Tretinoin and cutaneous photoageing: new preparation. Guaranteed adverse effects!

(1) A cream containing 0.05% of tretinoin is approved in France for the treatment of sun-induced skin damage ("photoageing"). (2) Three comparative trials versus the excipient show that the effects of the tretinoin cream are at best limited and slow to occur; furthermore, they disappear on treatment cessation, necessitating long-term use. (3) The 0.05% tretinoin cream has poor local tolerability: most subjects develop irritation and fragile skin, necessitating a longer interval between each application. Systemic adverse effects can occur in some circumstances. (4) There are persistent doubts over safety during pregnancy.