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.