Tretinoin and cutaneous photoaging. Guaranteed adverse effects!

* A cream containing 0.05% tretinoin (Retinova((R)) is approved for treatment of sun-induced skin damage ("photoaging").* Three trials comparing tretinoin with the excipient show that the effects of tretinoin cream are at best limited and slow to occur. Furthermore, they disappear on treatment cessation, necessitating long-term use.* The 0.05% tretinoin cream has poor local tolerability: most subjects develop irritation and fragile skin and require longer intervals between each application. Systemic adverse effects occur in some circumstances.* There are persistent doubts about whether it is safe to use tretinoin during pregnancy.