tretinoin cream
Renova is a topical retinoid that contains tretinoin 0.02% cream. Renova (tretinoin) can ease fine facial wrinkles, in addition to the regular use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. But it won't help get rid of deep wrinkles or hyperpigmentation from years of sun damage. Renova (tretinoin) is applied to the face once daily in the evening. This medication commonly causes skin irritation and peeling as side effects. Renova is a prescription medication that's brand name only and not available as a generic.
What is Renova (tretinoin)?
What is Renova (tretinoin) used for?
Lessen the look of fine face wrinkles
How Renova (tretinoin) works
Renova (tretinoin) is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A that's naturally in the body and helps the skin renew itself.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Renova (tretinoin)?
Common Side Effects
- Burning or stinging
- Peeling
- Redness
- Dry skin
- Itching
Other Side Effects
- Changes in color of treated skin
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Burning, stinging, peeling, redness, or unusual dryness of the skin (severe)
Less common
Dryness, pain, redness, irritation, or peeling at the application site
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Burning, itching, stinging, scaling, or redness of the skin
chapping or slight peeling of the skin (mild)
darkening of the skin
lightening of normal skin color
lightening of treated areas of dark skin
redness of skin (mild)
unusual dryness of skin (mild)
unusually warm skin (mild)
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Renova (tretinoin)
Pros
Applied only once a day
Only need a small pearl-sized amount to have an effect
Can use with other cosmetics or skincare products (must wait at least 1 hour after applying Renova)
Cons
Doesn't get rid of deep wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, reverse skin aging due to sun damage, or make skin younger
Can make you sunburn more easily
Not a good choice for females who want to become pregnant or are pregnant
Pharmacist tips for Renova (tretinoin)
You'll need to apply Renova (tretinoin) regularly for at least 3 to 4 months before you see improvement. Once you stop, the improvement may slowly disappear.
Wash your hands before and after applying Renova (tretinoin) cream to your face. Avoid getting the cream in your eyes, mouth, ears, or nose. Doing so can cause serious skin irritation because those areas are more sensitive.
Gently wash your face with mild soap, pat the skin dry, and wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying Renova (tretinoin).
Apply a very small amount (pea-size) of Renova (tretinoin) on your entire face once a day in the evening or at bedtime. Applying more medication won't lead to faster or better results, but can worsen skin reactions.
You might feel a mild warmth or slight stinging sensation when you first apply Renova (tretinoin).
Renova (tretinoin) should be used as a part of a complete skin care routine that includes avoiding sunlight, using a good sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing. While using this medication, avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear to protect you from the sun.
Check with your dermatologist or pharmacist before you take any new medications while also using Renova (tretinoin) because some medications can also make you sensitive to the sunlight.
You can use other skincare products or cosmetics after applying Renova (tretinoin). But you must wait at least 1 hour after using Renova before applying those products.
Renova (tretinoin) isn't safe to use during pregnancy. Even though it's applied to the skin, a small amount is absorbed into the body and can harm the unborn baby.
Frequently asked questions about Renova (tretinoin)
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What are the risks and warnings for Renova (tretinoin)?
Renova (tretinoin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Skin irritation
Risk factors: Using other medications or products that irritate the skin | Eczema | Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
Renova (tretinoin) can cause skin redness, burning, peeling, or swelling. Applying larger amounts than recommended doesn't lead to quicker or better results and actually causes more skin irritation. Be careful using Renova (tretinoin) if you have a condition called eczema, because your skin might already be red, itchy, and irritated. If you have severe skin irritation, let your skin care team know. They might ask you to use less Renova (tretinoin), use it less often, or temporarily or permanently stop this medication, depending on how serious your reaction is.
Renova (tretinoin) can be particularly harmful to sensitive skin areas and should never be applied to the eyes, mouth, or nose.
Sunburns
Risk factors: High levels of sun exposure | Having skin that burns easily | Living in a hot climate | Working outdoors
Using Renova (tretinoin) can make your skin more sensitive to both natural sunlight and artificial sunlight from sunlamps. This can cause your skin to burn more easily. Having skin that's more sensitive to light might also raise your risk of early aging of the skin or skin cancer.
It's important to protect your skin from sunlight by finding shade outdoors, using sunscreen when you're outside (even on cloudy days), and wearing sun-protective clothing (like hats). Also avoid using sunlamps. Ask your primary care provider or dermatologist about which SPF (sun protection factor) level of sunscreen will protect you best. Stop using Renova (tretinoin) until your skin fully heals if you get sunburned.
Harm to unborn baby
Risk factors: Pregnant | Females who are able to have children
Using Renova (tretinoin) on your skin can harm your unborn baby. Don't use Renova (tretinoin) if you're planning to become or are pregnant. Talk to your healthcare team about a better alternative to lessen fine wrinkles.
Renova (tretinoin) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Renova (tretinoin)
Adults: Apply a small, pearl-sized (about ¼ inch or 5 mm) amount of cream to cover the entire affected area lightly once a day in the evening.
Interactions between Renova (tretinoin) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Renova (tretinoin) cost?
What are alternatives to Renova (tretinoin)?
Lessen the look of fine face wrinkles
Temporarily improves the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet lines in adults
What is the latest news about Renova (tretinoin)?
Renova (tretinoin) images
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References
Best studies we foundBausch Health US LLC. (2019). Renova- tretinoin cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Motamedi, M., et al. (2022). A clinician's guide to topical retinoids. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.
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