I have been using tretinoin since I was 14, now at 27 I am only now starting to see the benefits of its anti aging properties when I look at the skin of my peers vs my own. It really is a miracle cream.
Wow-thanks for sharing this unique perspective! 13 years has probably done wonders for your skin. ✨ Out of curiosity: did you originally start tretinoin for acne? At 14, I had no idea what tretinoin was haha
@@TheScienceofSelfCare yes! My doctor suggested it for acne and it really helped and my skin tolerated it, so I just never stopped. Then it started to become popular online and I learned about how good it is for anti-aging I’ve decided I will use it forever haha! I have yet to develop any fine lines and wrinkles and my skin bounces back from pimples, cute, etc very quickly. I am also very lucky my doctor really drilled into my head the importance of daily sunscreen with Tretinoin so I have also been very diligent about sun protection just as long.
topical tretinoin can only minimally penetrate the dermis. the best thing for acne but it's overrated for "anti-aging". Topical tretinoin, a retinoid derivative of vitamin A, penetrates the epidermis effectively, with varying depths depending on the formulation and skin condition. Its penetration generally extends into the epidermal layers, specifically targeting keratinocytes, but it does not significantly penetrate into the dermis. Studies show that tretinoin predominantly impacts the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, where it accelerates the turnover of skin cells and modulates keratinization. According to Darlenski and Fluhr (2012), tretinoin binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in epidermal cells, influencing gene expression involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation without typically reaching deeper layers like the dermis in significant amounts【Darlenski & Fluhr, 2012】. Furthermore, factors like the formulation (gel vs. cream), concentration, and the presence of skin conditions (such as acne) can influence penetration depth. For example, research has found that tretinoin in gel form may have better penetration than cream formulations, likely due to increased skin permeability (Mukherjee et al., 2006). Ultimately, while tretinoin does penetrate deeply enough to impact skin health by affecting the upper epidermis, its effects do not generally extend into the deeper dermal layers due to molecular size and skin barrier properties【Mukherjee et al., 2006】.
I've been using tretinoin for 3 years now, I've reached 0.1% every other day and my skin has improved a lot, it's not perfect, it probably will never be but I feel confident without any makeup on and that says a lot :) Anyways, a very informative and helpful video!
I can't wait for your red light mask review video. Since you made your first red light video, I've been really curious about red light masks, but there are so many out there, and it's hard to choose. Would you be open to making a segment about Omnilux men vs. women's mask (or something similar)? Some people claim that the men's mask it better because it includes an extra frequency designed to penetrate thicker skin. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
Your skin looks PHENOMENAL! I did tretinoin in the past but I think I went too hard too quickly. You have me excited to try this again. I’m going to check out Agency ❤️
thank you, Rachel! Appreciate that and YOU. My genetics are prone to splotchy, red, crepey skin so it's really awesome to see that little daily habits do make a difference! ❤
Yessss I too love Dr Dray and Dr Idriss ! They’ve taught me everything I know about dermatology and skincare. haven’t tried prescription tretinoin, but I have been on adapalene consistently since 2019. I have oily and acne prone skin, and adapalene has helped control my acne, but I also have too many cofactors, such as using in conjunction with salicylic acid cleanser, HClO spray, bentonite clay mask, sulfur mask, zinc ointment. However with the addition of adapalene , I have to agree, I can physically feel and see that my skin is thicker and skin tone is very even now, than 10 years ago. Robin thank you for making this video and sharing your experience, I have been considering tretinoin next year after I finish up what I have.
I first tried tretinoin from Agency after you mentioned it in an earlier video about your skincare. Initially, I thought I'd just get the $5 test kit to try it out and forget about it because committing to a subscription seemed too pricey for me, but my skin improved so fast and so drastically I had to keep going! I saw results within a week, I'm not even kidding! I'd had sensitive, acne-prone, oily, uneven skin for years and years and no number of professionally done procedures and expensive skincare seemed to help in the long term. Huge thanks, Robin 💛
Also, to add to the priciness of using Agency: I've found that I don't use it up as fast as is perhaps intended, so I end up postponing my shipments by at least two weeks almost every time. And because I'm getting all the actives from this one bottle, I don't feel the need to spend money on expensive cleansers and moisturizers or regular salon procedures anymore, so I've convinced myself I might be saving some cash by using Agency haha
I do the glycerine toooooo because of doctor Idris!!!! I also stopped the hylauronic acid because of her. Before her i didn't know why it was so drying!
You don't need to stop HA, just don't focus on it and use the money on something else, btw beta glucan is better vs glycerine, ceramides are also better
@@stx7389 Hi My skin was so good.I went to dermatologist for little acne scars and her laser treatment caused hyperpigmentation on my skin.Espavially under eye,I'm so disappointed bcz a lot of medication has been don't but all in vain. Plz guide me too
I feel the same way about adapalene! I was so excited, pre health insurance, when it became available over the counter. It seemed to help with my acne, but not a glow. No other obvious benefits. I really had much better luck with retinal aldehyde formulations. The avene being most least favorite and naturium my favorite. Geek and gorgeous also has a nice formula too. Now I’m on tretinoin (month 5) and the purge is real y’all. But I can already see a difference. I LOVE my nira laser too.❤
I started using Tret recently and started getting headaches, I looked online and apparently it's a rare side effect. So I may have to pause on it - which is annoying as I really wanted to give it a proper go. I had no headaches with Retinal. Thanks for your sharing
I like Agency Future Formula. I paused it for awhile to try other actives. But you just reminded me how good it is for acne prone areas so I went and put a dab on my oh so oily chin and nose. The Tret (.009) makes me peel like crazy, even on my nose. But maybe with long term use that stops? I am blonde with fair sensitive-ish skin. I used to get super red and splotchy and even had eczema in patches on my hands. I stopped my consumption of grains and sugars and those issues cleared up. Practically overnight. And when I do have breads and such now, I feel itchy and awful.
You are definitely glowing.. ❤️ I have been using tret about 6-8 months as well.. started and continuing with 0.025 and feel like the results plateaued.. probably time to step up the %..
I am using tretinoin 0.05 percent, on and off for several years, like 3 month daily use, to not at all for 6 months or so 🤣 the result and experience itself was good, so much recomend. if I can fo back in time, I hope I started it sooner and do it consistently. speaking as a 27 y.o
So I ordered agency sample before your video came out, I have very sensitive skin and cannot use any fragrance so my skin reminds me a lot of how you describe yours. They started me at 0.009 but my first full size bottle is 0.02 so I’m a little scared about the jump because I didn’t realize they could have done 0.015 like you did. I also was able to go to every night pretty quickly with the 0.009 and not really getting sensitive. I might try the sandwich method and start every 3rd day like I originally started the 0.009 and adjust to more frequent if no sensitivity. I was hesitant to start the sample until I saw your video, I’m excited to see the difference it makes with hyperpigmentation because I got hormonal dark spots when I was pregnant and I feel like they never got lighter. Thank you for your videos
Hey Kortnee! 👋 thanks for sharing these details. I love hearing about other people’s skincare journey. ❤️ It’s Interesting that they bumped you up so quickly! I actually went from 0.009 to 0.012 to 0.015 to 0.02 (where I am now). So far, no issues! I hope you have a great experience with the 0.02 formula and would be curious to hear if you notice any difference in hyperpigmentation. Agency also has another prescription formula with hydroquinone that’s specifically for dark spots, called their “Dark Spot Formula”. Did you consider giving that one a try as well? xo Robin
@ Thank you, I will see how I do with the 0.02% and I will see how it does with hyperpigmentation. Depending how it will go I will update you in a couple months to see if I have noticed a difference. As far as the dark spot formula I might wait until around 6 months to see if there is a visible difference and if not I will look into the dark spot formula. My mom was prescribed Tretinoin from her Dermatologist, but 0.1%, specifically for dark spots and only had her use as spot treatment for 60 days and she noticed a difference. Her experience as a whole with Tretinoin was not positive because the sensitivity but I told her about your experience and mine so far and she is reconsidering and doing a lower percentage.
Holy moly. That is one hell of an endorsement comments section... 😀 Just for counterbalance: I had acne problems well into my 30s. Then I stopped eating dairy, eggs and meat. Four weeks later: acne, gone. Since then (ten years) I had about 10 pimples. In total. (almost always after too much alcohol) ...and people constantly think I'm in my early 30s.
Thank you for sharing this!! It’s so true that diet and gut health have a huge impact on skin. After doing an elimination diet, I found out that, for me, meat seems to benefit my skin, while dairy and eggs can really trigger inflammation. It’s such a journey to discover what works for each of us because everyone’s ideal diet is different.. a bit of experimentation can be so helpful 🧡 thanks for this great reminder that healthy skin starts from within! One thing I’ll add is that tretinoin really helps manage my skin inflammation, even when I do experience flare-ups for whatever reason. So personally, a balanced diet paired with calming skincare has been the BEST combo! ✨
I just started using tretinoin (for about a week now) and it's still too early to tell its effect on my skin. I had used retinol before starting tretinoin and find that maybe since I am already used to retinol, I am not having an adverse reaction to it. One thing that you didn't mention which is important is that if you wax your face, you should NOT use treinoin or retinol. You have to be off it for a week before you get waxed. I've decided to try threading instead of waxing so that I don't have to worry about stopping the use of tretinoin a week before my waxing appointment.
Really enjoy your videos and you did mention the confounding variables, but considering the mixture of Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid at pretty substantial concentrations, which are known to improve texture, pores and pigmentation, using this as a showcase for tret seems like a bit of a stretch. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the tret has helped and I feel like using that low a concentration is actually smart - a lot of people overdo it - I just don't think it's clear that most of your results aren't due to the other ingredients. In the end, it doesn't matter that much as long as it's working for you.
Thanks for sharing! I do agree with this point-impossible to say at this moment. But what I will mention is that I have used all of these other ingredients before (eg. high concentrations of niacinimide) and have never seen these results. Granted, that still doesn’t mean it’s not the cocktail that’s working its magic. That’s why I’ll be very curious to see what happens when I continue using this formula without the tret when I start trying to conceive. :) Appreciate your thoughts!! xo Robin
Rosacea pimples are the worst. i have one on the side of my nose and you literally can't pop it cause nothing is in the pimple. I basically had to start from scratch with skincare cause my skin would constantly flare up due to a stressful year. I tend to only break out around my period (which isn't a lot) or if my skin is really dry. I'm definitely looking into tret but im scared because of my skin is so sensitive. After watching your video I will look into it more. I didn't know they could formulate a product that low!
Yes!! That is what I really appreciate about Agency. It’s so low and has been so gentle that I haven’t had any sensitivity issues. It’s also nice that you can share photos and personal skin experience with your Agency dermatologist, so you’re not on your own. This is always the case with prescription skincare of course, but it’s not necessarily the case with over-the-counter retinol, and to me that makes it a lot more approachable. I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with painful rosacea pimples. When my gut is inflamed, I get cystic pimples that are also not “pop-able”.. they are painful and frustrating! It’s not the same skin condition, but Agency has helped with my cysts. Perhaps asking a dermatologist outside of Agency for their thoughts might be the best perspective? Wishing you lots of success on your skincare journey! ❤️❤️❤️ xo Robin
Your skin looks amazing! I actually just started using retinal as a rosacea girly from Medik8. I'm using the lowest strength they have at 0.01% retinaldehyde. Iv'e been using it about 3 weeks now. I started with application twice every two weeks and now every other night. I don't know if its from this product, as it's such a low percentage, I'm starting to notice more broken capillaries specifically in my upper cheeks. I don't know if it's making my rosacea worse or not or if I should keep going?
@@TheScienceofSelfCare I really thought you were no more than 25 and I have been subscribed for a while! I felt like I missed the anti aging boat as most are starting in mid 20s and I'm nearly 30 so it's really motivating to start seeing your journey and fitness xx
Essentially, yes. But to me, it’s like extra special slugging because it not only locks in moisture, it also dials down any inflammation in my skin and curbs breakouts. I wake up with bright, smooth, even skin whenever I do this step. I love it so much. 🤍
topical tretinoin can only minimally penetrate the dermis. the best thing for acne but it's overrated for "anti-aging". Topical tretinoin, a retinoid derivative of vitamin A, penetrates the epidermis effectively, with varying depths depending on the formulation and skin condition. Its penetration generally extends into the epidermal layers, specifically targeting keratinocytes, but it does not significantly penetrate into the dermis. Studies show that tretinoin predominantly impacts the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, where it accelerates the turnover of skin cells and modulates keratinization. According to Darlenski and Fluhr (2012), tretinoin binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in epidermal cells, influencing gene expression involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation without typically reaching deeper layers like the dermis in significant amounts【Darlenski & Fluhr, 2012】. Furthermore, factors like the formulation (gel vs. cream), concentration, and the presence of skin conditions (such as acne) can influence penetration depth. For example, research has found that tretinoin in gel form may have better penetration than cream formulations, likely due to increased skin permeability (Mukherjee et al., 2006). Ultimately, while tretinoin does penetrate deeply enough to impact skin health by affecting the upper epidermis, its effects do not generally extend into the deeper dermal layers due to molecular size and skin barrier properties【Mukherjee et al., 2006】.
Hey, thanks for your question! For me personally, zinc oxide masks make my skin SO calm and soft (even before tretinoin I noticed it cut down on the acne and redness in my skin). I can't really describe it so well--and everyone will have a different experience--but I would say it's both locking in moisturizing AND dialing down inflammation. When I started doing this step, people in real life started saying: "wow, your skin is amazing". I swear no one ever told me that before the zinc masks hahaha I know this is so vague, but I hope this helps! xo Robin
Thank you so much! I use whitening tooth paste (I feel like every brand has a whitening version now) and that's pretty much it! Perhaps once a year, I might use whitening strips, but I really try to be conservative with these types of things because I want to preserve the health of my enamel / not sensitize my teeth. I think the fact that I no longer drink coffee (since a few years ago) also helps! xo Robin
Lab Muffin says that the compounded versions like Agency aren't as good as either the plain tret tube you can get at the pharmacy or a major brand retinol where there is a lot more research put into the formula - I know you mentioned this at the end but you are probably paying more for something that isn't as good. As for when you want to get pregnant I would just check which ingredients are known to be safe and then follow the basic routine from Dr. Sam Ellis or The Budget Derm or someone like that. I think the personalized formulations make people feel like they're getting something special or unique to them when it's probably a pretty typical mixture. I mean, if you're happy and have the money, fine, but I hope that people watching this who think a compounded one must be best will go and watch the Lab Muffin video. I'm older than you (mid 50s) and haven't done a great job of taking care of my skin but am now doing the Sam Ellis basic routine (Vit C and sunscreen in the morning, glycolic acid cleanser, retinol and moisturizer at night), and I'm definitely seeing an improvement after only a few weeks. Not trying to yuck on your yum, but I think people can get convinced that the "personalized" skin care is so much better - I'd rather trust in brands with tons of money spent on R&D and testing (like CeraVe or whatever). That said, I'm very glad you are seeing so much improvement and congratulations on your wedding and relatively new house!
Thank you for sharing this info! These are great points, especially about the plethora of free content on pregnancy-safe routines. 🙏 I did see the Lab Muffin content about personalized combo tretinoin formulas. It’s true that I am paying more with Agency, but I really like how low the starting amounts of tretinoin are. Many “drug” versions seem so high right off the bat. One of my friends switched from Agency to insurance-covered tret and she’s started to develop some milia/irritation now. Of course it’s not clear what caused this milia but it’s something she’s now dealing with and something I am luckily not! As someone with super sensitive skin, whenever I have a positive experience with skincare, I am happy to pay a bit more because so many formulas do not work well for me. I also go through the Agency bottles twice as slowly as they estimate making it cheaper per month. *I am just finishing my third bottle after over 6 months. So that’s my thinking! But I do agree that this is not the most cost-effective method and there are other (perhaps better) ways to incorporate tretinoin. Thanks again for sharing this valuable nuance! x Robin
@@TheScienceofSelfCare Thanks for your thoughtful response, as I went to sleep I felt like I had been too harsh. I so appreciate the way you respond to comments. I totally understand why you wanted to start very slowly. I could not handle prescription tretinoin and that's why I'm sticking with an OTC retinol, it seems to be all I can use for the moment, anyway. I really enjoy all of your videos where you report on something you've tried for a while. Based on your vibration plate video I got one and have been enjoying using it. I just got a DEXA scan to check on my bones (and other body composition info) and will be curious to see if my bones improve from using it (assuming my strength and cardio programs stay about the same).
Yes you’re right. I used to use Curology and when I asked about a certain formula, the dermatologist there says they only have a handful of different formulas that they give out to people. So these formulas are not made specifically for a specific person. The dermatologist just decides which formula to give each person. So that may be tricking some people into thinking it’s very specialized when it’s not. I use Altreno now which my Derm prescribed and I notice this is what Dr. Idriss also personally uses.
@@LisaNix2thanks for sharing this! I’ll have to look into this more; makes complete sense form a business / logistics standpoint. At least from chatting with my derm, it seemed like there was relative flexibility in the formula! All in all, I’m happy with it. :)
I currently have a lot of texture and little pimples on my skin (yes, I’m acne prone) and I want to start tretinoin but my skin is pretty sensitive 😭 I’m so scared of getting irritated or burnt but also so intrigued on try it out!
I can relate! I was also very nervous about irritation (especially since I have rosacea) but starting VERY conservatively made the process more approachable. My skin has actually been less irritated than when I used some over the counter retinols. Have you already tried other forms of vitamin A? xx
I wonder if vit A can interfere with melanoma - type of skin cancer. Since it is not safe during breastfeeding I am concerned that maybe there's more to consider than smoothing out wrinkles and textured skin...
My skin is super sensitive and prone to burning, and I highly suggest la roche posay cicaplast balm to heal that irritation. Often I’ll mix the tretinoin with the cream at night and use it every other day. That helps a lot! Or use it on its own if you need a break. Overnight, you’ll have very soft skin the next day. I believe it’s the zinc in the cream that helps soothe skin but don’t quote me on that 😅
aw thank you! That is the best compliment! I'm currently shopping around for a better microphone to improve the sound in future videos ❤ Appreciate you being here! xo
Olá! Eu sou médica e enfrento um problema crônico com meu quadro de acne que já tratei com meu Dermatologista de todas as maneiras conhecidas até então. Gostei muito da sua abordagem principalmente dos produtos que incluem a Centella asiática e as máscaras a base de Zinco. Tenho a pele muito oleosa principalmente nas regiões maxilares, nariz, e queixo que tem um excesso horroroso de glândulas sebáceas. Tenho os poros muito dilatados e mesmo com limpezas de pele estou sempre co milium por toda a região maxilar bilateral. Além disso já tenho muitas linhas de expressão, ainda mais que usei cronicamente muito ácido retinóico, glicólico. Você poderia me encaminhar esta rotina de limpeza, máscara, tônicos a base de Centella, hidratação intensa pois já tenho mtas linhas e protetor solar. A minha pele realmente é muito oleosa e nem uso maquiagem pela dificuldade de encontrar produtos adequados. Senti um alívio quando vi que você enfrentou Rosácea e Acne importantes e obteve um excelente resultado com muita paciência e resiliência. Eu estava na Care to Beauty e tive este link com seu vídeo. Os produtos devem estar a venda lá exceto a fórmula que foi manipulada especialmente para você a base de ácido retinóico em baixa concentração porque estava grávida. Aguardo ansiosamente por sua ajuda e experiência pois é um problema que me aflige demais. Obrigada! Maria Léa Campos.
Thanks for sharing! Yes-I just wash my face with water and then do my morning skincare. I personally don’t mind the residue and find the results on my skin worth it, but I totally understand not everyone wants to sleep with white gooey substance on their face 😅 definitely a downside haha
@@TheScienceofSelfCareI thought only washing with water left some whiteness on the skin that could interupt with the morning skin care… but I’ll try it again as it does work nicely. Thank you for your videos 🙏🏻
ah! I see. Perhaps washing with a damp cloth to get everything off? I am able to fully remove all the whiteness quite quickly in the morning by wiping wish a water-soaked cloth. Let me know how it goes for you :) and thanks again for contributing your feedback! xx
Hey 👋 Thanks for your question! Tretinoin is generally considered safe and effective when used as directed by a healthcare professional. It’s a well-studied medication with a long history of use in treating acne, signs of aging, and other skin concerns as I discussed in this video. That said, “non-toxic” is a nuanced term that’s not always clearly defined. While tretinoin is not toxic in the sense of causing major harm when used topically, it can have side effects like redness, peeling, and sensitivity, especially in the early stages. It’s also important to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to fetal development. Long-term safety studies show that tretinoin is safe when used properly, but if you have sensitive skin or specific health conditions, it’s best to consult with your derm and discuss your concerns. For me personally: I try to lead a healthy life and feel very good about including tretinoin in my routine. Hope this helps! X Robin
Probably around 20-21%? In the past, I’ve had several different test done as part of a human physiology lab course and the results ranged from 18-23% based on the different methods for measuring this so I have no idea haha
Hello!! You look so prettyy. I am on tretinoin now and I am experiemcing purging. Did you experienced that. Please any help or hope cause I am frustrated.😢
👋 hey, thanks for your question! That is indeed frustrating. I personally did not experience much purging. I believe it’s because I have already been on retinols for many years prior to introducing tretinoin. But zinc oxide masks (like the last white cream step I showed) can help a ton with soothing inflammation and break outs. Have you tried this yet?
The fact that she whispers that this video is sponsored is incredibly creepy. It’s as if she’s trying to hide it, but knows she still needs to report that to her audience. Feels so deceptive. Unsubscribing…
Hey! Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. I saw another channel do this and actually really liked it. Not trying to hide anything, and will definitely consider your feedback for future videos. 👍
Have you tried tretinoin?? Share with us down below! 👇🩷
I have been using tretinoin since I was 14, now at 27 I am only now starting to see the benefits of its anti aging properties when I look at the skin of my peers vs my own. It really is a miracle cream.
Wow-thanks for sharing this unique perspective! 13 years has probably done wonders for your skin. ✨
Out of curiosity: did you originally start tretinoin for acne? At 14, I had no idea what tretinoin was haha
@@TheScienceofSelfCare yes! My doctor suggested it for acne and it really helped and my skin tolerated it, so I just never stopped. Then it started to become popular online and I learned about how good it is for anti-aging I’ve decided I will use it forever haha!
I have yet to develop any fine lines and wrinkles and my skin bounces back from pimples, cute, etc very quickly. I am also very lucky my doctor really drilled into my head the importance of daily sunscreen with Tretinoin so I have also been very diligent about sun protection just as long.
You have 27 year old peers who show signs of aging??
What do you guys do all day, smoking and drinking whiskey? 😀
@@Zett76 I live near the beach, so many people love to tan ☀️
topical tretinoin can only minimally penetrate the dermis. the best thing for acne but it's overrated for "anti-aging".
Topical tretinoin, a retinoid derivative of vitamin A, penetrates the epidermis effectively, with varying depths depending on the formulation and skin condition. Its penetration generally extends into the epidermal layers, specifically targeting keratinocytes, but it does not significantly penetrate into the dermis.
Studies show that tretinoin predominantly impacts the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, where it accelerates the turnover of skin cells and modulates keratinization. According to Darlenski and Fluhr (2012), tretinoin binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in epidermal cells, influencing gene expression involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation without typically reaching deeper layers like the dermis in significant amounts【Darlenski & Fluhr, 2012】.
Furthermore, factors like the formulation (gel vs. cream), concentration, and the presence of skin conditions (such as acne) can influence penetration depth. For example, research has found that tretinoin in gel form may have better penetration than cream formulations, likely due to increased skin permeability (Mukherjee et al., 2006).
Ultimately, while tretinoin does penetrate deeply enough to impact skin health by affecting the upper epidermis, its effects do not generally extend into the deeper dermal layers due to molecular size and skin barrier properties【Mukherjee et al., 2006】.
I've been using tretinoin for 3 years now, I've reached 0.1% every other day and my skin has improved a lot, it's not perfect, it probably will never be but I feel confident without any makeup on and that says a lot :) Anyways, a very informative and helpful video!
Do you apply it everyday?
@ every other day :)
I can't wait for your red light mask review video. Since you made your first red light video, I've been really curious about red light masks, but there are so many out there, and it's hard to choose. Would you be open to making a segment about Omnilux men vs. women's mask (or something similar)? Some people claim that the men's mask it better because it includes an extra frequency designed to penetrate thicker skin. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
Your skin looks PHENOMENAL! I did tretinoin in the past but I think I went too hard too quickly. You have me excited to try this again. I’m going to check out Agency ❤️
thank you, Rachel! Appreciate that and YOU. My genetics are prone to splotchy, red, crepey skin so it's really awesome to see that little daily habits do make a difference! ❤
Yessss I too love Dr Dray and Dr Idriss ! They’ve taught me everything I know about dermatology and skincare. haven’t tried prescription tretinoin, but I have been on adapalene consistently since 2019. I have oily and acne prone skin, and adapalene has helped control my acne, but I also have too many cofactors, such as using in conjunction with salicylic acid cleanser, HClO spray, bentonite clay mask, sulfur mask, zinc ointment. However with the addition of adapalene , I have to agree, I can physically feel and see that my skin is thicker and skin tone is very even now, than 10 years ago. Robin thank you for making this video and sharing your experience, I have been considering tretinoin next year after I finish up what I have.
I first tried tretinoin from Agency after you mentioned it in an earlier video about your skincare. Initially, I thought I'd just get the $5 test kit to try it out and forget about it because committing to a subscription seemed too pricey for me, but my skin improved so fast and so drastically I had to keep going! I saw results within a week, I'm not even kidding! I'd had sensitive, acne-prone, oily, uneven skin for years and years and no number of professionally done procedures and expensive skincare seemed to help in the long term. Huge thanks, Robin 💛
Also, to add to the priciness of using Agency: I've found that I don't use it up as fast as is perhaps intended, so I end up postponing my shipments by at least two weeks almost every time. And because I'm getting all the actives from this one bottle, I don't feel the need to spend money on expensive cleansers and moisturizers or regular salon procedures anymore, so I've convinced myself I might be saving some cash by using Agency haha
I do the glycerine toooooo because of doctor Idris!!!! I also stopped the hylauronic acid because of her. Before her i didn't know why it was so drying!
You don't need to stop HA, just don't focus on it and use the money on something else, btw beta glucan is better vs glycerine, ceramides are also better
@@stx7389
Hi
My skin was so good.I went to dermatologist for little acne scars and her laser treatment caused hyperpigmentation on my skin.Espavially under eye,I'm so disappointed bcz a lot of medication has been don't but all in vain.
Plz guide me too
I feel the same way about adapalene! I was so excited, pre health insurance, when it became available over the counter. It seemed to help with my acne, but not a glow. No other obvious benefits. I really had much better luck with retinal aldehyde formulations. The avene being most least favorite and naturium my favorite. Geek and gorgeous also has a nice formula too. Now I’m on tretinoin (month 5) and the purge is real y’all. But I can already see a difference. I LOVE my nira laser too.❤
I started using Tret recently and started getting headaches, I looked online and apparently it's a rare side effect. So I may have to pause on it - which is annoying as I really wanted to give it a proper go. I had no headaches with Retinal. Thanks for your sharing
The best tretinoin commentary!!!
I like Agency Future Formula. I paused it for awhile to try other actives. But you just reminded me how good it is for acne prone areas so I went and put a dab on my oh so oily chin and nose. The Tret (.009) makes me peel like crazy, even on my nose. But maybe with long term use that stops? I am blonde with fair sensitive-ish skin. I used to get super red and splotchy and even had eczema in patches on my hands. I stopped my consumption of grains and sugars and those issues cleared up. Practically overnight. And when I do have breads and such now, I feel itchy and awful.
You are definitely glowing.. ❤️ I have been using tret about 6-8 months as well.. started and continuing with 0.025 and feel like the results plateaued.. probably time to step up the %..
Love your content. Can you a do a day in the life? Daily non negotiables ? I like that you incorporated some channels and inspo into your content.
Praying for your (I'm already sure) wonderfull wedding!! Thank you for your great sciences based videos (:
So sweet! Thank you! ❤️ My wedding was in August and it was SO much fun 🥰
Appreciate all of your videos, and the courage you have to be willing to change and try new things. 🤗❤
I am using tretinoin 0.05 percent, on and off for several years, like 3 month daily use, to not at all for 6 months or so 🤣
the result and experience itself was good, so much recomend. if I can fo back in time, I hope I started it sooner and do it consistently. speaking as a 27 y.o
Very nice-thank you for sharing!! I also wish I had started sooner. :) I’m 32… but hey! Here we are taking great care of our skin now 🫶
xo Robin
So I ordered agency sample before your video came out, I have very sensitive skin and cannot use any fragrance so my skin reminds me a lot of how you describe yours. They started me at 0.009 but my first full size bottle is 0.02 so I’m a little scared about the jump because I didn’t realize they could have done 0.015 like you did. I also was able to go to every night pretty quickly with the 0.009 and not really getting sensitive. I might try the sandwich method and start every 3rd day like I originally started the 0.009 and adjust to more frequent if no sensitivity.
I was hesitant to start the sample until I saw your video, I’m excited to see the difference it makes with hyperpigmentation because I got hormonal dark spots when I was pregnant and I feel like they never got lighter. Thank you for your videos
Hey Kortnee! 👋 thanks for sharing these details. I love hearing about other people’s skincare journey. ❤️ It’s Interesting that they bumped you up so quickly! I actually went from 0.009 to 0.012 to 0.015 to 0.02 (where I am now).
So far, no issues!
I hope you have a great experience with the 0.02 formula and would be curious to hear if you notice any difference in hyperpigmentation. Agency also has another prescription formula with hydroquinone that’s specifically for dark spots, called their “Dark Spot Formula”. Did you consider giving that one a try as well?
xo
Robin
@ Thank you, I will see how I do with the 0.02% and I will see how it does with hyperpigmentation. Depending how it will go I will update you in a couple months to see if I have noticed a difference. As far as the dark spot formula I might wait until around 6 months to see if there is a visible difference and if not I will look into the dark spot formula. My mom was prescribed Tretinoin from her Dermatologist, but 0.1%, specifically for dark spots and only had her use as spot treatment for 60 days and she noticed a difference. Her experience as a whole with Tretinoin was not positive because the sensitivity but I told her about your experience and mine so far and she is reconsidering and doing a lower percentage.
Holy moly. That is one hell of an endorsement comments section... 😀
Just for counterbalance: I had acne problems well into my 30s. Then I stopped eating dairy, eggs and meat.
Four weeks later: acne, gone.
Since then (ten years) I had about 10 pimples. In total.
(almost always after too much alcohol)
...and people constantly think I'm in my early 30s.
Thank you for sharing this!! It’s so true that diet and gut health have a huge impact on skin. After doing an elimination diet, I found out that, for me, meat seems to benefit my skin, while dairy and eggs can really trigger inflammation. It’s such a journey to discover what works for each of us because everyone’s ideal diet is different.. a bit of experimentation can be so helpful 🧡 thanks for this great reminder that healthy skin starts from within!
One thing I’ll add is that tretinoin really helps manage my skin inflammation, even when I do experience flare-ups for whatever reason. So personally, a balanced diet paired with calming skincare has been the BEST combo! ✨
I just started using tretinoin (for about a week now) and it's still too early to tell its effect on my skin. I had used retinol before starting tretinoin and find that maybe since I am already used to retinol, I am not having an adverse reaction to it. One thing that you didn't mention which is important is that if you wax your face, you should NOT use treinoin or retinol. You have to be off it for a week before you get waxed. I've decided to try threading instead of waxing so that I don't have to worry about stopping the use of tretinoin a week before my waxing appointment.
I like adapalene more as it is a lot kinder to my skin
Please do a video about acupressure sandals. I would love to hear your opinion on them.
Your skin looks great! So do your nails 😍 What nail color are you wearing?
Thank you so much 🥰 I believe it’s OPI Malaga Wine 💅 amzn.to/3O5sN4U
Really enjoy your videos and you did mention the confounding variables, but considering the mixture of Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid at pretty substantial concentrations, which are known to improve texture, pores and pigmentation, using this as a showcase for tret seems like a bit of a stretch. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the tret has helped and I feel like using that low a concentration is actually smart - a lot of people overdo it - I just don't think it's clear that most of your results aren't due to the other ingredients. In the end, it doesn't matter that much as long as it's working for you.
Thanks for sharing! I do agree with this point-impossible to say at this moment. But what I will mention is that I have used all of these other ingredients before (eg. high concentrations of niacinimide) and have never seen these results. Granted, that still doesn’t mean it’s not the cocktail that’s working its magic. That’s why I’ll be very curious to see what happens when I continue using this formula without the tret when I start trying to conceive. :)
Appreciate your thoughts!! xo Robin
Rosacea pimples are the worst. i have one on the side of my nose and you literally can't pop it cause nothing is in the pimple. I basically had to start from scratch with skincare cause my skin would constantly flare up due to a stressful year. I tend to only break out around my period (which isn't a lot) or if my skin is really dry. I'm definitely looking into tret but im scared because of my skin is so sensitive. After watching your video I will look into it more. I didn't know they could formulate a product that low!
Yes!! That is what I really appreciate about Agency. It’s so low and has been so gentle that I haven’t had any sensitivity issues.
It’s also nice that you can share photos and personal skin experience with your Agency dermatologist, so you’re not on your own. This is always the case with prescription skincare of course, but it’s not necessarily the case with over-the-counter retinol, and to me that makes it a lot more approachable.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with painful rosacea pimples. When my gut is inflamed, I get cystic pimples that are also not “pop-able”.. they are painful and frustrating! It’s not the same skin condition, but Agency has helped with my cysts. Perhaps asking a dermatologist outside of Agency for their thoughts might be the best perspective?
Wishing you lots of success on your skincare journey! ❤️❤️❤️
xo
Robin
Appreciate all that you do. I wonder if you ever shared your Viome results? I also did, and have lotsa thoughts!
Your skin looks amazing! I actually just started using retinal as a rosacea girly from Medik8. I'm using the lowest strength they have at 0.01% retinaldehyde. Iv'e been using it about 3 weeks now. I started with application twice every two weeks and now every other night. I don't know if its from this product, as it's such a low percentage, I'm starting to notice more broken capillaries specifically in my upper cheeks. I don't know if it's making my rosacea worse or not or if I should keep going?
Super helpful 🙏🏽
How old are you? (To put results in a larger context 🤓)
32 :) so happy you found this video helpful!!
@@TheScienceofSelfCare
I really thought you were no more than 25 and I have been subscribed for a while! I felt like I missed the anti aging boat as most are starting in mid 20s and I'm nearly 30 so it's really motivating to start seeing your journey and fitness xx
Are you using the zinc paste for slugging?
Essentially, yes. But to me, it’s like extra special slugging because it not only locks in moisture, it also dials down any inflammation in my skin and curbs breakouts. I wake up with bright, smooth, even skin whenever I do this step. I love it so much. 🤍
@ awesome! I just placed an order for some. I hope it makes my skin as glowy as yours 🥰
I hope you love it as much as I do! Enjoy! 🧴🤍✨
another great video! I have your same skin, do you know of similar services in EU for Future Formula?
What do you think about vanicream daily moisturizer lotion Is that also good?
topical tretinoin can only minimally penetrate the dermis. the best thing for acne but it's overrated for "anti-aging".
Topical tretinoin, a retinoid derivative of vitamin A, penetrates the epidermis effectively, with varying depths depending on the formulation and skin condition. Its penetration generally extends into the epidermal layers, specifically targeting keratinocytes, but it does not significantly penetrate into the dermis.
Studies show that tretinoin predominantly impacts the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, where it accelerates the turnover of skin cells and modulates keratinization. According to Darlenski and Fluhr (2012), tretinoin binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in epidermal cells, influencing gene expression involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation without typically reaching deeper layers like the dermis in significant amounts【Darlenski & Fluhr, 2012】.
Furthermore, factors like the formulation (gel vs. cream), concentration, and the presence of skin conditions (such as acne) can influence penetration depth. For example, research has found that tretinoin in gel form may have better penetration than cream formulations, likely due to increased skin permeability (Mukherjee et al., 2006).
Ultimately, while tretinoin does penetrate deeply enough to impact skin health by affecting the upper epidermis, its effects do not generally extend into the deeper dermal layers due to molecular size and skin barrier properties【Mukherjee et al., 2006】.
What does the zinc cream do for your skin exactly?
Dr Idriss says it locks in the moisture
Hey, thanks for your question! For me personally, zinc oxide masks make my skin SO calm and soft (even before tretinoin I noticed it cut down on the acne and redness in my skin). I can't really describe it so well--and everyone will have a different experience--but I would say it's both locking in moisturizing AND dialing down inflammation. When I started doing this step, people in real life started saying: "wow, your skin is amazing". I swear no one ever told me that before the zinc masks hahaha I know this is so vague, but I hope this helps! xo Robin
I swear somehow we are always just on the same wavelength in where we're at with self care
aww that makes me really happy. 🤍 have you been experimenting with tret as well?? Or thinking about it?
what do you for your teeth there so white and lovely looking.
Thank you so much!
I use whitening tooth paste (I feel like every brand has a whitening version now) and that's pretty much it! Perhaps once a year, I might use whitening strips, but I really try to be conservative with these types of things because I want to preserve the health of my enamel / not sensitize my teeth. I think the fact that I no longer drink coffee (since a few years ago) also helps! xo Robin
your bob is so cute i love it !
can you please review the Korean products; tir tir milk toner and purtio centella unscented serum?
Lab Muffin says that the compounded versions like Agency aren't as good as either the plain tret tube you can get at the pharmacy or a major brand retinol where there is a lot more research put into the formula - I know you mentioned this at the end but you are probably paying more for something that isn't as good. As for when you want to get pregnant I would just check which ingredients are known to be safe and then follow the basic routine from Dr. Sam Ellis or The Budget Derm or someone like that. I think the personalized formulations make people feel like they're getting something special or unique to them when it's probably a pretty typical mixture. I mean, if you're happy and have the money, fine, but I hope that people watching this who think a compounded one must be best will go and watch the Lab Muffin video. I'm older than you (mid 50s) and haven't done a great job of taking care of my skin but am now doing the Sam Ellis basic routine (Vit C and sunscreen in the morning, glycolic acid cleanser, retinol and moisturizer at night), and I'm definitely seeing an improvement after only a few weeks. Not trying to yuck on your yum, but I think people can get convinced that the "personalized" skin care is so much better - I'd rather trust in brands with tons of money spent on R&D and testing (like CeraVe or whatever). That said, I'm very glad you are seeing so much improvement and congratulations on your wedding and relatively new house!
Thank you for sharing this info! These are great points, especially about the plethora of free content on pregnancy-safe routines. 🙏
I did see the Lab Muffin content about personalized combo tretinoin formulas. It’s true that I am paying more with Agency, but I really like how low the starting amounts of tretinoin are. Many “drug” versions seem so high right off the bat. One of my friends switched from Agency to insurance-covered tret and she’s started to develop some milia/irritation now. Of course it’s not clear what caused this milia but it’s something she’s now dealing with and something I am luckily not!
As someone with super sensitive skin, whenever I have a positive experience with skincare, I am happy to pay a bit more because so many formulas do not work well for me.
I also go through the Agency bottles twice as slowly as they estimate making it cheaper per month. *I am just finishing my third bottle after over 6 months.
So that’s my thinking! But I do agree that this is not the most cost-effective method and there are other (perhaps better) ways to incorporate tretinoin. Thanks again for sharing this valuable nuance! x Robin
And thank you for the sweet wishes on my home and marriage! Crazy-I feel so adult. 🙈🧡
@@TheScienceofSelfCare Thanks for your thoughtful response, as I went to sleep I felt like I had been too harsh. I so appreciate the way you respond to comments. I totally understand why you wanted to start very slowly. I could not handle prescription tretinoin and that's why I'm sticking with an OTC retinol, it seems to be all I can use for the moment, anyway. I really enjoy all of your videos where you report on something you've tried for a while. Based on your vibration plate video I got one and have been enjoying using it. I just got a DEXA scan to check on my bones (and other body composition info) and will be curious to see if my bones improve from using it (assuming my strength and cardio programs stay about the same).
Yes you’re right. I used to use Curology and when I asked about a certain formula, the dermatologist there says they only have a handful of different formulas that they give out to people. So these formulas are not made specifically for a specific person. The dermatologist just decides which formula to give each person. So that may be tricking some people into thinking it’s very specialized when it’s not.
I use Altreno now which my Derm prescribed and I notice this is what Dr. Idriss also personally uses.
@@LisaNix2thanks for sharing this! I’ll have to look into this more; makes complete sense form a business / logistics standpoint. At least from chatting with my derm, it seemed like there was relative flexibility in the formula! All in all, I’m happy with it. :)
I currently have a lot of texture and little pimples on my skin (yes, I’m acne prone) and I want to start tretinoin but my skin is pretty sensitive 😭 I’m so scared of getting irritated or burnt but also so intrigued on try it out!
I can relate! I was also very nervous about irritation (especially since I have rosacea) but starting VERY conservatively made the process more approachable.
My skin has actually been less irritated than when I used some over the counter retinols. Have you already tried other forms of vitamin A?
xx
Maybe introduce retinol or retinal first and see if it is beneficial?
I wonder if vit A can interfere with melanoma - type of skin cancer. Since it is not safe during breastfeeding I am concerned that maybe there's more to consider than smoothing out wrinkles and textured skin...
My skin is super sensitive and prone to burning, and I highly suggest la roche posay cicaplast balm to heal that irritation. Often I’ll mix the tretinoin with the cream at night and use it every other day. That helps a lot! Or use it on its own if you need a break. Overnight, you’ll have very soft skin the next day. I believe it’s the zinc in the cream that helps soothe skin but don’t quote me on that 😅
I love your voice and channel
aw thank you! That is the best compliment! I'm currently shopping around for a better microphone to improve the sound in future videos ❤ Appreciate you being here! xo
Olá! Eu sou médica e enfrento um problema crônico com meu quadro de acne que já tratei com meu Dermatologista de todas as maneiras conhecidas até então. Gostei muito da sua abordagem principalmente dos produtos que incluem a Centella asiática e as máscaras a base de Zinco. Tenho a pele muito oleosa principalmente nas regiões maxilares, nariz, e queixo que tem um excesso horroroso de glândulas sebáceas. Tenho os poros muito dilatados e mesmo com limpezas de pele estou sempre co milium por toda a região maxilar bilateral. Além disso já tenho muitas linhas de expressão, ainda mais que usei cronicamente muito ácido retinóico, glicólico. Você poderia me encaminhar esta rotina de limpeza, máscara, tônicos a base de Centella, hidratação intensa pois já tenho mtas linhas e protetor solar. A minha pele realmente é muito oleosa e nem uso maquiagem pela dificuldade de encontrar produtos adequados. Senti um alívio quando vi que você enfrentou Rosácea e Acne importantes e obteve um excelente resultado com muita paciência e resiliência. Eu estava na Care to Beauty e tive este link com seu vídeo. Os produtos devem estar a venda lá exceto a fórmula que foi manipulada especialmente para você a base de ácido retinóico em baixa concentração porque estava grávida. Aguardo ansiosamente por sua ajuda e experiência pois é um problema que me aflige demais. Obrigada! Maria Léa Campos.
What is the name of the microdermabrasion machines?
Do you wash off the zinc in the morning? I found the residue and the need to wash in the morning a bit of a downside…
Thanks for sharing! Yes-I just wash my face with water and then do my morning skincare. I personally don’t mind the residue and find the results on my skin worth it, but I totally understand not everyone wants to sleep with white gooey substance on their face 😅 definitely a downside haha
@@TheScienceofSelfCareI thought only washing with water left some whiteness on the skin that could interupt with the morning skin care… but I’ll try it again as it does work nicely. Thank you for your videos 🙏🏻
ah! I see. Perhaps washing with a damp cloth to get everything off? I am able to fully remove all the whiteness quite quickly in the morning by wiping wish a water-soaked cloth. Let me know how it goes for you :) and thanks again for contributing your feedback! xx
Gorgeous lady 🎉
Do you think this also works for men?
Yes. Human skin is human skin.
It definitely works for men!
Is tret non toxic?
Hey 👋 Thanks for your question! Tretinoin is generally considered safe and effective when used as directed by a healthcare professional. It’s a well-studied medication with a long history of use in treating acne, signs of aging, and other skin concerns as I discussed in this video.
That said, “non-toxic” is a nuanced term that’s not always clearly defined. While tretinoin is not toxic in the sense of causing major harm when used topically, it can have side effects like redness, peeling, and sensitivity, especially in the early stages. It’s also important to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to fetal development. Long-term safety studies show that tretinoin is safe when used properly, but if you have sensitive skin or specific health conditions, it’s best to consult with your derm and discuss your concerns.
For me personally: I try to lead a healthy life and feel very good about including tretinoin in my routine. Hope this helps!
X
Robin
who dat ninja
Neck girl don't forget neck
Have you heard about doctor abs and topical testosterone propane as an anti wrinkle cream? Fascinating stuff
How old are you
32✨🫶
What's your bodyfat % (approx)
Probably around 20-21%?
In the past, I’ve had several different test done as part of a human physiology lab course and the results ranged from 18-23% based on the different methods for measuring this so I have no idea haha
my skin are better than yours. for real. i didnt even use anything..
That’s great! I personally have naturally red, sensitive, rosacea-prone skin (runs in my family). So the fact that I’m able to get here is a miracle 😜
@TheScienceofSelfCare omg didnt expect for you to reply hahahah.. 🫣🫣🫣 just joking to get yr attention tbh.. you are so beautiful.. 🫶
@@haniffsalafi566hahaha 🙈🙊 honestly some people have the most flawless, glowing skin naturally!! ..just not me lol
but thank you and hello! 🤍👋👋
@@TheScienceofSelfCare wdym you are not flawless.. you look like an angel that i wish for in my prayer.. hahahaha💘💘💘🌹🌹🌹
too much rizz.. 🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮 hahahaha
Hello!! You look so prettyy. I am on tretinoin now and I am experiemcing purging. Did you experienced that. Please any help or hope cause I am frustrated.😢
👋 hey, thanks for your question! That is indeed frustrating.
I personally did not experience much purging. I believe it’s because I have already been on retinols for many years prior to introducing tretinoin.
But zinc oxide masks (like the last white cream step I showed) can help a ton with soothing inflammation and break outs. Have you tried this yet?
Al gore rhythm
The fact that she whispers that this video is sponsored is incredibly creepy. It’s as if she’s trying to hide it, but knows she still needs to report that to her audience. Feels so deceptive. Unsubscribing…
Hey! Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. I saw another channel do this and actually really liked it. Not trying to hide anything, and will definitely consider your feedback for future videos. 👍