Topical Vitamin A Improves Signs of Aging

ANN ARBOR, Mich.—Topical retinol (vitamin A) appears to improve fine wrinkles associated with natural aging, according to a study out of the University of Michigan Medical School. In this double blind, vehicle-controlled study, researchers randomized 36 elderly subjects (mean age 87 years) to receive topical retinol lotion or its vehicle to the right or the left arm, up to three times a week for 24 weeks. At study’s end, there were significant differences between retinol-treated and vehicle-treated skin in fine wrinkling scores; additionally, retinol treatment significantly increased glycosaminoglycan expression, which may help the skin retain water and boost collagen production. Further, the researchers noted, the greater skin matrix synthesis in retinol-treated aged skin is more likely to withstand injury and ulcer formation, in addition to having improved appearance. The study appeared in the Archives of Dermatology (2007;143:606-12). var loc = window.location.pathname;var nt=String(Math.random()).substr(2,10);document.write ('');

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