Photodamage pilot study: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of tazarotene 0.1% gel

Background: Tazarotene, a potent acetylenic retinoid for topical use, might be expected to benefit photodamaged skin, including improving the classica l signs of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and roughness. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and safety of tazarote ne 0.1% gel in the treatment of photodamaged dorsal forearm skin. Methods: Ten healthy female volunteers, aged 45 to 65 years, with moderatel y photodamaged forearm skin applied tazarotene 0.1% gel to one arm and vehi cle gel to the other once daily for 12 weeks. The study was a double-blind, randomized, paired-comparison evaluation conducted at a single site. Results: Tazarotene showed beneficial effects for several efficacy variable s. It was more efficacious than vehicle in reducing skin roughness and fine wrinkling based on objective measurements. Tazarotene also corrected epide rmal atrophy and atypia and improved skin hydration properties. Conclusion: In this 12-week pilot study tazarotene redressed abnormalities associated with photodamaged skin.