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Retinoids

Retinoids: Effectiveness in Treating Solar Lentigines

What are Retinoids?

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives widely used in dermatology for their effect on skin cell turnover, pigmentation, and collagen synthesis. Topical retinoids include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene; oral options also exist for other indications.

Effectiveness for Solar Lentigines

• Retinoids, notably tretinoin and adapalene, have strong supporting evidence for treating solar lentigines (age spots).​
• Clinical trials show that topical tretinoin, especially when combined with mequinol (4-hydroxyanisole), leads to pigmentation reduction and clinical improvement in more than 50% of facial lesions, and sometimes over 80%.​
• Several months of retinoid use lightens solar lentigines, and retinoids are often included in fixed combination creams with hydroquinone or mequinol for synergistic effect.​
• Retinoids not only help with lentigines, but reduce fine wrinkling and photodamage as well.​

Mechanism of Action

• Retinoids promote epidermal cell turnover, dispersing melanin granules and helping to exfoliate pigmented cells.
• They also enhance penetration and efficacy of other topical agents.

Treatment Considerations

• Application may cause mild irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling, especially during the first weeks.
• Benefits are seen after several weeks to months of use.
• Sun protection is essential, as retinoids increase photosensitivity.

Key Points

• Topical retinoid therapy, especially tretinoin and adapalene, is effective for fading solar lentigines and improving photoaged skin.
• Best results occur when combined with other agents (e.g., mequinol) and rigorous sun protection.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!

For safe and effective retinoid-based management of solar lentigines, consult with our dermatology specialists to optimize your treatment regimen and minimize side effects.

References:

1. Ortonne JP, Pandya AG, Lui H, Hexsel D. Treatment of Solar Lentigines. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 May;54(5 Suppl 2):S262-71. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.12.043. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16631967/​
2. Draelos ZD. Treatment of Solar Lentigines: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2025 Mar;39(3):483-495. doi:10.1111/jdv.18507. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11948172/​
3. Rendon MI, Cook-Bolden FE. Combination strategies hasten, enhance clearing of solar lentigines. Dermatol Times. 2023 Mar 13. Available at: https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/combination-strategies-hasten-enhance-clearing-solar-lentigines​
4. Draelos ZD. Topical retinoids (vitamin A creams). DermNet NZ. 2024 Jun 10. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids​
5. ClinicalTrials.gov. Solar Lentigines Treatment With the Triple Combination Cream: Mequinol 2% + Tretinoin 0.01%. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00975312​