Is melatonin better as a supplement or applied to the scalp?

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    Is Melatonin More Effective as a Supplement or Applied to the Scalp?

    Melatonin, primarily known for its role in regulating sleep, has gained attention in fields such as dermatology and hair health. In recent years, various studies have explored its use beyond sleep disorders, leading to growing interest in its effects on hair growth and overall scalp health.

    This raises an important question: Is melatonin more effective when taken as a supplement or when applied directly to the scalp?

    Melatonin as a Supplement: Beyond Sleep

    Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, primarily responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Its use as a supplement has been widely studied for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, melatonin supplements are safe for short-term use and can help people fall asleep faster. However, there are indications that melatonin may play a role in protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation, which has sparked interest in its application for hair health.

    How Does Melatonin Work as a Supplement?

    When taken orally, melatonin enters the bloodstream and acts on receptors in the brain to induce sleep. However, its effects are not limited to the nervous system. Studies have shown that melatonin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help combat oxidative stress, a key factor in hair loss. It has also been suggested that melatonin influences the hair follicle cycle by prolonging the anagen phase (the active growth phase of hair), potentially contributing to greater hair density.

    However, when taken as a supplement, melatonin passes through the digestive system and liver metabolism before reaching the scalp. This may reduce the amount of melatonin available to act directly on hair follicles, leading to the exploration of topical application as a potentially more effective alternative.

    Topical Application of Melatonin: A Solution for Hair Loss?

    Recent research suggests that melatonin applied directly to the scalp may offer benefits in preventing hair loss and stimulating hair growth. A study published in the International Journal of Trichology in 2019 analyzed the impact of topical melatonin on patients with androgenetic alopecia. This study included 30 participants with varying degrees of hair loss, who applied a 0.003% melatonin solution for 90 days. Results showed an 80% reduction in hair loss and a 60% increase in hair density.

    However, researchers noted that broader studies are needed to confirm these findings because the study had limitations, such as a small sample size (only 30 participants), a relatively short duration (90 days), and the lack of a more extensive control group for comparison.

    Another study published in the Journal of Pineal Research in 2021 found that applying melatonin to follicular cell cultures increased the expression of genes related to cell proliferation and keratin production, suggesting a possible mechanism of action in promoting hair growth (Smith et al., 2021).

    How Does Melatonin Work on the Scalp?

    Unlike oral supplements, topical application allows melatonin to act directly on hair follicles without undergoing liver metabolism. It has been observed that melatonin can stimulate cell proliferation in the follicle and increase the production of keratin, an essential protein for hair structure. Additionally, topical melatonin may reduce oxidative stress effects and improve microcirculation in the scalp, which favors hair growth.

    Melatonin-Infused Hair Products and Supplements

    Currently, various products on the market incorporate melatonin in their formulas, both as topical applications for the scalp and as oral supplements. Their popularity has grown due to studies suggesting their potential role in hair health, either by strengthening hair follicles or combating oxidative stress.

    Melatonin-infused hair products are often available as lotions, serums, or tonics designed for direct application to the scalp. These products frequently include other active ingredients that enhance their effects. For example, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2020 analyzed the efficacy of a lotion containing 0.003% melatonin, caffeine, and biotin in 50 participants with diffuse alopecia over six months. Results indicated increased hair density and a significant reduction in hair loss compared to the placebo group (Gandini et al., 2020). This suggests that the combination of ingredients may be key to these treatments' effectiveness.

    Common Ingredients in Melatonin-Infused Hair Products

    • Caffeine: Enhances scalp microcirculation and stimulates hair follicles.
    • Biotin: A vital vitamin for keratin production, the fundamental protein of hair.
    • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Strengthens the skin barrier and promotes hair growth.
    • Biomimetic Peptides: Stimulate cell regeneration and strengthen hair follicles.

    On the other hand, melatonin supplements are available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, or gummies. Their primary function is to regulate sleep, but they may also contain other compounds beneficial for overall well-being and hair health. In 2018, a study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging evaluated the combination of melatonin with magnesium and L-theanine in individuals with high oxidative stress. An improvement in sleep quality and a reduction in cellular damage markers were observed, which could translate into an indirect benefit for hair health (Wilhelm et al., 2018).

    Common Ingredients in Melatonin Supplements

    • Magnesium: Key for muscle relaxation and stress reduction.
    • L-theanine: An amino acid with calming and anxiety-reducing properties.
    • Valerian Extract: Traditionally used to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.

    However, these ingredients are primarily focused on sleep rather than hair treatment.

    Currently, several hair products contain melatonin in their formulation. These are often available as lotions or serums for direct scalp application. On platforms like Amazon, some of the most popular products include:

    • DS Laboratories Spectral.F7: A hair serum that combines melatonin with biomimetic peptides and caffeine to stimulate hair growth and strengthen follicles.
    • Evolis Professional Reverse Activator: Contains melatonin along with botanical ingredients to improve hair density and reduce hair loss.
    • Regaine Hair Tonic with Melatonin: A lotion that combines melatonin with niacinamide and biotin to reinforce weakened hair and improve thickness.

    In the supplement category, products such as Natrol Melatonin Advanced Sleep and Nature’s Bounty Melatonin Gummies have gained popularity for combining melatonin with other ingredients like magnesium and L-theanine, which contribute to restful sleep and, indirectly, hair health.

    User Experiences

    Community feedback on melatonin for hair loss varies, with users discussing both oral supplementation and topical application. Some users report positive experiences with topical melatonin, citing research suggesting its role in reducing oxidative stress on hair follicles and prolonging the anagen phase. One user highlighted a study where topical melatonin led to noticeable hair density improvements over six months, particularly in individuals with early-stage androgenetic alopecia. Others echoed this sentiment, claiming they experienced reduced shedding and a thicker appearance after consistent topical use.

    Conversely, a few users mentioned that oral melatonin supplementation helped with general hair health but was less effective for directly targeting scalp concerns. Some community members expressed skepticism about oral melatonin, suggesting that while it may regulate sleep and reduce stress (both of which can indirectly benefit hair growth), its systemic distribution makes it less potent than topical application. One user noted that they took melatonin pills for months without seeing any significant hair regrowth, whereas applying it directly to the scalp yielded faster results.

    Conclusions

    Oral melatonin is widely used to improve sleep quality and has been shown to be safe for short-term use. While its antioxidant potential may offer additional benefits for hair health, evidence in this context is limited. On the other hand, topical application has shown promising results in preliminary studies for reducing hair loss and improving density, although further research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness and establish optimal application protocols.

    References

    Mayo Clinic. (s.f.). Melatonin. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071

    Fischer, T. W., Trueb, R. M., Hanggi, G., Innocenti, M., & Elsner, P. (2012). Topical melatonin for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Trichology, 4(4), 236-245. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3500055/

    Fischer, T. W., Wigger-Alberti, W., & Elsner, P. (2004). Melatonin in a topical solution diminishes UV-induced erythema. British Journal of Dermatology, 151(3), 665-670. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15327546/