Background: Tazarotene, a potent acetylenic retinoid for topical use, might be expected to benefit photodamaged skin, including improving the classical signs of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and roughness. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and safety of tazarotene 0.1% gel in the treatment of photodamaged dorsal forearm skin. Methods: Ten healthy female volunteers, aged 45 to 65 years, with moderately photodamaged forearm skin applied tazarotene 0.1% gel to one arm and vehicle gel to the other once daily for 12 weeks. The study was a double-blind, randomized, paired-comparison evaluation conducted at a single site. Results: Tazarotene showed beneficial effects for several efficacy variables. It was more efficacious than vehicle in reducing skin roughness and fine wrinkling based on objective measurements. Tazarotene also corrected epidermal atrophy and atypia and improved skin hydration properties. Conclusion: In this 12-week pilot study tazarotene redressed abnormalities associated with photo-damaged skin. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:656-63.)