Reducing Skin Wrinkles with Retin A or Renova

Retin A and Renova are brands of tretinoin (a short for trans-retinoic acid), a substance related to but distinct from vitamin A. Retin A (Renova) produces multiple effects in the skin. In particular, it increases the responsiveness of skin cells to epidermal growth factor (EGF), the natural hormone that stimulates skin growth.

Topical Retin A (Renova) is one of very few substances whose anti-aging effects on the skin have been documented in many well-designed studies. Retin A (Renova) was found to reduce fine wrinkles and skin roughness, increase epidermal thickness and stimulate deposition of collagen. Typical strength of topical tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) creams is 0.025 - 0.1 percent. With tretinoin (Retin A, Renova), more is not necessarily better. One study has found that 0.025 percent Retin A may be as effective as 0.05 or 0.1 percent, but with lower incidence of skin irritation. For people with sensitive skin, 0.025% Retin A (Renova) may be the optimal strength. According to the studies, improvement on tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) may continue for up to a year of continued use.

The most common side-effect of topical tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) is skin irritation which can be avoided or minimized. (See Skin Rejuvenation Infopack for recommndations how to avoid side effects of tretinoin.) At present topical tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) is sold by prescription.

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