Using the Future Formula from Agency Skincare, which I received complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster, was a great lesson for me of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I received two bottles of Future Formula to use over a three-month period. This was a prescription product due to its tretinoin content and I submitted photos and info regarding my skin to a certified nurse practitioner (NP-C) to formulate my custom formula. The other ingredients in my formula are azelaic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid. My skin is combination with some redness and occasional acne, but nothing major. I certainly don’t have concerns with fine lines or wrinkles at this stage. I have used The Ordinary’s azelaic acid in the past with no issue. The usual cost of Agency’s Future Formula is $60 (tax and shipping + handling may be charged additionally) and it is sent on a subscription basis. You can chat with your NP-C through your account anytime, and update your formula and shipment as well. You can also add photos to your account to track your skin’s progress. One of the main considerations when beginning a tretinoin-containing product is to discontinue other skincare products containing actives like AHA/BHAs that may irritate your skin further. I simplified my routine the week before I received my first bottle in anticipation. Upon receiving my first bottle, I used it as directed: 1-2 pumps a few times per week on bare skin approximately 20 minutes after cleansing. I could either put it directly on bare skin, or mix it with my moisturizer. A few days in, my face began to feel dry. This dryness worsened into tingling/sensitivity and peeling all over my face, even up into my hairline. I also had very small breakouts on my cheeks. It was disparaging and embarrassing trying to fix the flakiness and peeling, especially because it went up into my hairline and I have dark hair. I consulted with my NP-C on how to continue using my Future Formula. She advised to wait longer before applying, reduce the number of nights per week I applied it, and to definitely mix with it moisturizer. I began slowly trying to use my Future Formula again, and in the meantime received my second (larger) bottle only three weeks after the first—even two months later, I haven’t even touched the new bottle. I continue having extreme peeling within a day of attempting to reincorporate Future Formula into my routine and the tingling/sensitivity continues to be present as well, even when I use it as infrequently as once a week. I’m not even going to attempt using the second bottle and I’m very happy I didn’t have to pay for it. I’m also happy that I was able to cancel the shipment of the third bottle that was automatically queued for me—that one would have cost me full price! I didn’t notice any significant improvement while using Future Formula, and in fact, I think my skin looks worse now. I’ve gone back to using my normal products and I am getting my skin back under control. The peeling up around my hairline has only recently gone away and I don’t avoid wearing my dark-colored tops anymore. Overall I can’t recommend this product or subscription service because I had such negative results—it’s probably a great product for those who have more severe acne and/or less sensitive skin than I do, but I’m not sacrificing my skin and wallet just because it’s a product with my name on it. While it may be convenient to have products sent on a schedule, the timing should be tailored to my actual needs/use rather than on a set schedule. Be cautious if starting a tretinoin product; these are known side effects and for me it wasn’t worth it to continue use for some potential improvement months down the line.