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Abstract
A group of 20 women with moderate cellulite of the thighs were treated twice daily on one side for 6 months with a 0.3% stabilized retinol cream while the opposite side was treated with the vehicle, following a double-blind format. Objective measurements included ultrasound measurement of thickness using a 20 MHz B-scan, and laser Doppler velocimetry for blood flow. The panelists and a dermatologist estimated the degree of improvement on a global scale. Of 19 subjects, 13 rated the retinol side as more improved, 7 registering good effects. The dermatologist's estimates were largely congruent with those of the subjects. There was also a marked reduction in the density of hypoechogenic areas on the retinol sides, from 53% to 18% of black pixels on image analysis. Blood flow measurements were unchanged on the vehicle sides but increased significantly on the retinol sides. Thickness measurements by ultrasound scan were unchanged on the vehicle sides but increased significantly on the retinol sides, from 1.44 to 1.60 mm. Retinol may be viewed as a prodrug which the skin metabolizes to retinoic acid. The beneficial effects of retinol are consistent with previous reports of increased synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen.