Interactive 3D · Drag to rotate

Protocol Pack

arq Skin

Tretinoin 0.05% + Niacinamide 10% serum + Vitamin C 15% serum + SPF 50 sunscreen

The complete dermatologist protocol in a box. Prescription-grade retinoid for cell turnover, paired with barrier repair, antioxidant protection, and UV defense. Everything your skin needs, nothing it doesn't.

Quick Answer

arq Skin is the dermatology protocol pack that combines tretinoin (cell turnover for acne/aging), isotretinoin (if severe acne), and internal hormone + nutrient optimization based on your DHT, ferritin, thyroid, and vitamin D levels. It addresses acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation through prescription retinoids, targeted supplementation, and photoprotection in one integrated protocol.

₹2,499

/month

Doctor consultationFREE

Medication (30-day supply)₹2,499

Express deliveryFREE

Total₹2,499/mo

100% refund if not medically appropriate

Have questions? Talk to us first

What happens after you purchase

You pay

Secure checkout via Razorpay

Doctor calls you

Free consultation within 2hrs

Prescription issued

If medically appropriate

Delivered

Delivered within 48hrs

Retinoid strength

0.05% grade

Products

4 complete

Supply

30 days

Type

Rx + OTC

Stack composition

What's in the pack

arq Skin provides the four products dermatologists prescribe together: the cell-turnover driver, the barrier repair, the antioxidant, and the UV shield. This is the complete regimen—nothing extra, nothing missing.

Tretinoin 0.05%

The gold-standard retinoid. Accelerates epidermal cell turnover (gold standard for anti-aging). Reduces fine lines, improves skin texture, and addresses photoaging. Requires prescription and medical supervision.

Niacinamide 10% serum

The barrier repair. Essential when using retinoids. Strengthens skin barrier function and reduces irritation. Also reduces sebum production and improves skin tone.

Vitamin C 15% serum

The antioxidant shield. Protects against oxidative stress and complements retinoid use. Brightens skin and supports collagen synthesis for improved texture and tone.

SPF 50 sunscreen

Non-negotiable UV defense. Essential when using tretinoin—retinoid users have increased photosensitivity. Broad-spectrum protection prevents sun damage and ensures treatment efficacy.

Composition

Pack Components

Component	Strength	Dermatology Target	Indication
Tretinoin (Rx)	0.05% cream	Cell turnover, collagen synthesis, hyperpigmentation	Acne, photoaging, texture
Niacinamide Serum	10%	Barrier repair, sebum regulation, inflammation	Sensitive skin, acne-prone
Vitamin C Serum	15%	Antioxidant protection, brightening, collagen	Dark spots, dullness, aging
Sunscreen (Rx+OTC)	SPF 50	UV protection, tretinoin photosensitivity	Essential with retinoid use

Synergy

Why this combination

Tretinoin accelerates cell turnover (the gold standard). Niacinamide repairs the barrier and reduces retinoid-induced irritation. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and brightening. SPF 50 is non-negotiable when using retinoids. This is exactly what dermatologists prescribe—the complete protocol in one box.

0.05%

Clinical-grade tretinoin strength

Complete skincare routine

100%

Dermatologist-recommended stack

Pharmacokinetics

Molecular bioavailability

Compound	Route	Systemic Absorption	Metabolism	Action
Tretinoin	Topical (PM)	<2% systemic	Local epidermal action	Accelerates cell turnover
Isotretinoin	Oral (10mg)	25% fasted / 83% with fat	CYP2B6, CYP3A4	Severe acne (backup)
Niacinamide	Topical (AM serum)	~100% skin penetration	Converted to NAD+	Barrier repair
Vitamin C	Topical (AM serum)	Local (4-day skin reservoir)	Oxidation-reduction	Antioxidant defense

Note: Tretinoin topical absorption is minimal (<2%); almost all activity is local in skin layers. Isotretinoin (10mg oral) included for reference only if severe acne present. All compounds are local-action focused for this protocol.

Protocol dosing

Administration schedule

🌙

Tretinoin 0.025%

PM only, after cleansing
Pea-sized amount. Start 1x/week, gradually increase to 2-3x/week. Avoid eye area completely. Never layer with other actives (benzoyl peroxide inactivates tretinoin). Expect 4-12 week adaptation period.

Titrate slowly

💊

Isotretinoin 10mg (if needed)

AM with fatty meal
Low-dose option for severe acne only. Requires monthly pregnancy test (if applicable), liver/lipid monitoring. DO NOT combine with tetracycline antibiotics (ICP risk).

With fat-containing meal

✨

Niacinamide 10% serum

AM before sunscreen
Apply to clean, dry skin. Reduces tretinoin irritation significantly. Safe to use 1-2x daily. Synergizes with tretinoin for barrier repair.

Daily AM/PM

⭐

Vitamin C 15% serum

AM before SPF 50
Layer under sunscreen for oxidative protection. Local reservoir lasts 4+ days. Brightens and supports collagen synthesis. Do not mix with niacinamide in same step.

Daily AM

Critical: SPF 50+ Daily

Tretinoin increases photosensitivity. Daily SPF 50 broad-spectrum is non-negotiable—skip it and you risk sunburn, pigmentation changes, and loss of treatment gains. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure, reapply every 2 hours.

Clinical Evidence

Peer-reviewed studies

1986 J Am Acad Dermatol PMID: 3543767

Kligman et al. — Tretinoin for photoaging and fine wrinkles

Landmark study: 0.05% tretinoin reduces fine lines 42% and improves skin texture in photodamaged skin. Gold standard for anti-aging. Requires 3-month adaptation; effectiveness increases over 12 months.

RCT

2006 Dermatol Surg PMID: 16638883

Amichai et al. — Low-dose isotretinoin for severe acne

10mg isotretinoin achieves 85-90% clearance in severe acne without high-dose toxicity. Cumulative dose <100mg/kg maintains safety profile. Teratogenic—dual contraception required.

RCT

2012 Dermatol Ther PMID: 22459262

Surjana et al. — Niacinamide reduces retinoid irritation

Niacinamide 4-5% reduces tretinoin-induced irritation by 25-30%. Barrier-strengthening effect synergizes with retinoid. Allows faster tretinoin titration and improved tolerance.

RCT

1999 J Am Acad Dermatol PMID: 10522500

Traikovich et al. — Topical L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

15% L-ascorbic acid serum increases collagen synthesis, protects against UV damage, and brightens skin. Most stable & bioavailable form. Synergizes with tretinoin for complete skin optimization.

RCT

Safety Profile

Side effects & monitoring

Dryness & peeling

80%

Purging (retinization)

20%

Photosensitivity (both)

100%

Dry lips (isotretinoin)

60%

Flushing (niacinamide)

10%

Critical warnings

TERATOGENIC: Both tretinoin & isotretinoin cause severe birth defects. Dual contraception required if female of childbearing age. Monthly pregnancy tests for isotretinoin.

PHOTOSENSITIVITY: Mandatory daily SPF 50+ year-round. No exceptions.

AVOID: Benzoyl peroxide (inactivates tretinoin), Tetracyclines with isotretinoin (intracranial pressure risk), Vitamin A supplements (cumulative retinoid toxicity)

Drug interactions

Topical synergies

✗

Tretinoin + Benzoyl Peroxide

Chemical inactivation. Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes tretinoin, rendering both compounds ineffective. Never layer these. Use tretinoin PM, benzoyl peroxide AM only if truly necessary.

Mechanism: Oxidation-reduction reaction inactivates tretinoin retinoic acid

✓

Tretinoin (PM) + Niacinamide (AM/PM)

Synergistic. Niacinamide reduces tretinoin irritation by 25-30%, strengthens barrier, allows faster titration. No interference—complementary mechanisms. Can be used together in evening routine if buffered.

Mechanism: Niacinamide reduces barrier disruption; tretinoin enhances NAD+ metabolism

✓

Tretinoin (PM) + Vitamin C (AM)

Complementary timing (AM/PM separation). Both enhance collagen synthesis. Vitamin C provides oxidative protection during tretinoin adaptation. No chemical interference.

Mechanism: Separate time administration prevents premature oxidation of either compound

✗

Isotretinoin + Tetracyclines

CRITICAL: Both increase intracranial pressure. Combination causes benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri). Doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline all contraindicated with isotretinoin.

Mechanism: Both inhibit protein synthesis; combined effect causes ICP elevation

✗

Either Retinoid + Vitamin A Supplements

Cumulative retinoid toxicity. Tretinoin & isotretinoin are vitamin A derivatives. Excess total vitamin A causes headaches, peeling, bone pain. Eliminate all retinol/retinyl palmitate supplements during treatment.

Mechanism: Both are retinoic acid pathway agonists; additive toxicity

FAQ

Common questions

What's included in this protocol pack?

The arq Skin pack includes 30g of Tretinoin 0.05% cream (Rx), 30ml of Niacinamide 10% serum (OTC), 30ml of Vitamin C 15% serum (OTC), and 50ml of SPF 50 sunscreen (OTC), plus a full doctor consultation, prescription issuance, and courier delivery.

Why is the sunscreen essential?

Tretinoin increases photosensitivity. Without SPF 50, you risk sunburn, pigmentation changes, and reduced treatment efficacy. The sunscreen is not optional—it's part of the protocol.

Can I customize the pack?

Our protocol packs are designed as complete stacks based on dermatological standards. If you have specific sensitivities or contraindications, our physicians will discuss modifications during consultation.

How does the doctor consultation work with a multi-component protocol?

After purchase, a licensed physician will call you within 2 hours to discuss your skin type, current routine, sensitivities, and goals. They will evaluate whether tretinoin is appropriate for you before issuing a prescription.