Gah, my post disappeared. Anyhoo, I've been using retin-a (similar to renova) for over 5 years now in combination with a 45 spf during the day. I love what it does for my skin's texture and for preventing breakouts. At 29, my skin is way less wrinkled than that of most of my younger siblings, who also grew up in the south. I've heard that it does more for sun damage than for expression lines, though, since it doesn't relax the facial muscles like Botox does.
jrhampt wrote: I've heard that it does more for sun damage than for expression lines, though, since it doesn't relax the facial muscles like Botox does.
funny you mention botox- because that was my conversation with my derm yesterday. she felt at 27 i was too young to consider botox. however, i have ran across more and more women in my age bracket (24-28) starting botox treatments. my derm just felt that if she and i could hold it at bay for 3-4 more years before she would prefer it that way.
i think she felt since the lines weren't deeply pressed into my skin lining yet- that the renova would help with elleviating them. she also told me that retin products are the only clinically proven products to help with expressions lines (or wrinkles).
i'm glad to hear that your product (similar to mine) has helped with keeping your skin clear. i thought- what the heck- i spend about the same amount on other products to try to help- why not try this one.
she did tell me that it will cause redness and flakiness for a week before settling down- was this your experience?
my MIL was using renova for her acne scarring (i think?) and she said she was so happy that one of the perks was it really helped with her wrinkles and made her lines smoother and less noticeable!
erin wrote: my MIL was using renova for her acne scarring (i think?) and she said she was so happy that one of the perks was it really helped with her wrinkles and made her lines smoother and less noticeable!
fantastic! i'm going to pick it up tomorrow... it costs about $130- but since it was a prescription, I can use my HSA to pay for it!!!
It does take a little while for your skin to get used to it, yes. Also, I have to back off it a bit in the winter sometimes or use more moisturizer so my skin doesn't get too flaky. It helps to exfoliate regularly.
I've been thinking about Botox, too, but I'm kind of in your position - not sure if my fine lines are enough to warrant Botox and trying to "keep them at bay". Still debating - I'll keep using the retin-a regardless, though.