Effect of a conjugated oestrogen (Premarin®) cream on ageing facial skin. a Comparative study with a placebo cream

The effects of Premarin cream on ageing facial skin were studied in a randomised, doubleblind, parallel group study. Fifty-four women aged 52–70 years who had moderate to severe facial cutaneous ageing, applied 1 g of either Premarin cream (0.625 mg conjugated oestrogens per gram of cream), or placebo cream (same composition with the exclusion of conjugated oestrogens) to the face nightly for 24 weeks. Each morning these women protected their face with a sunblock SPF 15. Skin thickness was measured by B-scan ultrasonic echography, and skin microrelief by profilometry. Each subject's facial appearance was also evaluated by the subject herself and by the clinician. A statistically significant difference ( P = 0.013) in favour of Premarin cream was detected in skin thickness at week 24. Skin thickness (dermal plus epidermal) for the women who used Premarin cream increased from 1.56 ± 0.20 mm at baseline to 1.68 ± 0.19 mm, compared with 1.52 ± 0.20 mm at baseline to 1.59 ± 0.19 mm in the placebo group. Premarin cream was also significantly more effective than placebo cream in improving fine wrinkles according to the results at weeks 12 and 24 ( P = 0.010 and P = 0.012, respectively). Significant improvement from baseline was detected in both groups for roughness, laxity and mottled pigmentation and/or lentigines; however, there was no significant difference in these parameters between the two treatment groups. No subjects discontinued treatment for a safety reason. In conclusion, Premarin cream produced better results than the placebo cream; the difference was statistically significant for skin thickness and fine wrinkles. Premarin cream was well tolerated locally, and its general safety was good.