Melatonin: A Cutaneous Perspective

Melatonin, an endogenous hormone primarily known for regulating sleep-wake cycles, has been found to have a range of functions beneficial to skin health. These include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, tissue regeneration, and preservation of mitochondrial function. Melatonin receptors are expressed in several skin cells, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, and hair follicles. The hormone also has receptor-independent effects that protect against oxidative stress and reduce ultraviolet radiation-induced damage. It has been experimentally implicated in hair growth cycling, fur pigmentation, melanoma control, and suppression of ultraviolet-induced skin cell damage. Melatonin may also be useful in treating several dermatoses such as atopic eczema, psoriasis, melasma, ulcer healing, and malignant melanoma.