Curology for about 9 months but just switched to apostrophe two days ago (my RX comes tomorrow)! This video has made me feel really good about the switch. I was nervous but needed some ingredients that Curology doesn’t offer. You’re always so helpful!
I've been using Curology for a few years and I really love it, just recently upped my tret %. I still have more issues with ongoing breakouts / acne scars that could improve, but my skin is wayyyy better than it was before Curology!! But I'm debating trying to switch to Apostrophe depending on how the next few months on the upped tret go.....thank you for this video!! Love the overview of the different services.
Hi Elizabeth, thank you for choosing Curology for your skincare journey! Please don't hesitate to reach out to your dedicated dermatology provider if you think your current formula just isn't cutting it. They'll work with you to update your formula and find a routine that will help achieve your skincare goals. 💜
This was such a great breakdown. I am trying Apostrophe for my teen who is battling acne and Agency to up my anti-aging game. Thank you for this great content, I find your videos very helpful, you are the only non-Derm account I follow for this content because of how thoughtful you are with your reviews/advice.
Recently discovered your channel and let me say we are a total different skin tone and for sure hair type but I can nearly and confidently use every product you suggest so thank you. I’m using agency but I’m realizing I probably should down grade from nightly tret to every other night, considering apostrophe but a little concerned about antibiotic resistance. Anywho you’re amazing!
Hi Karen, thanks for bringing this up. While typically well-tolerated, azelaic acid may cause redness, flaking, stinging, burning and itching in some patients-and we have seen this in our clinical practice. We have found our gentle formulas to be an equally effective as products with higher concentrations of the ingredient, particularly due to the combination of ingredients, and more tolerable to the skin. Hope this helps explain why you don't see a higher azelaic acid concentration in our formulas!
Wow I never had an issue getting trentinoin. I started with a derm and got on tretinoin right away years ago before everyone was talking about it. Then I went to Curology and it ended up being so much more and a waste I could never finish a bottle before it “expired” and it was $20 a month. I pay around $10 for a large tube of trent now from my derm and it last me a year I only use a pea size around a day. In my opinion find a good derm who actually listens to you will end up being a lot cheaper if you have insurance.
Really an excellent video. Very informative. Thank you. I am currently using Curology, but switching to Agency because the amount of Tret in my Curology formula is down 0.01% due to an increase in % of another ingredient. My Curology derm told me that Agency could do the formula I wanted- so I'm switching. Thank you for putting time, effort, and knowledge into this video.
I stumbled upon Agency and wanted to know a review of it and came across this video and omg this was exactly what I needed. Absolute goldmine. Thank you!
Did the cost for Agency go up? Because I just signed up and they are charging me $80 for the large future bottle. And $108 if you get the lotion and the cleanser with it.
i see a derm, but i have been receiving tret for free for the past 6-7 months. They send it to a specialty pharmacy with some sort of patient assistance. I would just ask your Dr for tips! I have the 2nd highest dose now since my skin has gotten tremendously better.
I'm glad that both Curology and Apostrophe seem to both be awesome choices! I'm subscribed for Curology and have been loving their Cleanser and rich moisturizer along with my prescription of Tret/Clindamycin/Azelic Acid 💕 But I really loved that apostrophe has orals as well so I am subbed to them for their Spitonolactone as well! 🙌🏼 Been using both for a little over a month and have been loving them both so far.~
No, if you get it from your derm and it is not covered, just take the prescription to pharmacy, any pharmacy after searching good RX and get it filled at the cheapest choice good RX comes up with. I get a prescription from my derm, I just don't use my insurance to cover the cost.I use Good RX
Please try Altreno! Also PRESCRIPTION aezielic acid in the 15% Gel! The combo mixed together is amazing! Altreno is 0.5% tret but it’s in a hydrating slow release formula overnight and I’ve had far less irritation that 0.25 retin A and way better results ! You won’t be sorry !
Just a heads up the aezelic acid is covered by insurance but the Altreno is $60 for small tube and $98 for the large one but it lasts a long time and is worth it imo
I am using prescription tretinoin 0.025% and have seen great results. I have read a little bit about azeleic acid and alot of people are fans. Why do you like it/what it does for your skin? Any added benefit on top of what the tretinoin is doing already?
@@katherinemoore1748 it’s not like an exfoliating acid it’s anti inflammatory so basically it’s really good at reducing redness in your skin and it also targets hyperpigmentation but unlike certain ingredients that can cause ur face ur to be lighter than your body it only targets spots with overproduction of pigment and doesn’t effect the rest of the skin so overall it just makes your skin bright even toned and less redness and it also helps with large pores+acne. It’s not really anti aging like retin a it just makes ur skin look good so I like to mix a pea sized amount of both.
I got those ingrediants and 0.1% trentinoin i just started today with curology i applied it hours ago an so far, no iritation or anthing hwoever, all the videos prior, including yours helped me understand i cant use any other acne products whatsoever with trentinoin. I got rid of my benzoyl peroxide 10% which when i first started agitated, redened bright red skin an agitation and some stinging too i belive. it went away an i got beeautiful skin tone an everything from it but i know i cant use any of that now. Apostrophe i checked them out before, THEY ARE OUTRAGEOUS! Id stick with curology or good rx
I think you got in with Curology in it's good ol days Abbey 😂 I personally had a pretty bad experience with Curology recently: my derm didn't listen to me when I insisted my skin didn't react well to azaleic acid and instead replied with very pregenerated answers... She told me it wasn't possible to remove the azelaic acid, but they could reduce the strength of all the ingredients and it left me very confused, unheard, and frustrated. I may try one of the other options in the future, but that experience kind of left a sour taste in my mouth... Anyone else??
Although they claim to be “custom” they do have a limited number of ready to go trios. And there are no formulas with just two ingredients, so yeah it’s not 100% custom.
Yay please tell me this means you’re going to be doing some more tretinoin based videos? I’ve just ordered some online (somewhat dodgily from India, I’m UK based) and excited but also nervous about starting tret.
Going to the derm was the only thing I tried and it was easy and fast. Got a 45 g tube for $32 at the pharmacy the same day with the goodrx card the derm gave me. It ended up being cheaper than buying differin since I dont need to use as much and it was way more effective. I am hesitant to use online pharmacies and doctors for anything since the doctors cant see you in person and touch your skin. For me, the derm is by far cheaper than all of the companies you used.
I started Curology like 2 years ago, and about after 6 months it just stopped working. I stop seeing results. Now I use Osmosis, however decided to go a dermatologist and will go from there. However I appreciate all the work you put into it.
I used Curology for two solid years and didn't see any results. I switched to Nurx and boom - immediate results. A doctor told me that the ingredients that Curology mixes in with the tretinoin actually dilutes it and makes it less effective.
I’ve had great experience of just asking my PCP doctor at my yearly wellness visit and they have always written a prescription for tretinoin. So I skip the dermatologist step
You can buy tretinoin in Mexico at any pharmacy , no prescription needed. You get in over the counter. I bought tretinoin .05% for $2 ! Yes, two dollars. You can also buy Retin- A .1% for $40-$50
I completely understand your hesitancy with oral spironolactone. I had the same worry with my hormonal acne, but just so you know, my derm said that-at the level it’s used for acne-it’s not going to be used where it would have a diuretic effect. So no worries about constant peeing lol.
@@alyssamanning3125 I think everyone’s experience with it is so different. I personally never had any of the dizziness or increased urination/diuretic side effects for the years I was on it (and I’m very sensitive to diuretics usually), but it certainly could affect different people differently.
Does anyone have insight on why Tret isnt what a dermatologist wouldn't pick first? Why would they want to try other things first, such as antibiotics? I would think tret would be less harsh your body than antibiotics.
Tret takes months of consistent usage to work. I assume antibiotics are used to get the acne under control immediately and used in conjunction with tret. Once the tret kicks in, most dermatologists seem to discontinue antibiotics
You need to be careful about oral meds. Check with your internist who may require blood work; check you current meds; there can be side-effects. I needed to take oral med years ago for my acne, needed monthly bloodwork. Just be cautious.
Superb video.. Ive been looking into all these companies and NURX as well. I have very “old” acne (including open comedones) and scars, that never seem to go away. Question: do you alternate between products? I believe you mentioned you are currently on agency & apostrophe. Can this be done when starting off? TY for the very informative video. Truly appreciate it.
I've used curology and agency and gotten tret through my derm. I am blessed and have good insurance so it actually only cost me $15 for 45gram tube. However I really like the custom formulas best. They feel nicer application wise and are easier to spread. I prefer agency myself because I love those extra ingredients for the skin. But it's def so much easier to get tret now than ever before so yay for that. Thanks abbey for this thorough video. You're amazing as usual!
Thank you…you answered some questions I had regarding the base creams that are used. Some of the pharmacy prescription trets are like trying to spread spackle on your skin! Certainly not a pleasure to use.
I read through another blog, you can try Agency out for 30 days for free - just pay shipping. I am curious about it since I am looking for something more anti-aging as I'm nearing 42! Also, anyone have a FABULOUS recommendation for a clean liquid foundation that really brings out a flawless and even toned appearance? Thank you Abbey! :)
I have only ever used Agency. I use it for anti-aging. I was a smoker for probably 20 yrs. So I had lines around my mouth from smoking. I also am in my 50s. In case you didn’t know, around about that time you start to get jowls, where your cheeks start to sag down into your jawline. My smoke likes around my mouth are almost gone after about 6 months of faithful use of tretinoin. My jowls are completely gone and my neck is firming up. I cannot foresee a time I will ever not use tretinoin until the end of my life. It is a game changer. Thank you Agency for introducing me to it. Give up your beauty box subscription and invest in your skin! Start your glow up from beautiful skin! 😊
That is insane that someone had to pay $300 with a dermatologist prescription?!? I go through my dermatologist and my prescription is not covered by my insurance but it still only costs me $100 for a years supply. That’s about what some of there skincare products at Sephora costs.
Tret cream vs. gel vs. micro all cost different amounts. Even the generic version of micro is around $300 for a tube of gel. If your doctor prescribes the pump, it's $600! With a good Rx coupon the cheapest near me for the micro gel is $58.17 and $135.49 for the pump.
I’m confused. I’ve been trying for a month to get agency, and Curology takes over, I’ve sent the money credit card etc, but Curology doesn’t allow me to get agency, can you please explain what is going on???? It’s very strange to me, and I don’t get any response from agency due to Curology taking over the entire process
Abbey! Serious question. I just started Agency, and honestly, I'm not finding one pump to be enough. Do you use more? I know we're supposed to do the whole pea size thing, but by the time I get to my lower face, I have nothing left on my fingers. It's all on my forehead and a very small amount on my cheeks. I'm assuming, that because there are four products in the Future Formula, it's okay to do two pumps. Not all of it is tretinoin. Do you use more than one pump? I'm not having any skin issues using more, so until I do I think I'm gonna keep using more than the pea sized amount.
Hi! New to the channel!! I feel like we have pretty similar skin types. I was wondering how you incorporate exfoliation into your routine with tret or if you skip it entirely. Thanks!
I am currently using Nurx. I don't really like how every 3 months, I get sent a different brand with a different formula. Idk if curology or agency do the same thing
I used apostrophe a few days ago and I’m being sent Tretinoin and I can’t wait to try it. I’ve been using retinol for over a year and then adapalene for over a year so I’m hoping my skin doesn’t totally freak out. When I made the account and everything I paid 75 but when I got the prescription it said the cost was $0 but it still charged the 75 I’m not sure if I’m getting a refund for it but it said the rx credit was the 75. GoodRx coupons folks.
I started tretinoin about three months ago using curology! I like the service so far and just started using my first large bottle last week 😊 I also looked into Nurx for their anti-aging treatments but opted for curology just because it was a better price point.
Hi Abbey, newish and faithful follower here! First, thank you so much for your content- it has been life changing already! I was just prescribed tret through Curology at 0.009%. I remember you recalling what % you started at and what you’re at now in one of your videos… can you remind me? I’m curious how my initial % from Curology compares. I’ve been using a gentle retinol and Differin for many months already.
Can you comment on the consistency of the formulas? I’m on regular cream Tretinoin and find it extremely hard to blend, so consistency would be my number one reason for switching
This is exactly why I like agency. I can only image that tret from my MD would come out much like my triamcinolone topical steroid. Hard to spread. Also make me over use. The tret future formula I have is .009% to start with azelic acid tranex and niacidimide. .and it's like a lotion consistency.
Do you feel that Agency is gentler and easier to use on the skin than basic tretinoin from the derm since agency has other ingredients in it? Easier to use,etc?
I’m so incredibly happy to have found this video. It was just what I needed. I’ve been searching for the comparison’s of each company for a long long time. Finally the algorithm led me to this wonderfully informative. Extremely helpful channel. Thank you Abby for doing all the hard work for some of us.
I started out using Nurx and didn’t have the best experience. Wound up switching to Apostrophe and have had much better results with my new prescription which is .025% tretinoin and 15% azelaic acid. Something in the formulation of the generic Tretinoin from Nurx didn’t agree with my skin (the purging lasted much longer than it should have) and it stopped within days of using my new Apostrophe prescription. So glad I found Apostrophe. Plus the stickers are so freakin cute.
Love Apostrophe. Just so you know, they accept FSA/HSA so if you have that, it covers Apostrophe. I got their sunscreen, and it's truly amazing. It's s hybrid of mineral and chemical. It's so moisturizing and non greasy. Makes my skin sooo soft. Love it.
Hi Abbey ❤, Such a super video 📹 to watch I thoroughly enjoy it thank you 😘. Agency and Curology are the only one's that I've heard of through watching your channel 💕. For my preference I would choose Agency for an anti aging purposes. Thank you 💕 for talking through the different options it has been very helpful to me 🥰.
I had the same issue. I had canceled cureology. Month later I learned about agency. You have to have am active cureology account and a "physician" has to approve the move to agency. Too much of a hassle and the cost per month, not worth it.
@@loriroth2070 oh that sucks 😩. I was just wondering because I just started on curology 3 months ago. Hopefully it helps my acne and I won’t need to transition
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HOLY shiny face by the end of this video 😅 was texting out a new product for an upcoming video and yikes- fail 😂
Curious to know what product it is! My skin randomly turned combo and my chin is super dry while my t zone is an oil slick 😅
It may look different in person, but on camera I think you have a gorgeous glow.
@@itsactuallyali Charlotte tilbury wonder glow primer!
@@cassthompson3386 it looked nice at first!! Too greasy by the end for me 😂
On camera it looked really fresh and dewy. Your hair is also on point lol 😏
You can ask your primary care provider for tretinoin as well, just in case your insurance doesn't cover dermatologists. They usually will provide a prescription. Then you can show the good rx coupon. Hope that helps!!
This is what I did!
I get prerscription from my Dr. and use good rx coupon for about $30 (same size Abbey demonstrates in the video). I use every other day and it lasts me about six months using a pea-sized dose - so for daily users it should last 3 months. Far better cost vs. services. Once you have a prescription from the Dr. you don't have to go back to him/her, just phone in for another.
Wow thank you for this info. I did not know this. This will save me money
I sent a message and didn't even have to make an appointment to ask for a prescription.
thats what I do! I was prescribed the generic form and it only costs $12, then I just email my doc when I need more and she refills it without me needing to pay to see her :)
Literally just got here but Apostrophe is my fave ever of these services. Cannot overstate how good the experience with them was. The doctor assigned to me truly listened and helped me with my skin condition. Curology was so rude with me and dismissive.
1000% agree
My daughter and I both use and love Apostrophe. I like that they evaluate you with photos every 3 to 6 months. My daughter uses the spironolactone and her skin is so clear now between that and the tretinoin. Really can't recommend them enough. Also, My daughter says you do not need to pee all the time so I wouldn't let that hold you back, Abbey!
I heard another channel make the point that its worth considering how Curology puts a bigger percentage of their costs into marketing than Apostrophe does.
Totally with you on that, I’ve been with them for a whole year now, never been happier with my skin, and their customer service is incredible!
@@Cornwall3 I also take the spironolactone and I maybe felt more easily dehydrated a little bit at first but nothing extreme. I have stayed at a low dose the whole time because it cured my hormonal acne almost instantly (this is not everyone’s result) literally when I got my period that month I only had one pimple (normally my face would erupt) and by the next cycle none at all!
I’ve used Curology for about 4 years for the Tretinoin. Have always had a great experience. Every time I’ve asked to increase my Tretinoin (about twice a year because they started me on a very low dose of it) the dermatologists have always agreed and done so with no issues. They have always responded to my messages within a day as well and have been really friendly and helpful. Would def recommend:)
What percentage of tret was your initial low dose?
@@macawdidithey have mine at .009%
Is that too low?
@@nickmaulfair1088That is a really low dose, my curology provider started mine on .007% which is even lower than yours but you can always ask to increase.
Your lucky yours are so willing to not give you any problems... when I was trying to increase my tretinoin strength my provider always gave me problems when I first started with curology even though I would only ask to increase like every 5 months and I was sure my skin got used to the strength.
Ive been using curology tretinoin since 2020 and yeah I agree.
Sticking with curology.
I’ve been using Apostrophe since 2019 and love it. It’s $75 for three months but they have an option of pausing if you still have enough product and it’s as easy as one click no questions asked. I normally never get through the tube in three months so I end up buying 1-2 tubes per year. max. I also skip June through September.
But it’s $20 for the consultation however that goes toward your product buying right?
@@alyssamanning3125 actully that’s only one charge per year. I’m ok with it to be honest. It’s worth not having to turn on the car and drive tot he derm 😅
@@deepashamusic Totally agree. Sometimes you just don't wanna go to the derm and depending on insurance, it may cost 30 to a few hundred dollars which isn't worth it. A one charge per year of 20 dollars for the consultation just feels cheaper for me and I don't have to wait in line to see the derm and waste 3 hours. Ngl, I prefer the online services more even if I am covered with insurance
@@emilyng7539 I feel exactly the same. The wait time, deductibles, insurance…. Bla bla bla 🙄😂
Dee, can you pause for a number of months at a time or do you go into your account each Month to pause your subscription? Thank you
Everyone please go to your Derm care doc once a year for a skin cancer check. That's a good time to talk about skin care scripts.
I used to do this but it proved useless for me because 1 month after my yearly check at the beginning of 2019, I developed a skin cancerous mark on the back of my hand and I didnt know what it was and I didnt get it cut out until 6 months later... so perhaps twice a year would be more beneficial?🙁
I started with Curology and in January switched to Agency so I could get the dark spot formula. I am really enjoying the new mixture I get so will likely stick with it for now.
Been using Agency for a few months now, had FANTASTIC results, and was very easy to transition to them from Curology. My provider with them is very helpful, and the formulas they gave me have been very individually specific to me. Awesome video 😊
Super helpful! I would also be interested if you did a pt. 2 with Dermatica and Nuryx
And Roderm! And Dear Brightly
I've been using agency for bout 4 months now because you recommended it before and I'm really enjoying my results and have less acne so far.
The problem I had with Curology and Agency was, I was on Curology for several years when they came out with Agency (and I never could get Curology to *not make my face so dry it flaked in spots) so they suggested I switch to Agency and I did, only to wind up with the exact prescription that was in my Curology but at a higher price point! WTF, so I called and was like, I might as well stayed on Curology and paid less and the person I spoke with told me yes, I should have😂
This was exactly what I needed!!! Thanks for sharing your passion with us, Abbey!!
I love Agency. They have the strongest dose of tret at 0.14%. I’m using their tret formula and their dark spot formula with great results.
My dermatologist gives out Good Rx cards with tretinoin prescriptions. Another point about dermatologists is that a good one will assess all the skin on your body. My dermatologist found a serious skin cancer which could have killed me if it wasn’t caught early.
Anyone who has ever had a sunburn should have at least one visit with a dermatologist as part of their regular medical care.
That said, I use Agency for my tretinoin because of the convenience factor.
You can also download the app on your phone and it will show you the price at each pharmacy in your area. This works for all meds by the way.
My gyno does that and I got one of my prescriptions cheaper on GoodRx than my copay would have been 😅 also I would so recommend using prescribed tret, which you can also find through Nurx, just because they are running these FDA trials on the vehicle as well as the active in order to evaluate total efficacy, and Amazon now has a pharmacy that will mail it to your house! Often times you can call your derm and they’ll write the prescription so long as they’ve seen you within the last year.
I started with curology then also switched to agency. I get the dark spot along with Tretinoin. I was still having some breakout so I let Agency know and they called in a prescription for clindamycin to my local pharmacy.
I currently use Nurx online but I am really thinking of trying Agency out for those added skincare benefits. Thanks Abbey!
Don't. I did curology/agency for two years and had zero results. The added ingredients just dilute the tretinoin. I switched to Nurx and had immediate results. More is not better in this case.
Fun fact . Without insurance generic tretinoin is around $100-300 . But if you ask the pharmacy to switch to brand (Retin-a) it’s about 36 dollars . Since it’s a consignment product it’s just a flat fee . Go for the name brand 😊
I’m looking for a Tret prescription in a tube instead of this pump that I can’t see how much I have left.
Do agency and apostrophe also allow you to reschedule shipments at no cost? That’s my favorite part of curology. My bottles last much longer than 2 months because I spread it out to avoid dryness. I get notified via text when a shipment is coming up, and if I’m not ready for a new bottle I just push back the shipment for a few weeks. They don’t charge until they ship. So I’m not paying for wasted bottles.
Apostrophe does.
Love this style pf video, if you continue to compare them you should definitely compare, Nurx, Musely, and Her.
Hi Abbey, after watching you consistently for YEARS, I honestly have to say, you are my favorite TH-camr ever! :) Love your content, and I never get bored of it!
Greetings from Munich, Germany!
Just started Agency, based on your recommendation about 2.5 months ago. I had never used Tretinoin or hydroquinone before. I am loving my formulas and I'm just starting to see some improvement with my melasma. However, the texture of my skin is unbelievably smooth!! Tretinoin is a game changer! Thank you, for helping to change my skin for the better.💖💖💖
Did you just get the main customize mixture or the dark spot one too?
@@copelana6786 both !
I love Agency - only problem is it doesn't last anywhere close to 2 months! I cut back the amount I was using and it still ran out way too soon.
I noticed that too.....it doesn't last two months, the pump seems to run out of formula way before it's supposed to. Only using a pea size amount, makes me wonder how much is actually in the bottle
I end up seeing my derm a lot with my psoarsis and other skin issues, so I get my script through her. My insurance covers it and it ends up being free. I really want to try Agency to get a group of ingredients; just can’t justify the cost when it’s free. Thank you for your thoroughness!! My favorite channel by far!
This was SO HELPFUL! I can’t THANK YOU enough for you sharing your precious time, experiences, knowledge, & outstanding presentation of info on these various services! Sending hugs to you! 😘
It’s August 2024 the price gone up it’s $69.00 . Great video ❤
I just started Curology and I did not think it was geared only to acne. I maybe get 1 pimple a month if even that often. I do have rosacea and that quiz did seem to address that. Maybe they are evolving.
The fact that people are paying hundreds for a derm appointment, then hundreds for a tube of tret shows just how bad the medical system in America is. If a company can create a custom formula with multiple prescription ingredients and other beneficial ingredients for $30 or so, then why is it $300 to get JUST tretinoin from a pharmacy?
Because America is a business not a country
NURx is $35 for a whole year (during which you can message with your provider as often as you want to change prescriptions, increase strengths, etc.) and you can use your insurance to pay for the prescriptions (just not the initial $35 fee). If you don't have insurance I believe the prescription is $30/month. If you don't want them to mail it, you can have them send the script to your local pharmacy and you can pick it up using insurance or a GoodRx coupon (most of the coupons I've seen bring the cost down to about $50 for a 45g tube).
I think this is actually the cheapest option if you have insurance, or maybe even without, since a 45g tube will last you a LONG time. I've had mine for over 6 months and it's still only half way through.
I’m getting my tret through nurx too and it’s $90/3 month supply, but I use it every other day so I can probably get a couple more months out of it!
I was looking to get my tretinoin through them, how did you put it so that it would be sent to the pharmacy? I'm only seeing the option to get mailed to my home. Thanks!
@@thewordonbeautymy nurx tube lasted me a year 😁
This information deserves a whole video. Please make it and help out others as well 😊
I’m said to hear about people having a bad experience with Curology. My provider with them is great, and I’ve seen great results. They started me on an insanely low strength of tretinoin (0.005%, while the standard starting strength is 0.025%), but I actually really like that because my skin is really sensitive. And even with that low strength, I saw a big difference in my melasma/hyperpigmentation, probably because of the 5% tranexamic acid, which is my new hero ingredient 😊
Thank you for commenting on your experience with Curology. I just started with them and i love the products. My provider is amazing and i have contacted her several times already.
I had a good experience with Agency. However, I couldn't justify the cost so I ultimately cancelled after about 9 months. Of note, my husband is a PCP and is happy to prescribe Tretinoin to his patients. If you are already seeing a primary care provider (and may not have a copay) you can request a prescription from him/her.
You couldn't justify the cost of Agency? I only pay $60 a month and that includes: large cream oil cleanser, large future formula, large dark spot formula, and large whipped moisturizer. So an entire prescription skincare routine for $60 a month is absolutely fantastic in my opinion. Of course everyone's idea of "affordable" is different.
I also use Agency and pay $36 per month, I use the future formula and dark spot corrector. One of the reasons I love agency is because I think its so affordable
@@cassthompson3386 wait what?!!! I just signed up with the agency over the weekend and it tells me just for the tretinoin & dark spot formula they’re going to charge me $90 every 2 months. Is that what you mean basically $45 a month?
@@juliannerogers5283 wait what?!!! I just signed up with the agency over the weekend and it tells me just for the tretinoin & dark spot formula they’re going to charge me $90 every 2 months. Is that what you mean basically $45 a month?
@@angelinebiswas7611 yes, I get charged $72 every two months for the two products. I think I may have gotten a discount because I switched over from curology and had been with them for about 15 months
My doctor prescribed tretinoin to me, and it's all refundable, so we pay nothing (in France!)
It's ridiculous that in America we need a prescription for Retin A. Other countries you can buy over the counter cheaply!!
Did you experience any scratchy crystals from any of the compounded formulas you tried? I’ve read online that that seems to be a recurrent complaint issue across all the telederm companies although you won’t see any videos on it, because most of the people advertising for these companies, are sponsored by them (not yours & bless you for that!). Cosmetic chemist Lab muffin beauty science (love her!) speaks about these crystals being the result of a “clear stability issue” which can happen when mixing actives together in a compounded formula. She recommends buying them separately for that reason. The cost is pretty significant to use the services so the last thing I wanna worry about is having to pick out sharp crystals before applying it to my face. Would love to hear if anyone else has experienced this.
I love the ease of the online prescriptions and appreciate all this info!
older video, i know, but THANK YOU! i'd been wondering how to get tret but there's so many out there i didn't know who to trust. i ended up going with goodrx and within 15min i literally had a script sent to a pharmacy for it lol.
I get my tretinoin prescription is through my dermatologist. I then go to GoodRX (not GoodRX Care) for the best price at various pharmacies - usually about $70 for 45g tube of .1%. My tube lasts me for almost one year. FYI - tretinoin is by prescription only in the US. So on your visits to other countries just pop into a pharmacy and purchase some tubes. I have purchased tretinoin in Paris, Mexico and Canada (about $20 a tube).
what brand of tretinoin can we buy in canada?? is it without prescription???
I do the same and have found it’s much less expensive just to purchase the prescription. I get it on GoodRx and a 45 g tube of Trent last me 7 to8 months vs paying $40 month for a compounded prescription, which I’ve since learned, can I have stability issues from the actives being compounded. I use tretinoin and azelaic acid. Yes, it’s a little more work to layer the products as opposed to popping them out of a tube, but when I read regular complaints from people about scratchy crystals coming out of their compounded formulas and then came to learn from a cosmetic chemist, that those scratchy crystals were the results of a stability issue, I’m wondering why anyone would pay 40+ dollars a month for an unstable formula that can potentially leave you applying cream that could scratch your face? Then the companies tell customers that they just need to shake the bottle or the crystals are a result of a temperature thing, but this cosmetic chemist said it’s a known stability issue and you’re better off purchasing your prescription separately.
Agency now charges $150 for 2 months of the future formula and dark spot formula as of June ‘24. Wow, prices have really gone up!😬
Am I the only one that had a horrible experience with Apostrophe? It says i have to pay $20 for each follow up and each refill cost me $75 and to make it worse I received a horrible texture of tret it felt grainy almost as if i was physically exfoliating my skin and i was told it was normal.
Do not use Agency. I'm totally disappointed with them. It's nothing but a scheme and there's a ton of bad reviews out there. I'm sorry I used them. Save your money, they're expensive. Better to go to the derm.
I use Cureology but for anti aging. I get Tret , Niacinamide, Azaelic Acid.
Thank you so much for this. I’ve used Curology for about 9 months but just switched to apostrophe two days ago (my RX comes tomorrow)! This video has made me feel really good about the switch. I was nervous but needed some ingredients that Curology doesn’t offer. You’re always so helpful!
why did you switch?
I've been using Curology for a few years and I really love it, just recently upped my tret %. I still have more issues with ongoing breakouts / acne scars that could improve, but my skin is wayyyy better than it was before Curology!! But I'm debating trying to switch to Apostrophe depending on how the next few months on the upped tret go.....thank you for this video!! Love the overview of the different services.
Hi Elizabeth, thank you for choosing Curology for your skincare journey! Please don't hesitate to reach out to your dedicated dermatology provider if you think your current formula just isn't cutting it. They'll work with you to update your formula and find a routine that will help achieve your skincare goals. 💜
This was such a great breakdown. I am trying Apostrophe for my teen who is battling acne and Agency to up my anti-aging game. Thank you for this great content, I find your videos very helpful, you are the only non-Derm account I follow for this content because of how thoughtful you are with your reviews/advice.
FYI Curology can also include azelaic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid in the formula too!
Came to say this! I am on a mix of clindamycin, azelaic acid and tret with Curology and have loved my experience so far!
I concur. Not sure why Abbey says Curology doesn’t offer all those ingredients cz they sure do.
What she was saying is that Curology only offers 3 ingredients in their formulas whereas Agency has a mixture of 4.
Hi, have tried Dermatica? What do you think of them? They have raised their prices...😮
Recently discovered your channel and let me say we are a total different skin tone and for sure hair type but I can nearly and confidently use every product you suggest so thank you. I’m using agency but I’m realizing I probably should down grade from nightly tret to every other night, considering apostrophe but a little concerned about antibiotic resistance. Anywho you’re amazing!
i prefer apostrophe for rosacea because they offer 15% azelaic acid whereas curology doesn’t offer as high of a percentage
Hi Karen, thanks for bringing this up. While typically well-tolerated, azelaic acid may cause redness, flaking, stinging, burning and itching in some patients-and we have seen this in our clinical practice. We have found our gentle formulas to be an equally effective as products with higher concentrations of the ingredient, particularly due to the combination of ingredients, and more tolerable to the skin. Hope this helps explain why you don't see a higher azelaic acid concentration in our formulas!
Wow I never had an issue getting trentinoin. I started with a derm and got on tretinoin right away years ago before everyone was talking about it. Then I went to Curology and it ended up being so much more and a waste I could never finish a bottle before it “expired” and it was $20 a month. I pay around $10 for a large tube of trent now from my derm and it last me a year I only use a pea size around a day. In my opinion find a good derm who actually listens to you will end up being a lot cheaper if you have insurance.
Even if your insurance doesn’t cover it it’s still a cheaper route for tube from the derm
Really an excellent video. Very informative. Thank you. I am currently using Curology, but switching to Agency because the amount of Tret in my Curology formula is down 0.01% due to an increase in % of another ingredient. My Curology derm told me that Agency could do the formula I wanted- so I'm switching. Thank you for putting time, effort, and knowledge into this video.
I plan to try Agency. Thank You
I stumbled upon Agency and wanted to know a review of it and came across this video and omg this was exactly what I needed. Absolute goldmine. Thank you!
Did the cost for Agency go up? Because I just signed up and they are charging me $80 for the large future bottle. And $108 if you get the lotion and the cleanser with it.
i see a derm, but i have been receiving tret for free for the past 6-7 months. They send it to a specialty pharmacy with some sort of patient assistance. I would just ask your Dr for tips! I have the 2nd highest dose now since my skin has gotten tremendously better.
I'm glad that both Curology and Apostrophe seem to both be awesome choices!
I'm subscribed for Curology and have been loving their Cleanser and rich moisturizer along with my prescription of Tret/Clindamycin/Azelic Acid 💕
But I really loved that apostrophe has orals as well so I am subbed to them for their Spitonolactone as well! 🙌🏼
Been using both for a little over a month and have been loving them both so far.~
Hi! Are you still on this curology formulation? I just started and have the same one but wondering if I can use clindamycin long term
No, if you get it from your derm and it is not covered, just take the prescription to pharmacy, any pharmacy after searching good RX and get it filled at the cheapest choice good RX comes up with. I get a prescription from my derm, I just don't use my insurance to cover the cost.I use Good RX
SingleCare may be an option too. Sometimes they are less than GoodRx.
Please try Altreno! Also PRESCRIPTION aezielic acid in the 15% Gel! The combo mixed together is amazing! Altreno is 0.5% tret but it’s in a hydrating slow release formula overnight and I’ve had far less irritation that 0.25 retin A and way better results ! You won’t be sorry !
Just a heads up the aezelic acid is covered by insurance but the Altreno is $60 for small tube and $98 for the large one but it lasts a long time and is worth it imo
I am using prescription tretinoin 0.025% and have seen great results. I have read a little bit about azeleic acid and alot of people are fans. Why do you like it/what it does for your skin? Any added benefit on top of what the tretinoin is doing already?
@@katherinemoore1748 it’s not like an exfoliating acid it’s anti inflammatory so basically it’s really good at reducing redness in your skin and it also targets hyperpigmentation but unlike certain ingredients that can cause ur face ur to be lighter than your body it only targets spots with overproduction of pigment and doesn’t effect the rest of the skin so overall it just makes your skin bright even toned and less redness and it also helps with large pores+acne. It’s not really anti aging like retin a it just makes ur skin look good so I like to mix a pea sized amount of both.
@@katherinemoore1748 so basically it’s really helpful if you have larger pores or redness
@@frankiewarren4082 thank you, so helpful! im going to look into it, seems like it would help as my skin leans oily and is red almost always.
If its 300, use a good Rx without subscription. Works. Mine was 56.
I got those ingrediants and 0.1% trentinoin i just started today with curology i applied it hours ago an so far, no iritation or anthing hwoever, all the videos prior, including yours helped me understand i cant use any other acne products whatsoever with trentinoin. I got rid of my benzoyl peroxide 10% which when i first started agitated, redened bright red skin an agitation and some stinging too i belive. it went away an i got beeautiful skin tone an everything from it but i know i cant use any of that now. Apostrophe i checked them out before, THEY ARE OUTRAGEOUS! Id stick with curology or good rx
I think you got in with Curology in it's good ol days Abbey 😂 I personally had a pretty bad experience with Curology recently: my derm didn't listen to me when I insisted my skin didn't react well to azaleic acid and instead replied with very pregenerated answers... She told me it wasn't possible to remove the azelaic acid, but they could reduce the strength of all the ingredients and it left me very confused, unheard, and frustrated. I may try one of the other options in the future, but that experience kind of left a sour taste in my mouth... Anyone else??
Although they claim to be “custom” they do have a limited number of ready to go trios. And there are no formulas with just two ingredients, so yeah it’s not 100% custom.
They were horrible with me lol super rude 😂
I let someone talk me into trying Paula’s choice 10%azaleic acid as my 1 active to try and I had to return it. My cheeks got really hot and red
Yay please tell me this means you’re going to be doing some more tretinoin based videos? I’ve just ordered some online (somewhat dodgily from India, I’m UK based) and excited but also nervous about starting tret.
Going to the derm was the only thing I tried and it was easy and fast. Got a 45 g tube for $32 at the pharmacy the same day with the goodrx card the derm gave me. It ended up being cheaper than buying differin since I dont need to use as much and it was way more effective. I am hesitant to use online pharmacies and doctors for anything since the doctors cant see you in person and touch your skin. For me, the derm is by far cheaper than all of the companies you used.
I started Curology like 2 years ago, and about after 6 months it just stopped working. I stop seeing results. Now I use Osmosis, however decided to go a dermatologist and will go from there. However I appreciate all the work you put into it.
I used Curology for two solid years and didn't see any results. I switched to Nurx and boom - immediate results. A doctor told me that the ingredients that Curology mixes in with the tretinoin actually dilutes it and makes it less effective.
@@marlynnek6449 Right, I am getting and will start using tretinoin start from the tube and not mixed with other products. Thank you
I’ve had great experience of just asking my PCP doctor at my yearly wellness visit and they have always written a prescription for tretinoin. So I skip the dermatologist step
You can buy tretinoin in Mexico at any pharmacy , no prescription needed. You get in over the counter. I bought tretinoin .05% for $2 ! Yes, two dollars. You can also buy Retin- A .1% for $40-$50
Yes…it’s available OTC in several countries. India is the same.
I’m not going in a plane Mexico to have a long flight to Mexico just to get cream. The plane ticket will still match up to the cream costs
I completely understand your hesitancy with oral spironolactone. I had the same worry with my hormonal acne, but just so you know, my derm said that-at the level it’s used for acne-it’s not going to be used where it would have a diuretic effect. So no worries about constant peeing lol.
I read a lot that you get really dizzy though if you don’t drink enough water
@@alyssamanning3125 I think everyone’s experience with it is so different. I personally never had any of the dizziness or increased urination/diuretic side effects for the years I was on it (and I’m very sensitive to diuretics usually), but it certainly could affect different people differently.
Abbey is literally my go-to person for hair and skin information. I just sent in my information for Apostrophe! Hoping it goes well!
Does anyone have insight on why Tret isnt what a dermatologist wouldn't pick first? Why would they want to try other things first, such as antibiotics? I would think tret would be less harsh your body than antibiotics.
Tret takes months of consistent usage to work. I assume antibiotics are used to get the acne under control immediately and used in conjunction with tret. Once the tret kicks in, most dermatologists seem to discontinue antibiotics
Apostrophe charged me $47 before I even made an appointment. I really hope that $47 goes towards the cost of the skincare.
You need to be careful about oral meds. Check with your internist who may require blood work; check you current meds; there can be side-effects. I needed to take oral med years ago for my acne, needed monthly bloodwork. Just be cautious.
Superb video.. Ive been looking into all these companies and NURX as well. I have very “old” acne (including open comedones) and scars, that never seem to go away.
Question: do you alternate between products? I believe you mentioned you are currently on agency & apostrophe.
Can this be done when starting off?
TY for the very informative video. Truly appreciate it.
I've used curology and agency and gotten tret through my derm. I am blessed and have good insurance so it actually only cost me $15 for 45gram tube. However I really like the custom formulas best. They feel nicer application wise and are easier to spread. I prefer agency myself because I love those extra ingredients for the skin. But it's def so much easier to get tret now than ever before so yay for that.
Thanks abbey for this thorough video. You're amazing as usual!
Agree it’s def more costmetically elegant and isn’t thick and pasty and doesn’t smell as bad as regular tret.
Thank you…you answered some questions I had regarding the base creams that are used. Some of the pharmacy prescription trets are like trying to spread spackle on your skin! Certainly not a pleasure to use.
Completely agree. Rx tret is so unenjoyable to use. I hated it. Using curology for about a year but switching to agency since I dont have acne…
I read through another blog, you can try Agency out for 30 days for free - just pay shipping. I am curious about it since I am looking for something more anti-aging as I'm nearing 42! Also, anyone have a FABULOUS recommendation for a clean liquid foundation that really brings out a flawless and even toned appearance? Thank you Abbey! :)
Hey Abbey! Did you use other products with Agency, like vitamin C or others? Did you use their cleanser and moisturizer or something else?
I have only ever used Agency. I use it for anti-aging. I was a smoker for probably 20 yrs. So I had lines around my mouth from smoking. I also am in my 50s. In case you didn’t know, around about that time you start to get jowls, where your cheeks start to sag down into your jawline. My smoke likes around my mouth are almost gone after about 6 months of faithful use of tretinoin. My jowls are completely gone and my neck is firming up. I cannot foresee a time I will ever not use tretinoin until the end of my life. It is a game changer. Thank you Agency for introducing me to it. Give up your beauty box subscription and invest in your skin! Start your glow up from beautiful skin! 😊
WOW! Talk about doing legwork!!! Kudos to for that alone!
But this was also REALLY helpful to me!😘
I was Rx Aldactone
My endocrinologist said, "Aldactone is a sh*tty diuretic."
Didn't pee that much more when I was on it. It did help my cystic acne.
I was wondering if someone was going to say this. I think it depends on the person, but I didn't have any increase of urination either while using it.
That is insane that someone had to pay $300 with a dermatologist prescription?!? I go through my dermatologist and my prescription is not covered by my insurance but it still only costs me $100 for a years supply. That’s about what some of there skincare products at Sephora costs.
Tret cream vs. gel vs. micro all cost different amounts. Even the generic version of micro is around $300 for a tube of gel. If your doctor prescribes the pump, it's $600! With a good Rx coupon the cheapest near me for the micro gel is $58.17 and $135.49 for the pump.
I’m confused. I’ve been trying for a month to get agency, and Curology takes over, I’ve sent the money credit card etc, but Curology doesn’t allow me to get agency, can you please explain what is going on???? It’s very strange to me, and I don’t get any response from agency due to Curology taking over the entire process
Abbey! Serious question. I just started Agency, and honestly, I'm not finding one pump to be enough. Do you use more? I know we're supposed to do the whole pea size thing, but by the time I get to my lower face, I have nothing left on my fingers. It's all on my forehead and a very small amount on my cheeks. I'm assuming, that because there are four products in the Future Formula, it's okay to do two pumps. Not all of it is tretinoin. Do you use more than one pump? I'm not having any skin issues using more, so until I do I think I'm gonna keep using more than the pea sized amount.
I’ve been using Apostrophe for about a year and a half now, love it!
Hi! New to the channel!! I feel like we have pretty similar skin types. I was wondering how you incorporate exfoliation into your routine with tret or if you skip it entirely. Thanks!
I use Apostrophe for Tretinoin and oral Spironolactone. I would love to hear your update using topical Spironolactone!
Hows your acne after taking the tretinoin and oral spironolactone???
Cute hair. I’ve been using Agency for almost a year. And have been very happy with them and my results. I’m 47 with dry sensitive skin.
I am currently using Nurx. I don't really like how every 3 months, I get sent a different brand with a different formula. Idk if curology or agency do the same thing
I used apostrophe a few days ago and I’m being sent Tretinoin and I can’t wait to try it. I’ve been using retinol for over a year and then adapalene for over a year so I’m hoping my skin doesn’t totally freak out. When I made the account and everything I paid 75 but when I got the prescription it said the cost was $0 but it still charged the 75 I’m not sure if I’m getting a refund for it but it said the rx credit was the 75. GoodRx coupons folks.
How did it end up working out? Both results and price?
I started tretinoin about three months ago using curology! I like the service so far and just started using my first large bottle last week 😊 I also looked into Nurx for their anti-aging treatments but opted for curology just because it was a better price point.
how much is curology for 0.1% tretinoin and the quantity???
Hi Abbey, newish and faithful follower here! First, thank you so much for your content- it has been life changing already! I was just prescribed tret through Curology at 0.009%. I remember you recalling what % you started at and what you’re at now in one of your videos… can you remind me? I’m curious how my initial % from Curology compares. I’ve been using a gentle retinol and Differin for many months already.
Can you comment on the consistency of the formulas? I’m on regular cream Tretinoin and find it extremely hard to blend, so consistency would be my number one reason for switching
This is exactly why I like agency. I can only image that tret from my MD would come out much like my triamcinolone topical steroid. Hard to spread. Also make me over use. The tret future formula I have is .009% to start with azelic acid tranex and niacidimide. .and it's like a lotion consistency.
Do you feel that Agency is gentler and easier to use on the skin than basic tretinoin from the derm since agency has other ingredients in it? Easier to use,etc?
Curology is now $97.80 every 60 days so $48.90 a month….
I’m so incredibly happy to have found this video. It was just what I needed. I’ve been searching for the comparison’s of each company for a long long time.
Finally the algorithm led me to this wonderfully informative. Extremely helpful channel.
Thank you Abby for doing all the hard work for some of us.
I started out using Nurx and didn’t have the best experience. Wound up switching to Apostrophe and have had much better results with my new prescription which is .025% tretinoin and 15% azelaic acid. Something in the formulation of the generic Tretinoin from Nurx didn’t agree with my skin (the purging lasted much longer than it should have) and it stopped within days of using my new Apostrophe prescription. So glad I found Apostrophe. Plus the stickers are so freakin cute.
How was the base cream that they use at Apostrophe?
Love Apostrophe. Just so you know, they accept FSA/HSA so if you have that, it covers Apostrophe. I got their sunscreen, and it's truly amazing. It's s hybrid of mineral and chemical. It's so moisturizing and non greasy. Makes my skin sooo soft. Love it.
Hi Abbey ❤, Such a super video 📹 to watch I thoroughly enjoy it thank you 😘. Agency and Curology are the only one's that I've heard of through watching your channel 💕. For my preference I would choose Agency for an anti aging purposes. Thank you 💕 for talking through the different options it has been very helpful to me 🥰.
i ordered from Dermatica
Girl wait til mid 40s. I’m more sensitive to products and have more hormonal acne than any other time in my life. It’s great.
GoodRx also has coupons for tret. It drops mine to $30
This is the best explanation of the process and the pros and cons. Thank you.
AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING video, so informative and helpful, thank you!!!! 🤗🥰💖
Because i can't get Agency because Curology won't release me I appreciate the video and now know there are other options.
I had the same issue. I had canceled cureology. Month later I learned about agency. You have to have am active cureology account and a "physician" has to approve the move to agency. Too much of a hassle and the cost per month, not worth it.
May I ask why they wouldn’t release you?
@@Crystal0139 I don't know. Everytime they sent me the "link" to Agency it took me back to Curology.
@@loriroth2070 oh that sucks 😩. I was just wondering because I just started on curology 3 months ago. Hopefully it helps my acne and I won’t need to transition