RETINOIDS AND THE SKIN

Retinoids are a group of naturally occurring and synthetic compounds w ith vitamin A-like biological activity They play an important role in vision, reproduction, growth, and epithelial cell differentiation. Rec ent discoveries of specific retinoid cellular binding proteins and nuc lear receptors have led to a better (although not complete) understand ing of the complex mechanisms of retinoid action. Numerous clinical st udies have demonstrated beneficial effects of retinoids on skin diseas es such as acne, psoriasis, ichthyoses, keratodermas, skin cancers and their precursors, as well as a reversal of the effects of photoaging.