Tretinoin treatment of photodamaged skin. Cosmesis through medical therapy.

Topical tretinoin is an effective therapy for the treatment of photodamaged skin. Clinically, patients experience decreased wrinkling, improved texture, and pinkening of sallow skin. However, the changes induced by topical tretinoin extend beyond simple cosmesis. Microscopic, ultrastructural, and biochemical alterations indicate that topical tretinoin is a significant medical therapy. Its successful use requires the guidance of an experienced physician.