Acne medication as a potential solution for slowing down the aging process – a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction One of the major challenges of the 21st century is the fight against aging. There are two main processes that induce skin aging: intrinsic and extrinsic, with sun exposure being the most damaging to the skin. A number of drugs have been used to prevent aging changes. It has been proposed that low dose oral isotretinoin could be administered as a safe and effective treatment for skin that has undergone photoaging changes. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to examine the potential efficacy of low dose oral isotretinoin in the antiaging therapy. Materials and methods A search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles were searched in English using the following key words: isotretinoin; low dose isotretinoin; aging; photoaging. Results There was an improvement in the overall appearance of the skin, regarding texture, wrinkles depth and skintone. Skin thickness, suppleness, and pore size improved. Both the number of collagen fibers and the density of elastic fibers increased in the statistically significant manner. Elastosis decreased, the thickness of the epidermis increased, and the stratum corneum diminished. Reduction of pigmented lesions and uneven hyperpigmentation was detected. With low-dose isotretinoin, side effects were absent or negligible, limited to minimal lip dryness. Conclusion The outcome of the literature review leeds to the conclusion that the use of low doses of oral isotretinoin seems to be a safe and effective treatment improving the effects of skin aging. The clinical, histological, and molecular characteristics of photodamaged skin can be alleviated. Isotretinoin is a promising drug in the antiaging therapy.