Renova is a topical anti-aging medication that contains the active ingredient retinoic acid, or Retin-A. There are a number of retinoic acid-based medications on the market and the Food and Drug Administration has now approved the use of this medicine under the name Renova for the treatment of aging and sun damaged skin.

The primary use of this medication is to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines, wrinkles and roughness and improving skin color. It is important to remember that Retin-A does not actually repair sun damage or reverse the signs of aging, it simply improves skin tone and evens skin color by affecting the growth of skin cells.

How is Renova cream used?

Using Renova is fairly simple. You begin by washing your face twice a day with a mild non-soap cleanser such as Cetaphil lotion available at your local pharmacy. Pat the skin dry with a towel and let your face dry for 10-15 minutes before applying.

Apply Renova to the face each night before bed, being careful to avoid getting the medication into or on your eyes, mouth and nose.

Apply a moisturizer containing a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to the skin each morning to protect the skin from sunburn and counteract the dryness and scaling caused by the medication. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

If the skin becomes too red and dry, decrease the application of Renova to every other night or even every third night. If you plan to have hair removed by waxing, especially on the upper lip, stop the Renova 3-4 weeks prior to the treatment. Otherwise, you may be left with a sore area which could heal with a brown spot.

Are there any side effects of Renova?

A slight stinging may occur immediately after applying this medication, but this is generally temporary. Dryness, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of treatment.

Because Retin-A makes the skin more sensitive to sun light, it will make it easier for you to get a sun burn, so extra precautions should be taken whenever you are going to be exposed to the sun, especially for prolonged amounts of time.

You should not use Renova on sunburned, wind burned, dry, chapped, irritated or broken skin, or skin affected with eczema, as it can increase irritation.

What about alternatives?

Advanced natural formulas such as Xtend-Life Skincare can offer effective anti-aging benefits without the use of added chemicals. These products derive their healing power from plant based ingredients such as manuka honey, babasu wax and grapeseed oil, that work with the body to heal the effects of aging from the inside out for a prolonged anti-aging effect.

These products not only help to reverse the effects of aging but are also gentler on your body than those containing synthetic chemicals. The result is softer, smoother, more youthful looking skin without harsh side effects.