Retin A, Renova, or Differin for Wrinkle Prevention and Melasma?

retinoids alone will not bleach the skin as a bleaching cream like kojic acid, hydroquinone, arbutin or any other bleaching substance may do. Fraxel needs to be combined with vitamin C inmmediately after the laser, and that helps the skin to bleach faster, combined with other topical medications plus a sunscreen SPF30+

A new effective, published treatment is available for melasma with a full-face iontophoresis mask using vitamin C and M2 (mandelic/malic acid) skin care.  This may be used alone or in combination with a new low-energy Q-switched ND;YAG laser treatment. This treatment is safe and effective for all skin types.  The article on this treatment was published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in January 2013.  The web reference link is included below.  This also improve wrinkles, skin texture and tone.  This treatment is also tolerated well for sensitive skin. 

Retin A and Renova both contain the active ingredient tretinoin.  Renova is .02%, there are many strengths of Retin A, the lower the more gentle.  Differin is adapaline, another retinoid which may be better tolerated in some patients.  The most effective retinoid for melisma is Triluma, a tretinoin, hydroquinone and steroid combination.  Complete sun protection is the single most effective measure in fighting melisma.

Renova is similar to Retin-A but it's more cosmetically pleasing, and it does not cause cancer. Differin is for acne, and would not be at all what you are looking for. There are many versions of retin-As and retinoids and retinols, all which are used to treat fine lines and anti-aging. I usually give my patients a few samples to try to see which kind they like best. Another very popular retinoid prescription is Ziana. However, if you want something with a high level of efficacy, but one that won't be overly drying, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 is great. Finally, always apply retinol to DRY skin, build up to using it (meaning use it only once or twice a week), and if you find you are still dry, after you apply the retinol product, apply a good moisturizer on top of it. This helps tremendously. You don't need to use retinol products daily for them to be effective. Finally, retinols don't help with melasma. There are other options for that but the discoloration is much too deep and these products can't reach the depths to treat them. You need a stronger HQ product or Cosmelan.