title: Comparative Study of Professional vs Mass Market Topical Products for Treatment of Facial Photodamage.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many over the counter topical products claim to reverse the signs of cutaneous photo-damage. To date, the two most studied ingredients for improving the texture, tone, and pigmentation of the skin are topical retinoids and hydroquinone.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This split face study compares a mass market skincare regimen with a prescription skin care regimen for improvement in photo damaged skin.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-seven subjects with moderate photo damaged facial skin were enrolled. Each subject was consented and assigned with the mass market anti-aging system (Treatment A) to one side of the face and the prescription anti-aging system (Treatment B or Treatment C) to the other side of the face. Treatment B contained 13 subjects whom did not use 0.025% Retinol cream. Treatment C contained 14 subjects who used a 0.025% Retinol Cream. Subjects had 4 visits over 12 weeks for digital photography and surveys. Photographs were evaluated by blinded physicians.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physician objective analysis showed all three systems to have a statistically significant clinical improvement in photoaged skin seen in as little as 4 weeks of use. Participant's surveys rated the mass market system higher than both of the professional systems for visible skin changes, ease of use, and likelihood to recommend to a friend. Twelve of twenty-seven subjects preferred the mass market system for overall improvement while twelve thought each system gave the same improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that a mass marketed skin care system can give similar clinical improvements in photo-aged skin as a professionally dispensed prescription system and the majority of participants preferred the mass-marketed system.
authors.forename: Hilary
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Reich
authors.forename: Irmina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wallander
authors.forename: Lacie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schulte
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goodier
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zelickson
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D009824:Ointments; D014212:Tretinoin