Protective effects of melatonin on the skin: Future perspectives

Iryna Rusanova, Laura Martínez-Ruiz, Javier Florido, César Rodríguez-Santana, Ana Guerra-Librero, Darío Acuña-Castroviejo, Germaine Escames*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

67 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

When exposed to hostile environments such as radiation, physical injuries, chemicals, pollution, and microorganisms, the skin requires protective chemical molecules and pathways. Melatonin, a highly conserved ancient molecule, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of skin. As human skin has functional melatonin receptors and also acts as a complete system that is capable of producing and regulating melatonin synthesis, melatonin is a promising candidate for its maintenance and protection. Below, we review the studies of new metabolic pathways involved in the protective functions of melatonin in dermal cells. We also discuss the advantages of the topical use of melatonin for therapeutic purposes and skin protection. In our view, endogenous intracutaneous melatonin production, together with topically-applied exogenous melatonin and its metabolites, represent two of the most potent defense systems against external damage to the skin.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4948
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume20
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Melatonin
  • Mitochondria
  • Oxidative stress
  • Skin

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Protective effects of melatonin on the skin: Future perspectives'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this