Isotretinoin improves the appearance of photodamaged skin: Results of a 36-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Photodamaged skin occurs as a result of long-term exposure to ultraviolet r adiation. The incidence of photodamage in European and North American popul ations with Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III is estimated at 80% to 90 %. We conduct-ed a double-blind clinical trial to test the efficacy and saf ety of 0.1% isotretinoin Versus vehicle cream in 800 patients with moderate to severe photodamaged skin. Patients applied either 0.1% isotretinoin or matching vehicle cream to the face, forearms, and hands once nightly for 36 weeks. Local irritation and adverse events were assessed, and plasma retin oid levels were measured before and during treatment. Treatment response in creased throughout the 36-week treatment period and the overall appearance of photodamaged skin was significantly better than with the vehicle alone. Topical application of 0.1% isotretinoin is an effective and well-tolerated treatment leading to clinically apparent improvement in the appearance of photodamaged skin of the face, forearms, and hands.