:: What is Renova?
Renova is a FDA-approved formulation of the prescription medicine tretinoin, a metabolite of Vitamin A. It is an emollient cream (water in oil emulsion) applied to the skin as a treatment to assist in reducing certain kinds of skin damage, such as fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration and rough skin.
Renova is manufactured by Ortho Dermatological, a division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, based in Skillman, New Jersey, USA.
You can buy Renova by going to our Renova price comparison page  where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Renova prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Renova online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should use Renova?
Patients with fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration and rough facial skin, who have not seen improvement with a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program alone, can add Renova to their skin care program.
Renova helps to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and spotty skin discoloration, and to make rough facial skin feel smoother.
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:: Who should not use Renova?
Renova should not be used if you have sensitivity to any of its ingredients including tretinoin (a metabolite of Vitamin A) or components of its emollient (water in oil emulsion) cream. Stop using Renova if hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients is noted.
You should not use Renova if you are sunburned or highly sensitive to the sun, if you have eczema, or if your skin is irritated. Renova can cause increased skin irritation and increased susceptibility to sunburn.
Tell your clinician if you are also using other medicines that increase sensitivity to sunlight such as: thiazides (used to treat high blood pressure), tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones or sulfonamides (used to treat infection), and phenothiazines (used to treat serious emotional problems). Renova should not be used with these medications. Tell your clinician about any prescription, non-prescription, over the counter, and facials products you currently use.
The safe use of Renova during pregnancy has not been shown. There are reports of birth defects with laboratory animals and humans that were given tretinoin by mouth. You should not use Renova if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Safe use in children has not been shown.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Renova. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles are caused by two factors: aging and sun exposure.
The changes in our skin, which result from aging, are part of a continual, natural process, which is inevitable and determined by genetics.
As your skin ages, collagen and elastin weaken, causing the skin to become less resilient. After being stretched, your skin does not return to its original state as quickly as when you were younger. This creates wrinkles like crow's feet and laugh lines. Your skin looks less smooth as it becomes thinner and loses fat. Skin also begins to sag as gravity takes its toll. The cumulative effect of aging alone on your skin (fine wrinkling and skin looseness) can be seen in areas of skin not exposed to the sun.
Sun damage (photo damage) caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the number one cause of wrinkles and other skin imperfections.
Unlike aging, wrinkles caused by sun exposure are somewhat preventable. The damage caused by the sun adds up gradually over your lifetime. Every exposure, whether it is from tanning for hours at the beach or from walking to your car on a cloudy day, accumulates and contributes to the aging of your skin.
Sun damage can be immediate like a sunburn or tanned skin, or may not be obvious for many years. As sun-exposed skin ages over many years, it appears as fine and coarse wrinkling, spotty skin discoloration, skin roughness, skin looseness and telangiectasia (a visible web of superficial blood vessels). The longer your skin has been exposed to UV rays, the more severe the aging will be.
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:: How do I minimize sun damage (photo damage) to my skin?
A simple comprehensive program of skin care can reduce skin damage from the sun.
Minimize sun exposure by avoiding outdoor activities at midday, even on a cloudy day.
When you are outdoors, wear protective clothing like hats and tightly knit clothes. Apply sunscreen or moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher everyday to all exposed skin including lips, ears and scalp.
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:: Can I go out in the sun while I’m using Renova?
Renova can make your skin more susceptible to the sun. But, you can go out in the sun if you follow basic sun-protection guidelines.
Use sunscreen everyday regardless of weather. Wear a hat or other protective clothing over treated areas. Spend as little time in the sun as possible and do not use sunlamps. If you have a sunburn on the treated areas stop using Renova until it heals.
Windy, cold weather may also dry your skin and increase irritation. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.
If you are sensitive to sunlight or have a job that requires you to be out in the sun for long periods, you must use extreme caution.
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:: Do I have to use sunscreen if I don't spend time outside?
Yes. Estimates show that the average person is exposed to more than 10 hours of indoor UV rays every week.
UV radiation can be accumulated while you sit near a window or drive your car. Since sun damage is cumulative (adds up over time), even a few minutes everyday walking to your car can lead to skin aging.
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:: Is it true that most sun damage occurs in childhood?
Yes. The majority of sun damage occurs before age 18 when we are outdoors the most. But, it is never too late to protect your skin from further sun damage.
Wear sunscreen or a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, all year round.
If you have children, teach them to use sunscreen everyday to help maintain healthy skin.
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:: Is tanning healthy?
No. Tanning is not healthy. Damage from UV rays (sun tanning) is the main cause of premature skin aging and skin cancer.
Your body gets tan by producing melanin in response to the UV rays in the sun or in sunlamps. The tan is evidence that UV rays have damaged some of your skin's cells.
If you really want to get a tan, try using a sunless tanner.
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:: Will facial exercises make wrinkles go away?
There is no conclusive evidence to show that facial exercises help get rid of wrinkles. These exercises may in fact aggravate wrinkles that are caused by facial expressions and gestures, like crow's feet, laugh lines and frown lines.
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:: Are my wrinkles caused by dry skin?
Dry skin does not cause wrinkles. Sun exposure and aging are the two main causes of wrinkles.
Dry skin can make your fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable, therefore moisturizing your skin will help it look smoother and more supple.
Be sure to use a moisturizer with sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) every day to help protect you from future sun damage.
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:: How does Renova work?
The exact mode of action of tretinoin, Renova’s active ingredient, is unknown. Researchers believe that retinoids such as tretinoin, by causing irritation to the skin, affect the growth of various skin cells.
This irritation to skin cells is suspected to play a role in reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration and rough skin.
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:: How well does Renova work?
Clinical studies conducted over 24 weeks with Renova showed that:
Fine wrinkling improved minimally in 40% of patients and moderately in 24% of patients using Renova, compared to 30% and 8% respectively in patients who received non-medicated cream.
Spotty discoloration improved minimally in 27% of patients and moderately in 38% of patients using Renova, compared to 21% and 27% respectively in patients who received non-medicated cream.
Rough skin improved minimally in 35% of patients and moderately in 16% of patients using Renova, compared to 23% and 10% respectively in patients who received non-medicated cream.
All patients followed a comprehensive skin protection and sun avoidance program, including use of sunscreens, protective clothing, and skin cream.
If you stop using Renova and your comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program, you will lose the benefits gained.
The safety and efficacy of using Renova daily for more than 48 weeks has not been established.
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:: How safe is Renova?
Renova has been used to treat wrinkles since 1996, but its active ingredient tretinoin has been on the market to treat acne since 1971. Its safety and efficacy profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Renova has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and spotty skin discoloration, and to make rough facial skin feel smoother. However, Renova may not be for everyone. Make sure to read about Who should not use Renova? .
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:: How is Renova supplied?
Renova comes in 0.02% and 0.05% concentrations.
The 0.05% concentration is available in 20, 40, and 60 gram tubes, and the 0.02% concentration is available in a 40 gram tube.
Shown here is the more commonly prescribed 0.05% formulation.
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:: How do I use Renova?
You should apply Renova to your face once daily in the evening after washing your face. Wash your face with a mild facial cleanser or mild soap. Then gently pat dry with a soft towel—do not rub your skin. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying Renova.
Apply a pea-sized amount of Renova by dabbing it on your forehead, chin, and both cheeks, then spread it over your face, smoothing it into your skin until it disappears.
You may feel a warmth or slight stinging when Renova is first applied. Avoid your eyes, ears, nostrils and mouth. Do not over apply. Using too much may cause unnecessary irritation such as red and peeling skin as well as some pain or discomfort.
Your clinician may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your clinician’s recommendations.
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:: What results should I expect with Renova?
Renova helps treat skin damage such as fine wrinkles, spotty skin discoloration, and rough feeling skin.
Clinical studies conducted over 24 weeks with Renova showed that fine wrinkling improved minimally in 40% of patients and moderately in 24% of patients. Spotty discoloration improved minimally in 27% of patients and moderately in 38% of patients. Rough skin improved minimally in 35% of patients and moderately in 16% of patients.
There is no evidence that Renova treats coarse skin, deep wrinkles, yellowing skin, or other skin care problems.
Fine wrinkling, spotty skin discoloration and rough skin will not improve immediately, it will occur gradually over time. Generally, you should notice initial effects in 3 to 4 months. The greatest improvement should be noticed at about 6 months, after which Renova will help you maintain the improvements reached. The improvement will gradually diminish if Renova treatment is stopped.
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:: Can I wear make-up if I’m using Renova?
You may use cosmetics after applying Renova. You must remove your make-up and cleanse your face thoroughly before applying Renova again.
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:: What will happen if I apply too much Renova?
Using too much Renova will not work better or faster, but it may cause unnecessary skin irritation. Always use the recommended dose prescribed by your clinician. Do not over apply.
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:: What is the difference between Renova and Retin-A Micro?
Renova and Retin-A Micro contain the same active ingredient tretinoin. Retin-A Micro is approved for use in patients with acne vulgaris, while Renova is approved for use as a treatment to assist in reducing certain kinds of skin damage, such as fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration and rough skin.
Renova is available in 0.02% and 0.05% concentrations of tretinoin as an emollient (water in oil emulsion) cream. Retin-A Micro is available in 0.1% and 0.04% concentrations of tretinoin in a patented Microsponge gel that delivers the tretinoin slowly to the skin to minimize skin irritation.
To learn more, see our Retin-A Micro FAQ .
For prices, see our Retin-A Micro price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Retin-A Micro prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: How should I store Renova?
Keep Renova and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Renova at room temperature. Do not keep it past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Renova?
The most common side effect of Renova is skin irritation. Skin irritation includes redness, burning, stinging, itching, dryness and peeling.
You may experience some stinging or a feeling of warmth when you apply Renova, especially the first few times. Some of these side effects may go away after a few weeks as your skin gets used to the medication.
If skin irritation becomes too bothersome or your face becomes very dry, red, swollen or blistered, inform your clinician, who may reduce the dose or frequency of application, or ask you to stop using Renova for a while.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your clinician about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Renova?
Tell your clinician, during either a physical or online consultation, if you are also using other medicines that increase sensitivity to sunlight such as: thiazides (used to treat high blood pressure), tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones or sulfonamides (used to treat infection), and phenothiazines (used to treat serious emotional problems). Renova should not be used with these medications.
Tell your clinician about any prescription, non-prescription, over the counter, and facial products you currently use.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Renova?
Avoid using preparations (soaps, cleansers, toners) that may dry or irritate your skin. Products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, or spices should be used with caution because of possible interaction with tretinoin.
Topical over-the-counter acne preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, should be used with caution as they may neutralize each other or cause additive skin irritation.
Use sunscreen everyday and minimize exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps. Stop using Renova if you are sunburned until fully healed.
Safe use during pregnancy has not been shown. There are reports of birth defects with laboratory animals and humans that were given tretinoin by mouth. You should not use Renova if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. It is not known if Renova is passed to infants through breast milk.
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Renova, contact your clinician right away.
Talk to your clinician if you have eczema as Renova can cause severe irritation to your eczematous skin.
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:: What happens if Renova is swallowed?
Renova is for use on your skin only. Oral ingestion of large amounts of the drug may lead to the same side effects as those associated with excessive oral intake of Vitamin A (nausea, headache, pealing of skin, hair-loss, and liver damage).
Keep Renova and all medications out of children's reach.
If the medication is accidentally ingested, call your clinician or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Renova available over the counter?
No. Renova is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get a Renova prescription online?
Go to our Renova price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Renova prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Renova online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Renova cost?
Some companies charge less per tube but charge separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Renova prices before buying.
Usually, the more tubes you buy, the cheaper the price per tube. Also try to purchase the larger size 40 gram tube to get more for your money.
See our Renova price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Renova prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What is generic Renova and is it available?
The generic name for Renova is tretinoin. This is the same active ingredient as in Retin-A and Retin-A Micro that are used to treat acne.
There are several generic preparations of tretinoin available but only Renova is specifically formulated and FDA approved treatment to assist in reducing certain kinds of skin damage, such as fine wrinkles, spotty discoloration and rough skin.
See our Renova price comparison page , where you can select your preferred US online US pharmacy with the lowest Renova prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Renova or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Renova from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Renova, but not contain the active ingredient tretinoin.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Renova approved by the FDA and manufactured by Ortho Dermatological. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Renova price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Renova prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Renova online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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