Aiming to remedy several challenges in professional skin care, Dr. David Lortscher launched Agency, a direct-to-consumer resource for customized skin care selected by board-certified dermatologists. It’s his second entry into telemedicine skin care brands following the launch of Curology seven years ago.

While Curology specializes in acne, Agency’s sweet spot is anti-aging—a segment characterized by frequent frustration when users don’t see results. Consequently, consumers jump from one product to another. “Many lines are also complicated and too many steps. We are creating a simple, one-product solution,” said Whitney Tolpinrud, Associate Medical Director and one of the team’s board-certified dermatologists.

Compounding the obstacle of getting the right skin care regimen is securing an appointment with a dermatologist, Whitney added.

Those issues inspired Agency. “We are guided by the belief that high quality, personal and effective anti-aging skin care should be accessible to all—a direct response to the current anti-aging market marked by short-term, one-size-fits-all solutions,” said David.

To achieve their personal formulas, customers fill out a short quiz and upload photos of their skin. From there, a dermatology provider evaluates each individual’s profile. The provider can then prescribe a hand-picked formula containing a combination of ingredients not available over the counter. Agency checks in regularly with customers over time to ensure their formulas are at the right, gentle strength for their skin including adjustments for seasonal changes.

“We are available 24 hours a day. We can also help with questions like what sun care people should use or what type of cleanser is best. We can also work with special pregnancy and breast-feeding needs,” said Whitney who left her private practice to join Agency. “I whole-heartedly believe in this mission.”

As a dermatologist, Whitney sees many products on the market that are not scientifically proven. “We don’t want people to waste money. We know what works and can choose the right combination,” she said, adding people see results within two or three months. “You can’t expect miracles unless you want plastic surgery. This is about consistency and the right ingredients.”

Currently, Agency offers two products available through monthly subscription plans: Future Formula and Dark Spot Formula. Each product features four active ingredients tailored to each customer’s skin concerns and can be incorporated into any daily skin care routine, said Whitney.

For those needing extra care for dark spots, Agency offers the Dark Spot Formula ($16/month). This custom formula is designed to treat sunspots and other types of hyperpigmentation. Each person’s Dark Spot Formula will contain a custom mix of active ingredients, like hydroquinone—a proven-effective, gold standard ingredient for targeting dark spots—as well as niacinamide which is gaining traction in skin care, according to Whitney.

“We want to empower a new generation and redefine what it means to age,”  she said. “You bypass scheduling hassles, copays and getting to the pharmacy. Formulas are made fresh, so they aren’t sitting on shelves.  It makes skin care easy and personalized.”