Melatonin has been proven to be an important antioxidant, protecting cells, tissues, and organs from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, as well as having an important anti-inflammatory action.
Some of the effects of Melatonin on the skin are:
1. Anti-aging.
Due to its antioxidant effects, when melatonin is administered to the skin it reduces oxidative stress and the level of programmed cell death that results from aging. It can also reverse some of the effects of skin aging.
2. Protection against UV radiation.
Clinical studies have shown that topical application of Melatonin has a suppressive effect on erythema induced by ultraviolet radiation. The best results were seen at the highest dose (0.5% in creams) but only if it was applied prior to UVB administration. Sensitive, Youth and Misty moisturizers have 0.5% of Melatonin.
3. Prevention against Radiodermatitis.
The radioprotective effects of Melatonin also include skin damage caused by ionizing radiation such as radiation therapy. Applied topically at 0.5% it can prevent radiodermitis in patients undergoing radiation therapy. This mechanism of action may be due to its great antioxidant properties, which also allow it to suppress erythema caused by other types of radiation such as ultraviolet rays and to protect other organs from X-rays. Sensitive, Youth, and Misty moisturizers have 0.5% Melatonin.
4. Antitumor.
Melatonin has been shown to have tumorostatic properties in different tumor models such as melanoma and tumors of epithelial origin. As a protector against UV radiation, it prevents sun damage and therefore the possible formation of associated skin tumors.
5. Atopic eczema and psoriasis.
Some studies have shown that Melatonin may play a role in the cause of atopic eczema and psoriasis. Melatonin secretion is altered in its circadian rhythmicity in psoriasis patients, with reduced nocturnal levels. The role that the decrease of Melatonin seems to play in psoriasis is confirmed by the beneficial effect that its topical administration has on psoriasis.
Melatonin levels decrease in patients with atopic eczema and show inverse correlations with the condition since they return to normal when the eczema is treated. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of Melatonin in patients with atopic dermatitis.
6. Vitiligo.
Melanocytes are the skin cells responsible for skin and hair color. In vitiligo we find a special sensitivity of melanocytes to oxidative stress which leads to their degradation. Melatonin has a powerful antioxidant action on the skin and a protective role of the melanocyte so it can be associated with other treatments with good results against vitiligo.