The Therapeutic Use of Antioxidants for Melasma

J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Aug 1;19(8):788-792. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2020.5079.

Abstract

Melasma is a chronic dermatologic condition with an incompletely understood pathogenesis and well-demonstrated impact on patient quality of life. Melasma is a common cause for seeking dermatologic care, and with no universally efficacious therapy or cure, com-bination treatment is the best approach for many cases. Numerous studies have demonstrated the role of oxidative stress in patients with melasma, prompting investigation into several antioxidants for melasma therapy. In this review, we discuss the well-defined role of oxidative stress in melasma and the therapeutic efficacy of various antioxidants for patients suffering from melasma. We focus our discussion on studies investigating the role of vitamin C, azelaic acid, cysteamine, glutathione, carotenoids, and numerous other antioxidants in disorders of hyperpigmentation. There is promising evidence for the use of these antioxidants, as topical, oral, and intra-venous preparations, both in isolation and in conjunction with other melasma therapies. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(8):788-792. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5079.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Administration, Oral
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Antioxidants / adverse effects
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / adverse effects
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Humans
  • Melanosis / drug therapy*
  • Melanosis / immunology
  • Melanosis / pathology
  • Melanosis / psychology
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Oxidative Stress / immunology
  • Quality of Life
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Lightening Preparations / administration & dosage*
  • Skin Lightening Preparations / adverse effects
  • Skin Pigmentation / drug effects
  • Skin Pigmentation / immunology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Skin Lightening Preparations