Melatonin: Skin Benefits

Takeaways

• Melatonin acts as a powerful antioxidant for skin
• It helps protect against UV damage and signs of aging
• Topical and oral melatonin can benefit skin health
• Melatonin may help with conditions like eczema and acne
• It supports skin’s natural repair processes
• More research is needed on long-term effects

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by your body. Its main job is to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, essentially telling you when it’s time to sleep. Your brain releases melatonin in response to darkness, making you feel tired and ready for rest at night.

Beyond sleep, melatonin has other important roles in the body, including some related to your skin. Recent research suggests that melatonin might have beneficial effects on skin health, our body’s largest organ.

The amount of melatonin your body produces changes throughout your life. Babies produce very little, while children and young adults make the most. After young adulthood, melatonin levels tend to decrease, which may contribute to sleep problems in older people.

Melatonin and Skin Health

Antioxidant Properties

Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant. It helps protect your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. These molecules can damage cells and DNA, leading to signs of aging.

Your skin is constantly exposed to free radicals from the sun, pollution, and stress. Melatonin helps to neutralize these harmful molecules, preventing them from damaging your skin cells.

Melatonin is a very effective antioxidant, surpassing vitamins C and E in fighting certain types of free radicals¹. This makes melatonin a helpful protector of skin health.

UV Protection

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major threat to skin health. It can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Melatonin can offer some protection against this damage.

When your skin is exposed to UV light, it produces melatonin as a natural defense. This hormone absorbs UV radiation, preventing it from harming your skin cells. It also stimulates other antioxidants that help protect the skin further.

While melatonin offers some protection from UV rays, it should not replace sunscreen. Sunscreen provides stronger, more reliable protection against sun damage. Think of melatonin as an additional layer of defense, not a primary one.

Anti-Aging Effects

As skin ages, it can develop wrinkles, sag, and have an uneven tone. Melatonin may help address these changes through its various beneficial actions.

Melatonin can help your skin repair and rejuvenate. It activates antioxidants and promotes the creation of another antioxidant called glutathione. This protects your skin cells and DNA from damage.

Melatonin also influences how skin cells grow and renew. It stimulates the production of fibroblasts, which create collagen. More collagen means firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Melatonin Production in the Skin

Your skin doesn’t only rely on melatonin made in the brain. It can also produce its own supply. Skin cells have the necessary tools to create melatonin locally.

Several factors affect how much melatonin skin produces:

• Age: Older skin generally makes less melatonin
• Sun exposure: UV light stimulates melatonin production
• Time of day: Skin melatonin levels are higher at night
• Stress: Can reduce melatonin synthesis in the skin

Environmental and lifestyle factors also influence skin melatonin:

• Pollution
• Diet
• Sleep patterns
• Skincare routine

Understanding these factors can help us support our skin’s natural melatonin production.

Topical vs. Oral Melatonin for Skin Health

Melatonin can benefit skin when applied directly or taken as a supplement. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Topical melatonin is applied directly to the skin, allowing you to target specific areas. It’s easy to add to your regular skincare routine.

Oral melatonin supplements affect your whole body. They can improve overall skin health, but may also have effects beyond just your skin.

How well each method works depends on the specific skin issue. Sometimes, using both topical and oral melatonin may be the most beneficial approach.

Melatonin and Specific Skin Conditions

Eczema and Psoriasis

Melatonin is showing promise in managing skin conditions that involve inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help soothe irritated skin.

In cases of eczema, melatonin might help reduce itching and improve sleep. Eczema often leads to poor sleep, which can worsen the condition.

For psoriasis, melatonin’s ability to regulate cell growth may be helpful. Psoriasis causes rapid skin cell turnover, which melatonin might help to normalize.

Research on using melatonin for these skin conditions is still new. More studies are needed to fully understand how well it works and how to use it best.

Acne

Melatonin may also benefit people with acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.

Melatonin might also help regulate sebum production. Excess sebum contributes to acne, so balancing its production could lead to clearer skin.

Additionally, melatonin’s antioxidant properties could help heal acne scars. By protecting skin cells and promoting repair, it may improve skin texture over time.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Melatonin’s potential role in preventing skin cancer is an exciting area of research. Its ability to protect against UV damage is particularly relevant to this area.

Studies suggest melatonin might help prevent skin cancer in several ways:

1. Neutralizing free radicals caused by UV exposure
2. Repairing UV-induced DNA damage
3. Boosting the immune system’s ability to fight abnormal cells

While research is promising, further studies are needed. Melatonin should not be used instead of proven skin cancer prevention methods such as sunscreen and protective clothing.

How to Use Melatonin for Skin Health

Incorporating melatonin into your skincare routine needs some thought. Whether using topical products or supplements, it’s important to use them safely.

General guidelines for using melatonin for skin health:

1. Start with a low dose, especially for supplements
2. Apply topical melatonin at night for best results
3. Be consistent – regular use may yield better outcomes
4. Combine with other skincare ingredients for synergistic effects
5. Monitor your skin’s response and adjust as needed

It’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. They can help determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally considered safe, melatonin can cause side effects in some people. Some common issues may include:

• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea

When using melatonin topically, some individuals might experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always test new products on a small area of skin before applying them to your face.

Certain groups should be cautious when using melatonin:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with autoimmune disorders
• Those taking blood thinners or diabetes medications
• Individuals with depression or other mood disorders

If you fall into any of these categories, consult your doctor before using melatonin for skin health.

Melatonin in Skincare Products

The skincare market now offers many products containing melatonin, ranging from serums and creams to masks and supplements.

When choosing melatonin-infused skincare, consider:

• Concentration of melatonin
• Other active ingredients
• Product type (leave-on vs. wash-off)
• Your skin type and concerns

Melatonin often appears in these skincare products:

• Night creams
• Anti-aging serums
• Under-eye treatments
• Antioxidant moisturizers
• Overnight masks

Look for products that combine melatonin with complementary ingredients for best results.

Combining Melatonin with Other Skincare Ingredients

Melatonin works well with many other skincare ingredients. Its effects can be enhanced when used alongside certain vitamins and antioxidants.

For example, vitamin C can boost melatonin’s antioxidant power. Together, they can provide stronger protection against free radical damage.

Hyaluronic acid works well with melatonin in hydrating products. Melatonin protects, while hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin.

These combinations can help address multiple skin concerns at once. However, introduce new ingredients gradually to avoid overwhelming your skin.

Natural Ways to Boost Skin Melatonin

Beyond supplements and topical products, lifestyle changes can support natural melatonin production in the skin.

Getting enough sleep is essential for your body to produce melatonin. Your body produces the most melatonin at night, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep in a dark room.

Your diet can also affect melatonin levels. Some foods contain melatonin or help your body produce it, including:

• Tart cherries
• Nuts, especially pistachios and almonds
• Eggs
• Fish
• Milk

Managing stress can help keep your melatonin levels healthy. Long-term stress can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin.

Activities that can enhance skin melatonin production:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Limiting blue light exposure before bedtime
• Getting sunlight during the day
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

These habits support overall health while potentially boosting skin melatonin levels.

Future of Melatonin in Dermatology

Research on how melatonin affects skin health is constantly growing. Scientists are studying its potential in various skin treatments.

One area of interest is using melatonin to treat skin pigmentation disorders. Its ability to control melanin production could be helpful for conditions like vitiligo or melasma.

Researchers are also exploring melatonin’s potential in helping wounds heal. Its anti-inflammatory properties might speed up the healing process.

New ways to deliver melatonin to the skin are being developed. These might make it more effective. For example, nanoparticle formulations may help melatonin penetrate deeper and remain stable.

As we learn more about how melatonin affects the skin, we may see more targeted treatments. These could address specific skin issues with more precision.

The future of melatonin in skincare looks promising. However, we still need more research to fully understand its long-term effects and how best to use it.

FAQ

1. Rusanova, I., Martínez-Ruiz, L., Florido, J., Rodríguez-Santana, C., Guerra-Librero, A., Acuña-Castroviejo, D., & Escames, G. (2019). Protective Effects of Melatonin on the Skin: Future Perspectives. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(19), 4948. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6801283/

² Slominski, A. T., Hardeland, R., Zmijewski, M. A., Slominski, R. M., Reiter, R. J., & Paus, R. (2018). Melatonin: A Cutaneous Perspective on its Production, Metabolism, and Functions. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(3), 490-499. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5828923/

³ Zasada, M., & Budzisz, E. (2019). Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 36(4), 392-397. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/

⁴ Schagen, S. K., Zampeli, V. A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 298-307. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/

⁵ Janjetovic, Z., Jarrett, S. G., Lee, E. F., Duprey, C., Reiter, R. J., & Slominski, A. T. (2017). Melatonin and its metabolites protect human melanocytes against UVB-induced damage: Involvement of NRF2-mediated pathways. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 1274. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5430567/

⁶ Elsaie, M. L., Mohsen, A. M., Massoud, Y. M., & Aladresi, M. M. (2016). Effectiveness of topical melatonin in the treatment of eczema: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Dermatology and Therapy, 66(4), 557-563. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020278/

⁷ Hardeland, R. (2019). Aging, Melatonin, and the Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Networks. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(5), 1223. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6429075/

⁸ Slominski, A. T., Semak, I., Fischer, T. W., Kim, T. K., Kleszczyński, K., Hardeland, R., & Reiter, R. J. (2017). Metabolism of melatonin in the skin: Why is it important? Experimental Dermatology, 26(7), 563-568. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535173/

⁹ Venegas, C., García, J. A., Escames, G., Ortiz, F., López, A., Doerrier, C., García-Corzo, L., López, L. C., Reiter, R. J., & Acuña-Castroviejo, D. (2012). Extrapineal melatonin: analysis of its subcellular distribution and daily fluctuations. Journal of Pineal Research, 52(2), 217-227. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-079X.2011.00931.x

¹⁰ Desotelle, J. A., Wilking, M. J., & Ahmad, N. (2012). The circadian control of skin and cutaneous photodamage. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 88(5), 1037-1047. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3404883/

¹¹ Fischer, T. W., Slominski, A., Zmijewski, M. A., Reiter, R. J., & Paus, R. (2008). Melatonin as a major skin protectant: from free radical scavenging to DNA damage repair. Experimental Dermatology, 17(9), 713-730. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056314/

¹² Slominski, A. T., Zmijewski, M. A., Semak, I., Kim, T. K., Janjetovic, Z., Slominski, R. M., & Zmijewski, J. W. (2017). Melatonin, mitochondria, and the skin. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 74(21), 3913-3925. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5554441/

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