FDA approved to reduce signs of aging

There is only one topical treatment for skin that is shown to reduce the signs of photo-aging associated with aging and sun exposure. It is the only FDA approved formulation to reduce the signs of aging.

 

 Nine years ago the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  approved Renova® (tretinoin cream) 0.02%, a  formulation of the only prescription cream proven to reduce fine facial wrinkles associated with chronic sun exposure and the natural aging process.

 

"Only Johnson & Johnson has bitten the bullet and come out with an F.D.A.-approved anti-wrinkle cream, called Renova. It consists of tretinoin, which is also the active ingredient in Retin A, a preparation that has F.D.A. approval as an acne drug, but which dermatologists have been prescribing to patients to reduce age spots and fine lines. In Renova the tretinoin is combined with an emollient to minimize some of the drug's drying, irritating effects. The ad copy states that Renova is proven to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and give skin a smoother texture and rosier glow, but it also cautions that Renova will not repair sun-damaged skin or reverse the aging process," www.nytimes.com/1996/12/01/magazine/smooth-taking.html

 

The following is the result of a study using Renova that led to its FDA approval:

 

 Six-hundred-and-fifty-six subjects between the ages of 45 and 70 who showed signs of moderate to severe photo-damage participated in the randomized, multi-center, double-blind, clinical studies for Renova 0.02%. Subjects received treatment for up to 24 weeks with Renova 0.02% or a placebo, in conjunction with a comprehensive skin care and sun protection program.

 

Based on investigator evaluations, subject self-assessments and independent computer-generated skin replica measures, Renova 0.02% exhibited significantly better improvement than placebo in treating fine facial wrinkles in Caucasian and other lightly-pigmented subjects.

 

People who respond to Renova 0.02% Cream may begin to notice their skin becoming smoother and softer within the first month or two. Within two to three months, users may notice a reduction in fine facial wrinkles. Additional benefits should be apparent within five to six months of therapy. Continued use of the product beyond six months can help maintain the visible improvement. http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1e00b6.htm

 

The key ingredient in Renova is tretinoin a derivative of vitamin A.  As previously stated, the original use for tretinoin was in the treatment of acne. Tretinoin works at the cellular level and increases pro-collagen 1  Renova is sold in a strength of 0.02. A stonger version can be had by using the prescription Retin-A 0.05.

 

Weaker and usually more expensive over the counter cosmetics containing  AHA's, a similar but less effective formula to Retin-A are available.  In an article published by the New York Times,  http://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/06/magazine/beauty-cashing-in-on-the-retin-a-clamor.html  ''A cosmetics company shouldn't try to compete with Retin-A, the two products aren't even in the same ballpark.''  Stated Dr Voorhees who was interviewed for the article, “Instead, many doctors believe that the drug and cosmetics should be used in consort. For instance, many dermatologists recommend that patients apply a moisturizer to minimize the dryness and irritation caused by Retin-A. Because Retin-A can make skin more sensitive to the sun, users must be particularly diligent about applying sunscreens. Clinique, for one, has alerted its cosmetics consultants about the special skin-care needs of consumers who use Retin-A.”

 

All of this information poses the question of why use an over the counter preparation containing  AHA's with price tags  averaging $80.00+ for as little as 1.7 oz when a Dermotologist can write a prescription for Retin-A that according to Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com  averages $180.00 for a one year supply?

 

It would make sense to use an FDA approved product to remove wrinkles over the latest and greatest creation touted by cosmetic companies. Granted, Renova and Retin-A don’t come in pretty little bottles, but they are backed up by the FDA’s powerful words stating that they work.