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Photoaging is caused by the skin’s reaction to chronic sun exposure. Topical retinoids are effective in treating clinical signs of photoaging, including fine wrinkles, coarseness and laxity. Retinoid dermatitis is inherent to retinoid therapy, since it is mediated by nuclear retinoid receptors. Irritation can be minimized by reducing dose and frequency of treatment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of action of retinoids in photoaging will provide pharmacological targets for the development of non-retinoid compounds that have the beneficial properties of retinoids, without the unwanted side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermal fibroblasts synthesize and organize skin connective tissue (dermis). Fibroblast cultures provide a powerful tool for investigating both the molecular mechanisms that regulate skin connective tissue production and the pathophysiology of fibrotic skin diseases. In this chapter, we describe detailed procedures for establishing and maintaining primary cultures of adult human fibroblasts. We also provide protocols for constructing three-dimensional dermal and skin equivalent culture models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]