Treatment of melasma: a review of less commonly used antioxidants

Abstract

Melasma, a common cause for seeking dermatologic care, is a chronic condition of skin hyperpigmentation. With a poorly understood pathogenesis, and no universal cure, melasma is a challenge for many dermatologists. For decades, there has been investigation into the role of oxidative stress in melasma. In this literature review, we introduce the role of oxidative stress in melasma and discuss the function of various topical and oral antioxidant therapies for patients suffering from melasma. Numerous studies have shown efficacy of various antioxidant therapies for treatment of hyperpigmentation, and in this review, we focus primarily on those with less widespread use. Vitamin E, niacinamide, polypodium leucotomos, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, amino fruit acids, phytic acid, zinc, silymarin, Korean red ginseng powder, plant extracts, and parsley all have well‐demonstrated evidence of antioxidant properties, and these substances have been studied in the context of skin hyperpigmentation. Although there is conflicting evidence of their therapeutic efficacy, the use of these naturally occurring substances is promising for patients and medical providers seeking alternative therapeutic options.

Understanding Melasma-How Can Pharmacology and Cosmetology Procedures and Prevention Help to Achieve Optimal Treatment Results? A Narrative Review

“…Its main advantage is its high bioavailability, the synergistic action of the ingredients and the low incidence of side effects when administered orally. In studies, patients with melasma reported a reduction in hyperpigmentation after only a month of treatment with pycnogenol [87,95,96].…”

Update on Melasma—Part I: Pathogenesis

“…Furthermore, melanin releases ROS after sun exposure, and melanogenesis is an intracellular oxidative process [ 84 ]. Several effective treatments for melasma are antioxidants, such as topical vitamin C, niacinamide, cysteamine, kojic acid, phytic acid, and oral pycnogenol [ 85 ]. These findings motivate the investigation of the mechanisms that drive the oxidative imbalance in melasma to explore therapeutic and preventive strategies.…”

Review on oral plant extracts in Skin Whitening

“…Mulberry extract is rich in phenol, arbutin, tannin, which can act as antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors on hyperpigmentation (Austin et al, 2019;Jung et al, 2021;Yuan & Zhao, 2017). Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract that orally administered can increase the L* value and decrease the melanin index (Babbush et al, 2021). Korean red ginseng powder have beneficial effects for melasma (Babbush et al, 2021).…”