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

August 2025 in “ World Academy of Sciences Journal ”

Ellia Nilam, Julia Windi Gunadi, Meilinah Hidayat

topical metformin anti-inflammatory antioxidant anti-photoaging wound-healing melanogenesis collagen synthesis angiogenesis antitumor activity melanoma melasma acne vulgaris hydrogels nanofibers

Studysummary This scoping review revealed that topical metformin shows potential in dermatology, displaying anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-photoaging, wound-healing, and antitumor properties, while also being effective for conditions like melasma and acne vulgaris; further clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy for long-term human use.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Efficacy and Safety of Metformin for Melasma Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

4 citations , December 2023 in “Frontiers in Pharmacology”

This study found that topical metformin was as effective as triple combination cream in reducing melasma severity, with minimal adverse events.

research Metformin: A Potential Treatment for Acne, Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Rosacea

December 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

This review suggests that metformin, known for its antidiabetic uses, may benefit chronic inflammatory skin diseases like acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, and rosacea due to its multiple therapeutic properties, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in dermatology.

research Topical Metformin as a Novel Therapy for Alopecia Areata Due to Its Immunologic Effects

August 2023 in “Medical Hypotheses”

In this review, researchers discussed the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of metformin and hypothesized that its topical application could benefit those with alopecia areata, given its effects on immune pathways, hair regrowth, and autoimmune disease management.

Metformin Promotes Mechanical Stretch-Induced Skin Regeneration by Improving the Proliferative Activity of Skin-Derived Stem Cells

research Metformin Promotes Mechanical Stretch-Induced Skin Regeneration by Improving the Proliferative Activity of Skin-Derived Stem Cells

1 citations , May 2022 in “Frontiers in medicine”

This study found that topical application of metformin significantly enhanced skin regeneration in mechanically stretched skin in rats, likely by boosting the proliferation of skin-derived stem cells.