Topical retinoids in the management of photodamaged skin: from theory to evidence-based practical approach

• Published in: British journal of dermatology (1951) Vol. 163; no. 6; pp. 1157 - 1165
• Main Authors: Darlenski, R., Surber, C., Fluhr, J.W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2010; Wiley-Blackwell
• Subjects: Administration, Topical; antiageing; Biological and medical sciences; collagen; Dermatologic Agents - therapeutic use; Dermatology; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Injuries of the skin. Diseases of the skin due to physical agents; Isotretinoin - therapeutic use; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Nicotinic Acids - therapeutic use; photoageing; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Retinoids - therapeutic use; Skin Aging - drug effects; Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects; tazarotene; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; tretinoin; Tretinoin - therapeutic use; Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects; Vitamin A - therapeutic use; Antineoplastic agent; Photosensitivity; Skin disease; Dermatology; Theory; Evidence-based practice; Antipsoriatic agent; Retinoid; Evidence-based medicine; Local administration; Photodermatosis; Clinical management; Tazarotene; Collagen; antiageing; photoageing; Tretinoin
• ISSN: 0007-0963; 1365-2133
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09936.x

Summary Skin, being exposed directly to the environment, represents a unique model for demonstrating the synergistic effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the ageing process. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major factor among exogenous stressors responsible for premature skin ageing. The problem of skin ageing has captured public attention and has an important social impact. Different therapeutic approaches have been developed to treat cutaneous ageing and to diminish or prevent the negative effects of UVR. Topical retinoids represent an important and powerful class of molecules in the dermatologist’s hands for the treatment of photodamaged skin. Since their introduction more than 20 years ago, topical retinoids have shown beneficial efficacy and good safety profiles in the management of photodamaged skin, and as therapeutic anti‐ageing agents. This review provides a brief retrospective of the development of topical retinoids in the treatment of photodamaged skin, elucidates their mechanism of action, delineates their use and addresses clinical, pharmaceutical and regulatory issues in connection with their intended use.