Melatonin for skin care
Melatonin is a hormone that, in addition to being intimately involved in the regulation of circadian biological rhythms (90% is secreted during darkness), has other health properties, most notably its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. In this article we tell you about the health benefits of melatonin, especially for the skin.
Melatonin, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Thanks to its nature and small size, melatonin crosses all cell membranes with ease, which allows it to effectively protect intracellular structures, acting against oxidative stress, so harmful to our cells. This is why its antioxidant action has so many possibilities in the treatment not only of aging but also of many skin conditions, as we will see below.
A melatoninergic antioxidant system (MAS) has been discovered in the skin that regulates the physiological function of the skin and has the ability to prevent sun damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as well as skin aging and skin cancer.
Melatonin also has an anti-inflammatory action, in addition to the extraordinary property of being able to penetrate the outermost layer of the epidermis and build up a depot there, which is gradually released into the dermis and blood vessels.
These magnificent dermatological qualities occur both in oral and topical use, which avoids the degradation it undergoes during its passage through the digestive system.
Melatonin and anti-aging
Skin aging is a combination of two factors:
- Intrinsic aging: changes that take place due to the passage of time and are genetically determined.
- Extrinsic aging: its main cause is ultraviolet radiation, although it also includes tobacco and other environmental factors.
In skin aging we find, among other manifestations:
- Decrease in elasticity.
- Loss of dermal volume, mainly due to a decrease in collagen and hyaluronic acid levels.
- Other functional alterations, such as delayed wound healing or delayed recovery of the functional barrier after any type of damage.
Due to its antioxidant effects, melatonin is able to reduce the oxidative stress suffered by cells and cell death, as well as to reverse even some effects of aging on the structure of skin tissues.
Protection against UV radiation
Clinical studies have shown that topical application of melatonin improves erythema caused by ultraviolet radiation, applying the maximum dose (0.5% in creams) before exposure to UVB. These protective effects of melatonin against ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage are widely proven in existing studies.
Prevention of Radiodermatitis
Studies have shown that, when applied topically at 0.5%, melatonin is able to prevent radiodermitis in radiotherapy patients, thanks to its strong antioxidant effect.
Antitumor property
Melatonin has been shown to have tumorostatic properties in different tumor models such as melanoma, among others. Melatonin has also been shown to induce cell death in tumor cells. In addition, as mentioned above, thanks to its protective effect against UV radiation, it prevents sun damage and therefore the possible formation of associated skin tumors.
Melatonin for hair loss
Melatonin acts in several phases of the hair cycle by stimulating and increasing the hair growth phase. Due to its antioxidant action, it reduces the loss of hair follicle cells.
Oxidative stress could also be involved in certain types of alopecia. An anti-hair loss effect has been observed in clinical studies. In fact, topical melatonin lotion has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of androgenic alopecia in both men and women in the early stages.
Therefore, melatonin offers a possible option to delay hair aging, hair loss in general and the treatment of the initial stage of androgenic alopecia, due to its potent antioxidant action that acts on the residual cells of the hair follicle, increasing the thickness and density of hair and reducing hair loss. Hence, it can be used topically or orally as an adjuvant treatment for alopecia.
Melatonin for skin diseases: eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo
Melatonin appears to have a role in the improvement of psoriasis, as the disease is associated with a decrease in melatonin. Studies confirm the beneficial effect of exogenous administration of melatonin in patients with psoriasis.
A decrease in melatonin levels is also observed in patients with atopic eczema, which normalizes when the eczema is corrected. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of melatonin in patients with atopic dermatitis, both in cream and orally supplemented.
In vitiligo, melanocytes are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress, which leads to their destruction. Thanks to its powerful antioxidant action on the skin and melanocyte protection, melatonin is associated with other treatments with good results.
Cosmetics with melatonin
In order to guarantee the benefits of melatonin on the skin, we must be sure to buy cosmetics that contain the right proportion for it to be effective. Phexia's facial creams with Melatonin and CBD guarantee, through laboratory reports available for consultation, that their formulas contain the necessary amount to achieve the best results:
- Regenerate damaged skin cells.
- Improve its appearance and state of health.
- Stimulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
- Repair damaged vessels, improving blood circulation.
- Increase the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
Our Youth, Sensitive and Misty face creams, as well as our Gaze eye serum, combine melatonin with CBD or Cannabidiol to enhance results. We are the first brand on the market to unite these two natural active ingredients (along with others as cutting-edge as bakuchiol) to create a master formula that is highly effective against the signs of aging.
If you need advice on which of the creams is more suitable for your skin, consult our experts by writing your questions to wecare@phexia.com.
