Mechanistic Perspectives on the Dermatologic Potential of Topical Metformin: A Scoping Review

In this narrative review, researchers synthesized current evidence on topical metformin's potential benefits for various skin conditions, citing primarily preclinical studies that highlight its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties, although clinical translation requires further rigorous trials.

This review evaluates existing research on topical metformin for skin conditions, reporting promising outcomes such as improved wound healing, melasma, psoriasis, acne, and alopecia, with innovative formulations like hydrogels and lipid nanoparticles enhancing its cutaneous delivery while minimizing systemic exposure.

This narrative review reports that metformin, traditionally used for type 2 diabetes management, may offer therapeutic benefits for various skin disorders, such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis, due to its anti-inflammatory and other beneficial properties, warranting further exploration in dermatology.

This review found that topical metformin shows potential as a treatment in dentistry for periodontitis and in dermatology for conditions like wound healing and acne, but results for melasma are inconsistent.

This review examines evidence on metformin's use in treating various skin disorders and discusses associated cutaneous side-effects; it reports no new clinical results.