June 2026 in “Dermatology and Therapy” This narrative review addresses the complex issue of hyperpigmentation, emphasizing the need for effective treatments due to its significant impact on quality of life. It highlights the intricate regulation of skin pigmentation, involving both melanocytes and their surrounding environment. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of topical solutions with clinically proven efficacy, discussing mechanisms such as melanogenesis, photoprotection, and the use of antioxidants. It also examines tyrosinase inhibitors and new compounds targeting downstream pathways, alongside interventions for epidermal homeostasis and the dermal microenvironment. The review concludes that combined approaches, utilizing multiple ingredients, offer the most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, suggesting future research should focus on well-tolerated, multifaceted therapies.
252 citations
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January 2008 in “Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism” Melatonin in the skin helps protect against damage from stress and UV rays, and could be used to treat certain skin conditions.
4 citations
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May 2018 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” The research showed how melanocytes develop, move, and respond to UV light, and their stem cells' role in hair color and skin cancer risk.
11 citations
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February 1982 in “Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis” A new method can detect mutations in mice by observing changes in hair follicle cells.
1 citations
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January 2012 in “Human health handbooks” Hair color is determined by melanin types and gene activity.
1 citations
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May 2011 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” The study found genetic diversity in coat color dilution among Czech pointers in Slovakia.
20 citations
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December 2013 in “PubMed” Quercetin boosts melanin production in mouse hair follicles.
October 2019 in “European Journal of Dermatology” The boy's hair and skin color differences are due to a pigmentation disorder.
March 2026 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” 32 citations
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May 2023 in “Preprints.org” Skin pigmentation varies due to genetics, UV exposure, and medications, with treatments available but requiring medical advice.
86 citations
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August 2000 in “Pigment cell research” Melanocyte activity in hair follicles is linked to the hair growth cycle, being active in growth phases and inactive in rest phases.
31 citations
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April 2019 in “Cell reports” Patient-derived melanocytes can potentially treat vitiligo by restoring skin pigmentation.
4 citations
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March 2020 in “JAAD Case Reports” Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause darkening of all nails.
April 2019 in “Institutional Repositories DataBase (IRDB)” Patient-derived stem cell melanocytes could be a promising treatment for vitiligo.
4 citations
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May 2023 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” BMI1 is essential for preventing hair greying and maintaining hair color.
9 citations
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May 2020 in “bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)” Human melanocytes have unique traits that affect melanoma development and prognosis.
138 citations
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June 2023 in “Molecules” Skin pigmentation varies due to genetics, UV exposure, and drugs, with treatments available but requiring medical advice.
1 citations
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September 2004 in “Experimental Dermatology” MC-1R is present in skin cells and may help reduce inflammation.
24 citations
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January 2023 in “Cancer Research” AMPK activation may reduce melanoma risk in red-haired individuals.
January 2012 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Some Greek melanoma patients have gene mutations linked to increased cancer risk, a new color feature helps diagnose melanoma, the incidence of a skin condition in the Netherlands is rare, and a gene possibly affects male-pattern baldness.
59 citations
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March 2003 in “The Lancet” Imatinib can repigment grey hair, while SU11428 can cause temporary hair depigmentation.
161 citations
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June 1994 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair stops producing melanin as it transitions from the growth phase to the resting phase.
January 2006 in “Carl von Ossiezky University of Oldenburg” Unpigmented keratinocytes absorb substances faster, while melanocytes bind more strongly to melanin.
1 citations
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April 2004 in “Cancer” Imatinib mesylate can cause skin lightening, especially in Chinese patients, due to its effect on pigment production.
2 citations
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January 1999 in “Dermatology” 10 citations
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July 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Medicago sativa extract may help treat vitiligo by enhancing skin and hair pigmentation.
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.
August 2024 in “Repozitorij Farmaceutsko-biokemijskog fakulteta (Sveučilišta u Zagrebu)” The gel can effectively deliver melatonin through the skin.
14 citations
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September 2017 in “Hereditas” Genes influence horse coat color and may help understand human skin conditions.
84 citations
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July 2003 in “European journal of biochemistry” Mouse skin can produce and process serotonin, with variations depending on hair cycle, body location, and mouse strain.