Some alternative treatments for vitiligo show promise but need more research to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
June 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The new treatment was safe and may effectively treat male pattern hair loss.
15 citations
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April 2011 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” A3B5 can reduce skin pigmentation and slow melanoma growth.
November 2025 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” AMP-303 injections can increase hair growth in androgenetic alopecia with minimal side effects.
January 2026 in “Figshare” Finasteride can cause melasma, especially in people with darker skin.
12 citations
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December 1981 in “Journal of Endocrinology” α-MSH increases melanin production in moulting hair follicles, while AVT inhibits it.
July 2018 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” The new gel formula could improve the delivery of a hair loss treatment through the skin and might be an alternative to taking it by mouth.
43 citations
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November 2009 in “Archives of dermatology” Alefacept does not effectively treat severe alopecia areata.
January 2026 in “Figshare” Finasteride can cause melasma, especially in people with darker skin.
Retinoids or their analogs could treat skin pigmentation disorders like melasma and vitiligo.
13 citations
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April 2020 in “European Journal of Dermatology” Apremilast showed mixed results for treating severe alopecia areata.
36 citations
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March 2014 in “Biomaterials” A new skin-whitening agent using a peptide from wheat is safe and effective at reducing skin pigmentation.
November 2022 in “Skin Appendage Disorders” PT-20 did not significantly improve gray hair repigmentation.
13 citations
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February 2020 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Microneedling and oral tranexamic acid both improve facial melasma, but microneedling shows more sustained benefits.
4 citations
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August 2011 in “Aktuelle Dermatologie” Topical melatonin is a safe treatment that may reduce hair loss in people with androgenetic alopecia.
11 citations
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August 2006 in “Cell Biology International” Endothelin-1 helps amelanotic melanocytes stick and move better on certain proteins.
33 citations
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December 2005 in “Archives of dermatology” Alefacept showed some effectiveness for alopecia areata but needs more research.
July 2025 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” AMP-303 safely increases hair growth in men with hair loss.
April 2023 in “International Journal of Pharmaceutics” Melatonin in a special emulsion can help treat hair loss more effectively.
September 2023 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” The cosmetic product improved melasma and skin quality without causing irritation.
24 citations
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July 2018 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy” NTF gel improves finasteride delivery for hair loss treatment, reducing side effects.
1 citations
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April 2017 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” SM04554 may increase hair growth as a topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia.
2 citations
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June 2017 in “Psychiatry and clinical psychopharmacology” Stopping the antidepressant agomelatine improved hair loss in a patient.
Retinoids can help treat skin pigmentation disorders by affecting melanin production.
9 citations
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May 2019 in “Journal of dermatological treatment” Apremilast helps regrow hair in hard-to-treat alopecia areata.
February 2026 in “Case Reports in Dermatology” Finasteride can cause melasma, especially in people with darker skin.
March 2025 in “Drug Development Research” The new gel combining minoxidil and tofacitinib effectively treats alopecia areata by promoting hair growth and reducing inflammation.
3 citations
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January 2011 in “Yearbook of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery”
May 2025 in “Journal of Nanobiotechnology” The gel improves hair regrowth and reduces irritation in alopecia areata treatment.
11 citations
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February 2018 in “Archives of Pharmacal Research” Finasteride reduces melanin production, possibly treating hyperpigmentation and melanoma, but needs more safety research.