TLDR Melatonin in the skin helps protect against damage from stress and UV rays, and could be used to treat certain skin conditions.
The 2008 document reviews the synthesis, metabolism, and functions of melatonin in the skin, indicating that melatonin is produced in the skin and plays a crucial role in protecting against oxidative stress and UV radiation damage. It acts through receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms, with the skin expressing melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2, which can be influenced by environmental factors like UVB radiation. Melatonin and its metabolites have antioxidant properties, can inhibit lipid peroxidation, and stimulate antioxidative enzymes. The review also suggests that melatonin may influence skin functions such as hair growth and pigmentation and could have therapeutic applications for skin conditions like androgenic alopecia, skin cancer, and UV-induced skin damage. The document calls for further research to explore the therapeutic potential of melatonin in dermatology.
375 citations,
August 2006 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Stress can worsen skin and hair conditions by affecting the skin's immune response and hormone levels.
122 citations,
July 2005 in “The FASEB journal” Hair follicles produce and respond to melatonin, affecting hair growth and sensitivity to estrogen.
349 citations,
February 2005 in “The FASEB journal” Human skin can make serotonin and melatonin, which help protect and maintain it.
52 citations,
January 2005 in “International journal of experimental pathology” Melatonin may reduce skin damage caused by X-rays in rats.
222 citations,
January 2005 in “Endocrine journal” Melatonin is important for skin health and protection, and can be made by the skin or applied to it.
450 citations,
January 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair color is determined by melanin produced and transferred in hair follicles.
78 citations,
February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Melatonin helps hair growth in women with hair loss.
84 citations,
July 2003 in “European journal of biochemistry” Mouse skin can produce and process serotonin, with variations depending on hair cycle, body location, and mouse strain.
249 citations,
April 2002 in “The FASEB journal” Human skin can make serotonin and melatonin.
57 citations,
February 1994 in “Experimental dermatology” Melatonin affects mouse skin and may regulate skin functions.