EFFECT OF A CONJUGATED ESTROGEN (PREMARIN(R)) CREAM ON AGING FACIAL SKIN - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY WITH A PLACEBO CREAM

The effects of Premarin cream on ageing facial skin were studied in a randomised, double-blind, parallel group study. Fifty-four women aged 52-70 years who had moderate to severe facial cutaneous ageing, applie d 1 g of either Premarin cream (0.625 mg conjugated oestrogens per gra m of cream), or placebo cream (same composition with the exclusion of conjugated oestrogens) to the face nightly for 24 weeks. Each morning these women protected their face with a sunblock SPF 15. Skin thicknes s was measured by B-scan ultrasonic echography, and skin microrelief b y profilometry. Each subject's facial appearance was also evaluated by the subject herself and by the clinician. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.013) in favour of Premarin cream was detected in sk in thickness at week 24. Skin thickness (dermal plus epidermal) for th e women who used Premarin cream increased from 1.56 +/- 0.20 mm at bas eline to 1.68 +/- 0.19 mm, compared with 1.52 +/- 0.20 mm at baseline to 1.59 +/- 0.19 mm in the placebo group. Premarin cream was also sign ificantly more effective than placebo cream in improving fine wrinkles according to the results at weeks 12 and 24 (P = 0.010 and P = 0.012, respectively). Significant improvement from baseline was detected in both groups for roughness, laxity and mottled pigmentation and/or lent igines; however, there was no significant difference in these paramete rs between the two treatment groups. No subjects discontinued treatmen t for a safety reason. In conclusion, Premarin cream produced better r esults than the placebo cream; the difference was statistically signif icant for skin thickness and fine wrinkles. Premarin cream was well to lerated locally, and its general safety was good.