Whether you're dealing with stubborn acne in your 30s (yes, adult acne is incredibly common), noticing the signs of aging or dark spots, or struggling with sensitive skin—prescription formulas can target multiple concerns at the same time.
Some of the most common issues we address include:
Acne: From occasional breakouts to persistent adult acne
Anti-aging: Fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness
Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots and uneven skin tone
Rosacea: Redness, bumps, and irritation that require gentler approaches
Combination concerns: Because real skin rarely has just one issue
Understanding Your Prescription Ingredients
What makes Hello Alpha's formulations special is how we combine powerful active ingredients that work together. Depending on your skin assessment, your provider might include:
Tretinoin: The gold standard for both anti-aging and acne treatment, this prescription-only retinoid accelerates cell turnover, builds collagen, and creates transformative results over time. Tretinoin is up to 20 times more powerful than retinol, improving skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles with consistent use.4
Niacinamide: This multitasking ingredient strengthens your skin barrier while tackling everything from oil regulation to redness reduction. Niacinamide plays well with other ingredients while calming inflammation and evening out skin tone—making it perfect for sensitive skin types that need extra care.5
Ivermectin & Metronidazole: Targets inflammatory rosacea by combating skin mites and providing anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce redness, bumps, and irritation—great for sensitive, reactive skin. Ivermectin works wonders for rosacea sufferers, helping to clear those stubborn bumps and redness that other treatments just can't tackle.6
Azelaic Acid: Especially beneficial for those struggling with both acne and pigmentation issues, this gentle yet effective acid brings clarity to your complexion. It fights both acne and the dark spots that often follow, all without causing irritation.8
Hyaluronic Acid*: Provides essential hydration that keeps your skin balanced while adjusting to active treatments. Did you know that this molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water? Hyaluronic acid gives your skin the hydration it deserves, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.9
Aloe*: Delivers immediate calming relief with healing compounds that reduce redness, draw moisture into the skin, and help it adapt to prescription-strength ingredients. Aloe soothes irritation and helps your skin absorb the other active ingredients.9
*These are inactive ingredients.
Your Skin Journey: Setting Realistic Expectations
We always emphasize the importance of patience with prescription skincare. Your journey will likely follow these stages:
Weeks 1-4: Become Acquainted Your skin is meeting powerful ingredients for the first time—and like any new relationship, there's an adjustment period. You might notice some dryness, slight redness, or even a few extra breakouts. Don't worry. This is your skin actively responding to the accelerated renewal process.
Months 1-3: See First Results This is when many patients start noticing improvements in texture and clarity. Your morning routine might become a moment of excitement as you observe subtle but meaningful changes. Studies show that approximately 68% of patients using prescription-strength formulations report noticeable improvements in skin texture and clarity by this time.10
Months 3-6: Enjoy the Compliments By now, others will likely notice your skin's improvement too. Those stubborn dark spots continue fading, breakouts become less frequent, and that healthy glow becomes more consistent.
Months 6+: Embrace Your Best Skin With continued use, your prescription formula becomes an essential part of maintaining your skin's health and preventing future concerns. Consistent use of prescription retinoids reduced the development of new fine lines by up to 87%.10 So keep at it!
How Hello Alpha Makes It Simple
With Hello Alpha, dermatology-grade care is formulated specifically for you.
Sign up for a Hello Alpha account
Complete an online visit where a provider assesses your unique skin concerns
Receive your personalized prescriptionformula delivered free to your door
Track your progress with provider check-ins that ensure your formula evolves with your skin
Skincare Tips From The Hello Alpha Team
Here are our top recommendations for success with a prescription formula:
Simplify your existing routine when starting prescription skincare—gentle cleanser, your prescription, moisturizer, and sunscreen are often all you need
Be consistent with both application and patience
Always use sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) daily, as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and American Academy of Dermatology,12 especially as many prescription ingredients increase sun sensitivity
Stay hydrated from the inside out—healthy skin starts with overall wellness
Communicate with your Hello Alpha provider about any concerns or questions
Remember, prescription skincare isn't just about addressing current concerns—it's preventative care that helps maintain your skin's health for years to come. Your future self will thank you for starting now.
Please note: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
