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Renova, Retin-A, Retinol, Tretinoin and Retinoic Acids
It sounds terribly complicated, but these are all Vitamin A.
Tretinoin is a 'trans retinoic acid' it is the version of Vitamin A in Retinol. Which is in Avita, Renova and Rentin A and many other creams with similar names. It is a natural component of Rose Hip seed oil (alongside the vitamin C Dr Perricone likes so much) also known as 'Rosa Mosqueta' - a beauty treatment known since ancient times.
The first FDA approved wrinkle treatment
Currently, the most-studied topical anti-aging treatment in history is tretinoin. Of all the retinoids it is the only one directly capable of cellular reconstruction. Retinoids are stored by the skin when applied then converted to Retinoic Acid as needed. Higher concentrations of Retinol/tretinoin/Renova/Vitamin A etc are very effective wrinkle treatments, and are less likely to irritate the skin than the direct application of Retinoic Acid.
Medical studies
As a product, Retin-A/tretinoin was developed many years ago and is often prescribed for acne because it reduces sebum build-up in pores; but a large number of peer-reviewed medical studies done since the early 1980s also show that Retin-A can also improve fine lines, skin texture, and uneven pigmentation. Retin-A may also improve the appearance of large pores and some scars. It is has been shown that the tretinoin acts to improve collagen production in the dermis, thicken the epidermis, and smooth the skin surface.
Only one brand of tretinoin cream called Renova can legally be advertised in the USA as a treatment for photoaging (wrinkles caused by sunlight) though all forms contain the same active chemical. (This is a consequence of FDA regulations.) However, doctors can also give you any other brand of tretinoin for, ahem, 'general skin improvement'!
Most of the studies showing skin improvement with tretinoin etc. have been done with a 0.05%-concentration formula. However, many people find that regular 0.05% tretinoin cream initially causes peeling and redness. They often give up on tretinoin because of this. To avoid this possibility, it is best to start out with a tube of 0.01% if you think this might be a problem. It is very important not to use tretinoin during the day because exposure to light, especially sunlight, will decrease its potency. You should apply it at least a half-hour before sleeping so it is fully absorbed.
Sasha recommends..
Not using retinoids if you are pregnant, or trying to be, and when you are using any version of vitamin A cream it is even more important than usual to use a total sun block. For best anti wrinkle effect, I would be inclined to alternate it with copper peptide products.)
I would personally use these prescribed retinoids if I were also suffering from acne or prone to breakouts and I didn't have sensitive skin. If this was not an issue, I might use Rosa Mosqueta as it is far cheaper, has the same active ingredient, also treats discoloration, is entirely natural, and contains a substantial amount of vitamin C.
retinol products
