Sun-damaged skin, caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, is characterized by features such as wrinkling, uneven skin color, roughness and brown spots. An effective treatment for sun-damage that is commonly prescribed is topical retinoic acid. However, the major drawback of topical retinoic acid use has been frequently observed irritation characterized by redness, dry skin and severe itching. In this study, we examine whether a daily skin care regimen comprised of an ultra mild cleanser and an effective moisturizer can help improve tolerance to retinoid treatment.~Subjects for whom retinoid treatment is indicated for sun-damage will be recruited into the study. The retinoid intolerance will be established via prior history (detailed questionnaire) and a 2-week retinoid treatment (Tazarotene 0.1% cream) phase followed by clinical evaluation and determination of retinoid intolerance.~Subjects that exhibit retinoid intolerance will continue with the study. Approximately 30 subjects will be put on a controlled daily skin care regimen during the remainder of the study period while the rest of the subjects will continue their normal skin care habits. The controlled skin care regimen will consist of facial cleansing with a Dove ultra mild emollient cleanser and application of Dove facial moisturizer, used as normal. During this period, subjects will be evaluated to determine reduction of retinoid intolerance symptoms.
Sun-damaged skin, caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, is characterized by features such as wrinkling, uneven skin color, roughness and brown spots. An effective treatment for sun-damage that is commonly prescribed is topical retinoic acid (RA). However, the major drawback of topical RA use has been frequently observed irritation characterized by redness, dry skin and severe itching. In this study, we examine whether a daily skin care regimen comprised of an ultra mild cleanser and an effective moisturizer can help improve tolerance to RA treatment.