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.
Highlights
Skin constitutes an essential defense against a wide variety of environmental toxins in order to protect the internal organs
Several studies have revealed that mammalian skin possesses a melatoninergic system [4,5], where melatonin synthesis decreases with aging
Mitochondria are powerful organelles required for ATP synthesis and/or heat production and play an important role in Ca2+ homeostasis, in the production of free radicals such as reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNS/reactive oxygen species (ROS)), which act as cell signaling messengers, and in activating the NLRP3 inflammasome
Summary
Skin constitutes an essential defense against a wide variety of environmental toxins in order to protect the internal organs. Skin often shows signs of degeneration that contributes to the aging phenotype and numerous pathological processes [2]. Several studies have revealed that mammalian skin possesses a melatoninergic system [4,5], where melatonin synthesis decreases with aging. Topical melatonin has been shown to improve the clinical signs of skin aging [6], promote skin wound healing [7,8,9], and to treat many skin pathologies such as atopic dermatitis [10,11,12,13], seborrheic dermatitis [14], and vitiligo [15,16]. Melatonin is a very important molecule for protecting and maintaining cutaneous homeostasis and for mitigating the clinical signs of skin aging
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
