Topical Melatonin in Aesthetic Dermatology: From Cutaneous Melatoninergic Biology to Photoprotection and Skin Rejuvenation
July 2026
in “
Clinics in Dermatology
”
topical melatonin antioxidant anti-inflammatory photoprotection tissue repair epidermal homeostasis oxidative stress environmental damage skin aging photoaging barrier function hair follicle biology UV-induced oxidative damage inflammation modulation skin hydration skin elasticity pigmentation cutaneous repair
TLDR Topical melatonin may help protect and rejuvenate skin.
Topical melatonin is gaining attention in aesthetic dermatology for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and tissue repair properties. It is produced in the skin and helps maintain epidermal homeostasis, regulate oxidative stress, and protect against environmental damage. Evidence suggests that topical melatonin may benefit skin aging, photoaging, barrier function, and hair follicle biology by reducing UV-induced oxidative damage, modulating inflammation, and improving skin hydration and elasticity. Its role in pigmentation and cutaneous repair is still under investigation. The review discusses the mechanisms, formulations, clinical applications, and limitations of topical melatonin in aesthetic dermatology, with varying evidence strength across different indications.
