High-strength tretinoin for rapid retinization of photoaged facial skin

Background. Emollient creams of 0.02% and 0.05% tretinoin are currently used for improving the appearance of photoaged skin. At these concentrations, using this vehicle, the clinical results take many months. Objective. The objective was to formulate and test a higher strength tretinoin that enhances penetration of the active molecule through the stratum corneum so that the clinical result is achieved after 1 month of treatment. Methods. Thirty-two female subjects underwent treatment with 0.25% tretinoin solution applied nightly for 1 month. Subjects were evaluated clinically at baseline and 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Clinical grading was performed by comparing digital photographs before and after treatment. Results. Almost all subjects improved on all measures of clinical grading (fine lines, mottled pigmentation, surface texture/roughness) by the end of the study. Conclusion. Tretinoin solution at a concentration of 0.25% is an effective and tolerable treatment for photodamaged facial skin and greatly shortens the time required for clinical response.