Retinol on Human Skin Aging in East Asian Descent (NCT02906566) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 4
Retinol on Human Skin Aging in East Asian Descent
United States110 participantsStarted 2015-11
Plain-language summary
There has been increasing evidence for different rates of natural aging in humans and one of the best organs to study human aging is skin. Studies have demonstrated anti-aging effects of topical agents (such as creams, gels, lotions, or ointments) and one of them, retinol or vitamin A, was shown to decrease fine wrinkling in skin of older individuals. Additionally, studies of retinol in humans have largely occurred in white populations and so this study aims to focus on skin aging in individuals of East Asian descent as they represent a majority of the world population. This study aims to better characterize the molecular basis of rejuvenation effects and to potentially discover new topical agents with similar and/or more effective preservation of skin youthfulness.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* able to provide written informed consent
* older group: age between 50 and 75 years
* young group: age 18 to 25 years
* all four grandparents of Han Chinese, Japanese, Korean descent
* body mass index within normal or overweight range
* no history of weight loss of \>20 lbs within past 5 years
Exclusion Criteria:
* skin condition in the areas of skin biopsy that would obscure results of analysis
* topical creams or treatment to arms 2 weeks prior to study baseline visit
* individuals with known hypersensitivity to retinoid class of agents (older group only)
* prior anti-aging treatments to arms including retinol, microdermabrasion within 2 weeks of baseline visit
* prior laser therapy or surgical procedure to arms
* prior radiation or other trauma (extensive burns or abrasions) to arm skin
* hormone-based therapy within 4 weeks of enrollment
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of Genes Upregulated or Downregulated as Assessed by RNA Sequencing (Older Group, Retinol Versus Placebo)
Timeframe: Week 12
2
Number of Genes Upregulated or Downregulated as Assessed by RNA Sequencing (Younger Group Versus Older Group as Baseline)