Skin Aging and Retinoid Creams

Skin aging is influenced by several factors including genetics, environmental exposure, hormonal changes and metabolic processes (generation of reactive chemical compounds such as activated oxygen species, sugars and aldehydes). All factors together act on the alterations of skin structure, function, and appearance. Yet solar UV radiation unquestionably is the single major factor responsible for skin aging.

The importance of retinoids (vitamin A) was discovered during World War I and subsequent research showed that its deficiency gives rise to xerosis and follicular hyperkeratosis. The retinoid drug project was launched in 1968 to synthesize compounds similar to vitamin A by chemical manipulation of its molecule to improve clinical efficacy and safety. The use of these substances in therapy dates back some 3000 years to ancient Egypt, where liver was used to treat endemic night blindness. The modern history of retinoids, however, began in 1909 when an essential factor in the viability of an embryo in the fatty extract of the egg yolk, called vitamin A, was discovered. Retinoids finally were introduced into the treatment of photoaging more than two decades ago.

Tretinoin happens to be the retinoid that is investigated more than any other retinoid implicated in the treatment of intrinsic or photoaging. Although tretinoin has been used in dermatology since the 1960s, its potential in the treatment of aging was realized no earlier than in the 1980s. The efficacy of tretinoin in the treatment of photoaging was first demonstrated in 1984. Photoaged mouse skin with tretinoin for 10 weeks resulted in a significant repair zone of new collagen in the papillary dermis, which also correlated with wrinkle reduction.

Kligman and colleagues (2004) investigated the effect of high strength solution applied every night in 32 women with photodamaged skin. Treatment for 4 weeks resulted in significant improvement in fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and roughness as observed in their earlier study. The most noteworthy, but unexpected observation in this study was the rapid accommodation of the skin to retinoid side effects occurring within just 2 weeks. Hence, although typical retinoid associated side-effects were observed, they diminished very soon resulting in tolerance and better acceptance of the therapy in the patients.

If you are interested in medical-grade anti-aging facial creams, we carry a line from Rejudicare Pharma that contains a high strength tretinoin that can only be dispensed from medical professionals, and as such is more effective than those retinoid preparations commonly found in the aisles of local pharmacies or cosmetics retailers. Please inquire with Renee if you are interested!