ReviewThe Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology2026
The Evolution of Topical Retinoids in Dermatology: A Cornerstone of Acne Management (1971-2025).
Review in The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveTopical retinoids have been a cornerstone in the management of acne vulgaris for over 5 decades, and they remain important even as treatment paradigms evolve. There is an ongoing need to understand the history and context of current retinoid use to support future innovations and improvements in the care of patients with acne.
methodsPeer-reviewed literature was searched to identify articles related to topical retinoids, including their development, receptor selectivity, mechanisms of action, efficacy, tolerability, and role in the treatment of acne and management of acne sequelae.
resultsMolecular design for stability and receptor-specific activity distinguishes the retinoid generations. Increased selectivity for retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ) has changed the profile of modulated genes, with many of the altered genes having known roles with implications in the pathogenesis of acne and acne sequelae. Finally, the potential of retinoids to manage acne sequelae, such as atrophic scarring and acne-induced hyperpigmentation, has been demonstrated in clinical trials. LIMITATIONS: Most available studies are heterogeneous in design, with few large-scale trials directly comparing newer selective RARγ agonists with older agents. Moreover, long-term safety data beyond 1 year are limited, and real-world adherence metrics are underreported. Finally, formulation variability across studies complicates direct efficacy and tolerability comparisons.
conclusionAdvancements in the selectivity of retinoids, adjunctive skincare, and patient education have reduced adverse effects of topical retinoids and improved adherence. A thorough understanding of retinoid biology and pharmacology is essential for dermatologists to optimize patient outcomes and maximize the therapeutic potential of this important drug class.
Indexed as
Identifiers
42877931PMC13668080What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.