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Aging skin generally shows the consequences of two forms of aging process. One is that due to chronological time, sometimes referred to as the ''biological clock''. The second is due to the accumulated effects of exposure to sunlight. There are several lines of evidence suggesting that the two forms of aging are distinct and are due to different molecular mechanisms. Normally aging skin is finely wrinkled, has some atrophy of the dermis, and has reduced wound healing capacity. Photoaged skin, on the other hand, is coarsely wrinkled and furrowed. A loose, thick, leathery appearance is most likely due to the accumulation of abnormal elastotic tissue. In both normally aged and photoaged skin there is a reduction in functional elastic fibers. In photoaged skin, however, there is an accumulation of elastotic material, which seems to be similar to the normal elastin, but which does not have normal elastic properties. In addition, this accumulation of elastotic material disrupts the normal architecture of elastic fibers in the skin. Treatment interventions that result in increases in the synthesis of elastin and collagen may help reverse these processes. The topical use of trans-retinoic acid, sometimes referred to as Retin-A, reveals an accumulation of mucinous material in the epidermis of the treated skin. Although treatment with retinoic acid has been shown to be beneficial, the identity of this mucinous material has not yet been determined. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)