Renova Cream (Tretinoin)

Description

Indications

Tretinoin is primarily used to treat acne. Tretinoin can also be employed to reduce fine wrinkles, improve spotty discoloration, and address the rough texture of the skin. These benefits are observed when tretinoin is used in conjunction with other skincare routines and sunlight avoidance programs. Tretinoin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids, working by promoting the peeling of affected skin areas and unclogging pores.

Uses and Dosage

Tretinoin is available in different formulations, including lotion, cream, and gel. Typically, it is applied once daily at bedtime.

Use tretinoin exactly as directed, avoiding both excessive and insufficient application or a frequency higher than prescribed.

While tretinoin effectively controls acne, it does not provide a cure. Expect a potential worsening of acne during the initial 7 to 10 days of using this medication, marked by redness, scaling skin, and an increase in acne sores. Continue using tretinoin as directed, and the acne sores should gradually diminish. Improvement in acne may require regular use for 2 to 3 weeks, and sometimes more than 6 weeks, before noticeable results.

Tretinoin may also address fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration, and rough skin, but it is not a cure. Improvement in these conditions may take 3 to 4 months, or up to 6 months, before becoming apparent. If you discontinue using tretinoin, any improvement may gradually fade.

Use only non-medicated cosmetics on cleansed skin. Avoid topical preparations with high alcohol content, menthol, spices, or lime (e.g., shaving lotions, astringents, perfumes) as they may cause stinging, especially during initial use of tretinoin.

Do not use other topical medications, particularly benzoyl peroxide, hair removers, salicylic acid (wart remover), and dandruff shampoos containing sulfur or resorcinol, unless directed by your doctor. If you have recently used any of these topical medications, consult your doctor about whether you should wait before starting tretinoin.

Moisturizer use may be recommended by your doctor to address dryness.

Apply the medication only to the affected skin area, avoiding contact with eyes, ears, mouth, corners along the nose, vaginal area, and areas of sunburn.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• warmth or slight stinging of the skin
• lightening or darkening of the skin
• red, scaling skin
• increase in acne sores
• swelling, blistering, or crusting of the skin
• dryness, pain, burning, stinging, peeling, redness, or flaky skin at the treatment area

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• itching
• hives
• pain or discomfort at the treatment area

Caution

• Before using tretinoin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, whether to tretinoin itself, vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids like isotretinoin), or any other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other issues.
• Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication, especially if you have a history of eczema.
• Tretinoin may increase sensitivity to the sun. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and take precautions against weather extremes like wind or cold that may irritate the skin. Apply sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness. Wait until your skin has fully recovered from sunburn before using tretinoin.
• Avoid procedures like electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product.
• If you have recently used products containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, use tretinoin cautiously. Wait until the effects of such products on the skin have diminished before starting tretinoin.

During pregnancy, use this medication only when absolutely necessary, as it may pose a risk to an unborn baby. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

• It is unclear whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Renova Cream is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Renova Cream cream:
  • 0.05 %

FAQ

How long does it take to see the effects of Renova?

When you use Renova, you won’t see improvement right away. You may notice some effects in 3 to 4 months.

How long should I leave Renova Cream on my face?

You should avoid washing the skin treated with Renova for at least 1 hour after applying it.

Resources

1. https://www.rxlist.com/renova-002-drug.htm
2. https://www.goodrx.com/tretinoin-emollient/what-is#faqs
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tretinoin-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20066521?
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-12147/renova-topical/details
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682437.html
6. https://www.drugs.com/renova.html