[From the Cochrane Library: Improvement of photodamaged skin with retinoid creams and not with other local treatments]

Abstract

A Cochrane systematic review of 30 randomised clinical trials assessed the effects of current treatments for adults with mild-to-severe changes in facial and forearm skin that occurred as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun ('photodamage'). Topical tretinoin > or = 0.02% improved the appearance of mild-to-severe photodamage. Tazarotene 0.01-0.1% and isotretinoin 0.1% provided benefit to patients with moderate photodamage. The treatment duration was 4-11 months. Adverse effects were pain and redness. Both the efficacy and adverse effects were dose-dependent. Other treatments, such as polysaccharides, hydroxy acids, surgical procedures and laser, cannot be recommended.