Tretinoin Cream for Aged Skin
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether tretinoin cream can reduce skin tears and bruising and increase skin thickness. Participants will apply tretinoin cream on one arm and a placebo cream on the other for six months. It targets adults over 55 who frequently experience skin tears and bruising. The goal is to determine if tretinoin cream improves skin condition compared to the placebo. As a Phase 2 trial, the research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, allowing participants to contribute to important findings.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you stop using any topical medications on your forearms and oral steroids for at least a month before starting. If you have used isotretinoin, you must wait six months before participating.
Is there any evidence suggesting that tretinoin cream is likely to be safe for humans?
Research shows that tretinoin cream is usually safe for skin use. Studies have found that common side effects include mild itching and skin irritation. These occur because tretinoin accelerates skin cell renewal, sometimes causing temporary discomfort.
Clinical studies have safely used tretinoin to treat skin issues like acne. Serious side effects are rare but can include trouble breathing or a fast heartbeat. Most people experience only mild reactions. The FDA has also approved tretinoin for treating other skin conditions, indicating its general safety.
Participants should be aware of these possible effects and discuss any concerns with their doctor.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Tretinoin cream is unique because it directly targets the aging process of the skin by promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. Unlike standard moisturizers or topical treatments that primarily focus on hydration and surface-level improvements, tretinoin works at a deeper level to rejuvenate skin structure and appearance. Researchers are excited about tretinoin's potential to provide more significant and lasting improvements in skin texture and elasticity compared to existing options.
What evidence suggests that tretinoin cream might be an effective treatment for aged skin?
Research shows that tretinoin cream can improve signs of skin aging. In this trial, participants will apply tretinoin 0.1% cream nightly to one arm for six months, while a bland cream serves as a placebo on the other arm. Studies have found that tretinoin significantly enhances the appearance of sun-damaged skin, reducing wrinkles and other aging signs. Over approximately six months, tretinoin has demonstrated major improvements. The cream accelerates skin renewal, which may also strengthen the skin to reduce tears and bruising.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 55 who can apply cream themselves and have a history of skin tears or bruising on their forearms. It's not for those pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to tretinoin, with certain skin diseases, using steroids or topical meds recently, or undergoing specific therapies.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants apply tretinoin 0.1% cream nightly to one forearm and a bland cream to the other forearm for 6 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Tretinoin Cream
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor