Randomized parallel control trial checking the efficacy and impact of two concentrations of retinol in the original formula on the aging skin condition: Pilot study

Background The aging process is defined as natural, biological, progressive, and physiologically irreversible phenomena occurring in the body. Objective We attempted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of treating signs of the aging skin using retinol 0.15% and 0.3%. Retinol was added to the original, developed liquid crystal formula. Methods Patients at two sites (n = 20, n = 20) presenting signs of aging applied a novel formulation of retinol at 0.15% (on the left) and 0.3% (on the right) concentrations daily to their faces for 2 months. An expert blinded evaluation of images was carried out after 8 weeks. Tolerability was assessed throughout the whole study. Positive results of the observational pilot study guaranteed a follow‐up trial with the use of the higher concentration and another parallel study. Results In the observational pilot study, most of the participants showed an improvement in the overall skin condition. These improvements were assessed after 4 and 8 weeks. Those observed after 56 days were more remarkable than those identified 28 days, however, without any statistical significance. Application of retinol formula 0.3% and serum 0.15% gives similar results after 8 weeks of daily care. Both products improve the overall skin condition considerably, even the skin color, hydration, and radiance. In a VAS assessment, the number of wrinkles decreased and skin discoloration was reduced. Side effects such as burning, dryness, pruritus, and erythema during the 8‐week study period were minimal. Conclusions The topical formulation of liquid crystal serum with retinol 0.15% and 0.3% improves the overall skin condition after 8 weeks. Burning, pruritus, dryness, and erythema caused by the application of retinol 0.15% and 0.3% concentrations were minimal. Nevertheless, there were no significance changes found between the left and right side of the face. These encouraging results justify a longer‐term study to determine whether topically applied retinol 0.3% can provide more benefits as compared to those observed after topical application of retinol 0.15%.