On the Role of Melatonin in Skin Physiology and Pathology

In the 2005 study "On the Role of Melatonin in Skin Physiology and Pathology," melatonin was found to play a significant role in various skin functions, including hair growth cycling, fur pigmentation, and melanoma control. The study confirmed the presence of melatonin receptors in skin cells such as keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. Melatonin demonstrated the ability to reduce ultraviolet-induced damage and exhibited strong antioxidant properties in UV-exposed cells. The research also revealed the skin's capacity to synthesize melatonin through the detection of genes and proteins responsible for converting l-tryptophan to serotonin and melatonin, with enzymatic activities confirmed in skin extracts. Evidence of in vivo melatonin synthesis and metabolism was observed in hamster skin organ culture and a melanoma cell line. The study suggests that melatonin, whether synthesized in the skin or applied topically, could help protect the skin from environmental and internal stress, maintain homeostasis, and potentially aid in managing skin diseases and protecting against solar radiation.