Methods An 8-week, randomized, parallel-group study was conducted in 196
women with moderate to moderately severe periorbital wrinkles. Following
2 weeks washout, subjects on the cosmetic regimen (n = 99) used a sun protection
factor (SPF) 30 moisturizing lotion containing 5% niacinamide, peptides and
antioxidants, a moisturizing cream containing niacinamide and peptides, and a
targeted wrinkle product containing niacinamide, peptides and 0Æ3% retinyl propionate.
Subjects on the prescription regimen (n = 97) used 0Æ02% tretinoin plus
moisturizing SPF 30 sunscreen. Subject cohorts (n = 25) continued treatment for
an additional 16 weeks. Changes in facial wrinkling were assessed by both expert
grading and image analysis of digital images of subjects’ faces and by self-assessment
questionnaire. Product tolerance was assessed via clinical erythema and dryness
grading, subject self-assessment, and determinations of skin barrier integrity
(transepidermal water loss) and stratum corneum protein changes.
Results The cosmetic regimen significantly improved wrinkle appearance after
8 weeks relative to tretinoin, with comparable benefits after 24 weeks. The cosmetic
regimen was significantly better tolerated than tretinoin through 8 weeks
by all measures.