Anti-Aging Efficacy of Melatonin-Based Cream: Clinical and Instrumental Skin Evaluation

Abstract

Melatonin is a potent mitochondrial, cytoprotective and antioxidant molecule with potentially strong anti-aging properties. Topical melatonin has been shown to improve the clinical signs of skin aging. Melatosphere™ is a new lipid-based delivery system able to improve stability and skin penetration of melatonin when used in topical formulations. No clinical studies, using objective instrumental data, are available so far regarding the positive effect of Melatosphere™ in improving wrinkles in women with mild to moderate skin aging. In an open prospective, evaluator-blinded trial, we evaluate the effects on skin texture of two months of treatment with a Melatosphere™-based cream. Fifteen women aged >45 years with mild to moderate facial skin aging (Glogau score 2–4) participated in the trial, after providing their informed consent. An ANTERA 3D computer-assisted skin analysis evaluation for the assessment of coarse and fine wrinkles of the periorbital area and melanin content was performed at baseline and after two months of treatment. An evaluator-blinded Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of skin elastosis, roughness, level of dyschromia, skin dryness and the presence of actinic damage was also performed at the same time points using a four-grade score from 0 (no sign) to 3 (severe sign). At baseline, the mean (SD) IGA score was 8.2 (1.0). After two months, the IGA score significantly decreased to 4.2 (1.4) (49% reduction) (p = 0.0007). ANTERA 3D evaluations showed a significant reduction in the coarse and fine wrinkle volume in the target area of −31% and −18%, respectively. Melanin content was reduced significantly by −17%. Topical melatonin carried in Melatosphere™ improves, in the short term, signs of skin aging evaluated clinically and using the ANTERA 3D device in women with mild to moderate skin aging.