Medical-Grade Skincare
Engineered for Men
Board-certified provider prescribes pharmaceutical tretinoin, acne treatments, and cold sore medication. Evidence-based protocols that deliver real results.
Courtney LaSumner Bass, NP
Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner
What Would You Like to Treat?
Select a condition below to learn about our prescription treatment options. All treatments are prescribed by our board-certified provider after a telehealth consultation.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Tretinoin-Based Wrinkle Reduction
As skin ages, it produces less collagen, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Our prescription anti-aging protocol uses tretinoin—the gold standard in dermatology—to reverse these signs at the cellular level.
How Tretinoin Works
Tretinoin is a retinoid (vitamin A derivative) that increases your skin's cellular turnover rate. This accelerates the replacement of old, damaged skin cells with fresh, healthy cells from the lower epidermis. Additionally, tretinoin stimulates collagen production, which firms skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Clinical Results
- 40-60% Reduction in fine lines at 6 months
- 80% Increase in collagen density
- 2-6 weeks Visible improvements begin
Key Active Ingredients
Acne Treatment
Custom Multi-Ingredient Formula
Adult acne in men is often caused by hormonal fluctuations, stress, and thicker skin with larger pores. Over-the-counter products rarely work because they can't penetrate deeply enough or address the root causes. Our prescription acne treatment combines up to five clinically-proven active ingredients customized for your specific skin type.
How Our Acne Treatment Works
Our custom formulation attacks acne from multiple angles: tretinoin increases cell turnover to prevent clogged pores, clindamycin eliminates acne-causing bacteria, azelaic acid reduces inflammation and redness, and niacinamide regulates oil production while improving skin barrier function.
Clinical Results
- 70% Average reduction in acne lesions at 12 weeks
- 95% Of patients see improvement
- 4-6 weeks Noticeable clearing begins
Potential Active Ingredients
Cold Sore Treatment
Valacyclovir (Generic Valtrex®)
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which affects billions of people worldwide. While there's no cure, prescription valacyclovir can dramatically reduce outbreak severity and duration when taken at the first sign of symptoms. Get relief in days, not weeks.
How Valacyclovir Works
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that blocks the herpes virus from replicating. By stopping viral reproduction, it allows your immune system to control the outbreak more quickly. When taken early, it can reduce healing time significantly and may even prevent a full outbreak from developing.
Treatment Effectiveness
- 2-3 days Faster healing when started early
- 70-80% Reduction in viral shedding with daily use
- 50% Reduction in transmission risk
Treatment Options
Dark Spot Treatment
Hyperpigmentation & Uneven Skin Tone
Dark spots, sun damage, and uneven skin tone are common concerns for men, especially in Utah's high-altitude environment with 25% more UV exposure. Our targeted protocol uses prescription-strength ingredients to fade existing discoloration while preventing new spots from forming.
How Hyperpigmentation Treatment Works
Our multi-ingredient approach targets melanin production at multiple levels. Tretinoin increases cell turnover to shed pigmented cells faster, azelaic acid inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin), and niacinamide prevents melanin transfer to skin cells while brightening overall tone.
Expected Results
- 4-8 weeks Initial fading visible
- 3-6 months Significant improvement in tone
- Ongoing Prevention of new spots with SPF
Key Active Ingredients
Why Prescription Skincare?
Over-the-counter products are limited by FDA cosmetic regulations. Prescription treatments contain active ingredients at concentrations that actually create change.
Over-the-Counter
- Retinol 0.01-0.1% (cosmetic strength)
- No clinical oversight
- One-size-fits-all formulas
- Results in 3-6 months, if any
- Surface-level effects only
- No prescription antibiotics for acne
Arsenal Prescription
- Tretinoin 0.025-0.1% (10-100x stronger)
- Board-certified provider supervision
- Custom formulas for your skin
- Visible results in 2-6 weeks
- Cellular-level transformation
- Full pharmacy including antivirals
The Arsenal Formula
Every ingredient is pharmaceutical-grade, clinically proven, and prescribed at therapeutic concentrations.
Tretinoin
0.025% - 0.1%Also known as: Retin-A®
The gold standard of anti-aging and acne treatment. This prescription retinoid accelerates cellular turnover and stimulates collagen production. FDA-approved for wrinkles, rough skin, and hyperpigmentation.
Azelaic Acid
15% - 20%Prescription strength
A powerful multitasker that kills acne bacteria, reduces inflammation, and inhibits melanin production. Gentler than other acids, making it suitable for sensitive skin and safe during pregnancy.
Clindamycin
1%Topical antibiotic
A prescription antibiotic that eliminates Cutibacterium acnes bacteria on contact. Most effective when combined with tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Niacinamide
4% - 10%Vitamin B3
Strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, minimizes pores, and reduces inflammation. Well-tolerated by all skin types including sensitive skin. Enhances other active ingredients.
Valacyclovir
500mg - 2gGeneric Valtrex®
An oral antiviral that stops herpes simplex virus from replicating. Used for episodic treatment of cold sore outbreaks or daily suppressive therapy to reduce frequency and transmission risk.
Vitamin C
20% L-AscorbicStabilized pharmaceutical grade
A potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, stimulates collagen synthesis, and brightens skin tone. Our stabilized formula maintains potency longer than typical vitamin C serums.
Pharmaceutical Protocols
Every protocol is customized by our board-certified provider based on your skin analysis and goals.
Foundation Protocol
- Custom Tretinoin (0.025-0.1%)
- Medical-Grade Cleanser
- Mineral SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum
- Monthly Provider Follow-Up
- Adjustment Protocol Included
- Text Support Access
Advanced Protocol
- Everything in Foundation
- Azelaic Acid 15-20%
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
- Hydrating Barrier Repair
- Bi-Weekly Provider Access
- Priority Support
Executive Protocol
- Everything in Advanced
- Growth Factor Serum (GHK-Cu)
- Vitamin C 20% L-Ascorbic
- Eye Treatment Complex
- On-Demand Provider Access
- Quarterly Skin Analysis
Add-On: Cold Sore Treatment
Valacyclovir prescription available for episodic or suppressive therapy. Can be added to any protocol or obtained standalone.
Your Journey to Better Skin
Our evidence-based approach ensures optimal results with minimal adjustment period.
Virtual Skin Assessment
15-minute telehealth consultation with our board-certified NP. We'll analyze your skin concerns, medical history, and goals to create your custom protocol.
Same-week appointments availableCustom Prescription
Your provider designs a personalized treatment protocol with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients at therapeutic concentrations specifically for your skin.
24-hour turnaroundDirect Delivery
FDA-registered compounding pharmacy ships your custom formulations directly to your Utah address in discreet, temperature-controlled packaging.
3-5 business daysOngoing Optimization
Regular check-ins with your provider to monitor progress, adjust formulations, and ensure you're getting optimal results with minimal side effects.
Monthly follow-ups includedThe Arsenal Difference
Based on 1,200+ patient outcomes and peer-reviewed clinical data.
"After years of trying everything from drugstore to department store products, Arsenal's prescription protocol transformed my skin in just 8 weeks. The difference medical-grade ingredients make is incredible."
"I've struggled with adult acne since my military service. The azelaic acid and tretinoin combination cleared my skin completely. First time in years I feel confident without hiding my face."
"Getting valacyclovir through Arsenal was so easy. No awkward pharmacy visits, just a quick video call and it shipped to my door. Now I always have it ready when I feel a cold sore coming."
Everything You Need to Know
Pharmaceutical-grade skincare contains active ingredients at therapeutic concentrations proven effective in clinical trials. Over-the-counter products are limited by FDA cosmetic regulations to much lower concentrations that only affect the skin's surface.
For example, prescription tretinoin (0.025-0.1%) is 10-100x stronger than OTC retinol and can actually change your skin at the cellular level by increasing collagen production, accelerating cell turnover, and reversing photoaging.
Arsenal provides the same prescription medications as a dermatologist with several advantages: no waiting months for appointments, transparent pricing without insurance hassles, and specialized expertise in men's skin.
Our board-certified nurse practitioner has advanced training in men's health and can prescribe all the same medications. Plus, you get ongoing support and formula adjustments included in your monthly cost.
The adjustment period (weeks 2-6) can include mild dryness, peeling, or temporary increased breakouts as your skin adapts to prescription retinoids. This is actually a sign the medication is working.
We minimize this by starting with appropriate concentrations, providing barrier repair products, and closely monitoring your progress. Most men experience only mild adjustment that's easily managed with our protocol.
Initial improvements typically appear within 2-3 weeks, with significant results by week 6-8. Full transformation occurs over 3-4 months as your skin cells completely turn over.
Timeline varies by concern: acne improves fastest (4-6 weeks), followed by texture/tone (6-8 weeks), with anti-aging benefits continuing to improve over 6-12 months.
Yes. Valacyclovir is prescribed for recurrent oral herpes (cold sores), which means you must have had a prior diagnosis by a healthcare provider. If you've never been officially diagnosed but have experienced cold sores, let your provider know during your consultation.
For first-time cold sores, we recommend an in-person evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Yes. Tretinoin has been used safely for over 50 years with extensive research showing long-term benefits and safety. In fact, long-term use provides cumulative benefits including reduced skin cancer risk.
All our ingredients are FDA-approved, prescribed at safe therapeutic doses, and monitored by your provider. We also include protective ingredients to maintain skin barrier health.
Arsenal operates on a transparent cash-pay model, which means no insurance hassles or surprise bills. We accept HSA/FSA cards for all treatments since these are prescribed medical therapies.
Our pricing includes everything—consultations, prescriptions, and ongoing support. Often less than insurance copays for multiple dermatology visits.
While on our protocols, avoid other retinoids (tretinoin, retinol, adapalene, Differin®), abrasive exfoliants, products with high alcohol content, and strong chemical peels. These can cause irritation when combined with prescription treatments.
Gentle cleansers, basic moisturizers, and SPF are fine. Your provider will give specific guidance based on your protocol.
Compliance & Quality
Licensed Medical Clinic
Utah-licensed telehealth clinic following all DOPL regulations. Your care is supervised by board-certified medical providers.
FDA-Registered Pharmacy
All medications compounded in FDA-registered 503B facilities with rigorous quality control and third-party testing.
HIPAA Compliant
Your medical information is protected with bank-level encryption and strict privacy protocols.
Evidence-Based Protocols
All treatments based on peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines from dermatology associations.
Ready for Skin That Matches Your Success?
Join thousands of Utah men who've discovered the confidence that comes with pharmaceutical-grade skincare.
Questions? Call (385) 666-6292
Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-1PM MT