Comparative efficacy of topical interventions for facial photoaging: a network meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #administration-topical #dermatologic-agents #face #skin-aging

Comparative efficacy of topical interventions for facial photoaging: a network meta-analysis

Lin et al., 2025 | Sci Rep | Systematic Review

Citation

Lin Lulu, Chen Xueqing, ... Xu Zhongzhi. Comparative efficacy of topical interventions for facial photoaging: a network meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2025-Jul-24;15(1):26889. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-12597-0

Abstract

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the primary cause of skin photoaging, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation changes, and loss of dermal elasticity. This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical compounds for treating skin photoaging. A comprehensive search identified 23 RCTs with 3905 participants, comparing anti-aging agents. Bayesian network meta-analysis showed isotretinoin, retinol, and tretinoin significantly improved fine wrinkles, with isotretinoin ranked highest. Tazarotene was most effective for coarse wrinkles, while glycolic acid reduced roughness. Tretinoin and retinol were superior for hyperpigmentation. Safety analysis indicated tretinoin had the most favorable profile, whereas tazarotene and glycolic acid had higher adverse event risks. Isotretinoin and tretinoin emerged as the most balanced treatments across efficacy and safety. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making in anti-photoaging therapy and underscore the potential for these agents to be integrated into routine dermatologic practice, particularly for patients seeking effective and well-tolerated topical interventions. However, limitations included limited racial diversity, potential commercial bias, and variability in dermatological assessments. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making in anti-photoaging therapy.

Key Findings

These findings provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making in anti-photoaging therapy.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 3905
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Administration, Topical
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Face
  • Skin Aging
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tretinoin
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Vitamin A
  • Nicotinic Acids
  • Retinoids

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Network Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-a

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09