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Review
. 2022 Jan-Feb;26(1):71-78.
doi: 10.1177/12034754211035091. Epub 2021 Jul 22.

A Clinician's Guide to Topical Retinoids

Melika Motamedi  1 , Ahmad Chehade  1 , Ravina Sanghera  1 , Parbeer Grewal  2   3
Affiliations
Review

A Clinician's Guide to Topical Retinoids

Melika Motamedi et al. J Cutan Med Surg. 2022 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Retinoids are defined as molecules that bind to and activate retinoic acid receptors to influence the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Topical retinoids have evolved over the past several decades, being used in multiple dermatological conditions. This review aims to differentiate between synthetic and natural retinoids, discuss the pharmacology behind topical retinoids, highlight clinical applications, and categorize all the commercially available agents, including combination products. Understanding retinoid affinities for unique receptor subtypes can impact clinical decisions, resulting in optimizing treatment and enhancing patient adherence.

Keywords: acne; keratinization; retinoid.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Dr. Grewal has received honorarium from Galderma and Bausch Health.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Biological pathway of natural retinoids and target sites of synthetic retinoids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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MeSH terms