A Double Blind Immunohistological Study Of The Effect Of Topical Tretinoin On Photoaged Skin

Abstract

Fifteen very fair women with mild to moderate photoaging in there 60’s were tested by doubled blind immunohistological study. Tretinoin 0.05% cream applied daily was compared to its vehicle with regards to epidermal, basal, spinous differentiation markers and dendritic cells (Langerhan’s and melariocyte). In comparison with the control skin, tretinoin-treated skin showed the following changes: 1. From atrophy to normalization or hyperplasia of horny and prickle cell layers,2. Granular layer was normal to hypertrophied, 3. Basal cells were well-stained and thicker, 4. Basement membrane was thicker to normal in appearance and 5. Dendritic cells were increased in number (Langerhan’s). These results demonstrated a decelerating effect of tretinoin on the time clock of photoaging.