Top Ten List continued

2. Renova

Anyone who knows me or has been to my office knows I love Renova. Renova (Tretinoin
0 .02% Cream) is a vitamin A derivative in an emollient base. It is the only prescription cream proven to reduce certain clinical signs of photodamage and aging when combined with good basic skin care, moisturization and sun avoidance. Renova exfoliates, removes hyperpigmentation thickens the skin and improves texture and bloodsupply. A very small pea-size amount used nightly on clean dry skin is all that is needed. It can be used on the neck, decollete, and hands as well. It is important to use sunscreen of at least spf 15 while using Renova. But , of course , everyone should be using sun protection anyway.

Most aging and sundamaged skin is dry, so the emollient base is soothing. If your skin is oily or the Renova feels too rich for your skin, Retin-A microgel can be used instead. This formulation is used for the treatment of acne. Some people are sensitive to the tretinoic acids and may experience some redness or flaking. This may be normal and acceptable in the initial period of treatment, but if it persists, or is bothersome adjustments can be made. The Renova can be decreased to every other night or three times weekly, or one can use over the counter Retinol which is a milder form. Skinceuticals has a very effective Retinol in 0.5% and 1.0% strengths which can be obtained in our office.

Renova comes in a tube or very convenient pump bottle which dispenses the appropriate amount ( It can last 2 - 6 months depending on how you use it) The approximate price is $150