Is topical tretinoin cream really useful in treating photoinduced wrinkles?

Yes. Several vehicle-controlled studies have clearly demonstrated that topical tretinoin improves the wrinkling and irregular pigmentation of photoaged skin. It does not make the skin normal but it does increase both the thickness of the epidermis and the synthesis of anchoring fibrils and collagen. New blood vessels form, and cutaneous blood flow also increases. Topical tretinoin is not a panacea; prevention of dermatoheliosis by reducing sun exposure and using sunscreens is still preferable.

Kockaert M, Neumann M: Systemic and topical drugs for aging skin, J Drugs Dermatol 2:435–441, 2003.