TLDR Topical metformin effectively treats melasma with minimal side effects.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of metformin for treating melasma, including three randomized controlled trials with 140 patients. The study found that 15% topical metformin significantly reduced the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) score compared to placebo after 8 weeks. Additionally, 30% topical metformin showed similar efficacy to triple combination cream (TCC) in reducing the MASI score, with fewer adverse events, although the difference was not statistically significant. The conclusion suggests that topical metformin is as effective as TCC with minimal adverse effects, but further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up is needed.
10 citations
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July 2022 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Melasma's causes include genetics, sun exposure, hormones, and oxidative stress, and understanding these can help create better treatments.
51 citations
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February 2013 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Metformin is effective for various skin disorders but may cause skin side effects.
60 citations
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January 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Applying a specific inhibitor lightens skin and hair color.
May 2024 in “Pigment International” Several treatments are effective for pigmentary disorders like vitiligo and melasma.
December 2024 in “Health Science Reports” Topical metformin shows promise for dental and skin treatments, including periodontitis, hair regrowth, wound healing, and acne.
August 2025 in “Biomolecules” CBD may help with skin and hair issues, but more research is needed.
60 citations
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May 2015 in “Archives of dermatological research” PPAR agonists show promise for skin conditions but need more research before being a main treatment.
1 citations
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October 2010 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks” Hormonal therapies are effective for managing hair and skin symptoms in women with PCOS.
