Acne is the most common problem found in any age group. Mostly, the teenagers fall prey to acne, but even infants and adults also can be seen getting affected because of acne. Amazing thing is that people may also have acne in their late 30s and 40s.

Acne can occur because of hormonal changes, hereditary, dirt etc. To treat acne effectively, Renova Retin-A cream or gel i.e. Tretinoin is been used which is a derivative of vitamin A. Renova Cream is also known as ‘Acne Cream’. Topical Tretinoin is used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne and on skin that has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun. It is also used to treat wrinkles, mottled coloring and certain skin disorders etc.

Tretinoin irritates the skin and causes the cells of the skin to grow divide and die more rapidly that is it increases the turnover of cells. The number of layers of cells in the skin actually is reduced. In patients with acne new cells replace the cells of existing pimples and the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism Tretinoin can reduce some wrinkles areas of darkened skin and rough areas of skin all of which occur in sun-damaged skin. Actually, Tretinoin sets off molecules [called retinoid receptors] in the skin cells that cause certain intracellular processes to take place, including synthesis of proteins [such as collagen and elastin], cell growth and differentiation, and production of the fatty lubricant by the sebaceous glands of the skin.

In patients with sun-damaged skin improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after six to eight weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after three to six months. Following application to the skin a minimal amount of drug is absorbed into the body. Renova cream is available in many forms of 20mg and 15mg tubes etc. The FDA approved topical Tretinoin in 1971 to treat skin related problems.

This medicine should be used in this particular way:

Step 1: Strictly before applying the medicine, wash your hands and the affected area of the skin completely with the soap and water to make them clean.

Step 2: Pat it dry and then wait for about 20-30 minutes before applying Tretinoin cream

Step 3: After that take a tiny drop of the gel or cream and apply it evenly on your face or the affected area.

Step 4: Avoid contact of the cream near nostrils, eyes, mouth or any open wound.

Step 5: Close the bottle tightly and do not rinse it and keep it in cool place.

Step 6: Again, wash your hands properly when you are done with the medicine.

Note: Tretinoin is most often prescribed once daily usually at bedtime.

Local inflammation is seen when treated with Tretinoin and this reaction disappears when treatment is stopped. Mild stinging or a sensation of warmth also can be observed. Dryness, scaling, itching and redness occur frequently. An unusual darkening of the skin may occur with repeated application of Renova Retin. If severe redness vesicles or crusting develops a physician should be notified immediately and Tretinoin should be stopped.

If the cream causes increased sun sensitivity, swelling, burning, crusting, inflammation, irritation, peeling of the skin or any other symptoms, show it to your doctor immediately, who may advise you to use the cream less frequently, suspend it temporarily, or stop using this product altogether. It may be possible to restart therapy with a lower concentration. Some patients using Tretinoin develop an increased sensitivity to develop sunburn photosensitivity. Therefore it is advisable to avoid exposing treated areas of the skin to excessive sunlight or UV lamps to reduce the risk of severe sunburn.

Inform your doctor about any other medication that you may be consuming in any other form. However, Renova cream can interact with the following: Preparations containing Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid that kills bacteria and fungi and causes the peeling of the skin, Resorcinol that is used to treat acne, resulting in skin peel] etc. Also inform your doctor if you are allergic to the formulation of this medication or any other medication in any other form and avoid them accordingly.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of a severe chemical reaction may include excessive peeling of the skin, redness and discomfort etc.

Renova Gel or Cream is not meant only for oral use. If swallowed, it can produce harmful effects.

Be patient and do not get discouraged if there is no immediate improvement or if new blemishes appear it can take 2-3 weeks for the gel/cream to take effect, and nearly a couple of months before consistent beneficial effects appear.

During the day, if your skin becomes too dry, you could use another emollient like petroleum jelly etc. But do not apply more than once in a day, nor increase the amount to be applied or it can result in over saturation and can irritate your skin badly. Renova Retin A cream has shown effective results around the cheeks and eyes than the lower portion of the face.

Remember, Renova Gel or Cream comes only with the marked Date of Manufacture, as the manufacturer does not mark the Date of Expiry on it.

If you missed to apply the Renova cream or gel in the night, apply it on the next following night. Consult your doctor for the missed application and always remember the missed application of the Renova cream within 12 hours, so that you can have the next application. Do not double your doses in any case.

Topical Tretinoin is used to treat persons with mild to moderate acne or skin which has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun. It also helps in the reduction of skin pigmentation in the people who are affected by mottled or lightening age spots. Renova also stimulates the production of collagen, which gives a more youthful appearance to the skin by smoothing away the fine wrinkles. It partly works by keeping skin pores clear.

The medication may be prescribed for other skin diseases also, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the Renova Retin A soft gel medication.

Renova Gel and Renova Cream products are flammable, so it should be stored at room temperature between 36 – 86 degrees F and 2-30 degrees C. Keep Renova gel / cream away from heat or light. Do not refrigerate this product. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Also, keep it away from heat and direct light. Moisture or Heat may cause the break down of the medicine. In any case, do not store the Renova Retin A cream and gels in the bathroom.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Renova Retin A:

1. Let your doctor or dermatologist know about your complete medical history, if you have or have ever had any major skin disease or sensitivity to the sun, sunburn, eczema etc.

2. Tell your doctor and pharmacist that what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking especially Eczema, any allergy particularly to Vitamin A or any other medicines, preservatives, foods, dyes etc. or if you are sensitive to the sun etc.

3. Renova cream or gel can increase sensitivity to cold, sunlight, wind etc. So take proper care by wearing protective clothing, by using an effective sunscreen, and also avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or sunlamps.

4. Do not wash your face frequently and wash your face with a mild soap that too is recommended only twice or thrice a day.

5. Please, apply the medicine in the prescribed amount and do not overdose it or use it for the longer period of time as this will only irritate your skin.

6. If you need to undergo any kind of surgery, or need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, inform your doctor you are applying this gel or cream.

7. Let your doctor know if you are alcoholic, smoker, or take any kind of banned drugs etc. This is so, because some of the items that you may be intaking could interfere with this product and cause harmful results. So, inform your doctor so that the doctor can decide whether this gel or cream should be used by you or not, and prescribe it accordingly to the best of his knowledge.

8. Please be aware that the side effects of Renova gel or cream are not known during pregnancy, and it is not recommended to be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. But still you can check with your doctor for more information.

9. Do not share the Renova Retin A cream with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves. If your gel or cream is no longer in use or is outdated, discard it immediately after checking with your doctor or your pharmacist.

10. Do not discontinue medication on your own. Consult your doctor before doing so.

11. Try to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreens as the Tretinoin may make your skin sensitive to the sunlight.

12. However, remember that, the safety and effectiveness of Renova 0.02 cream has not been established in children under age of 18, and not even in adults whose age exceeds above 71.

13. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.