- Natalie Hennessey
Interesting Research: Topical Melatonin for Sun Protection

Melatonin is commonly used in relation to sleep. As a supplement, melatonin is used in an effort to reset sleep and wake cycles, called a circadian rhythm.
In the case of shift workers and those dealing with extended periods of light/darkness, melatonin before bed can be extremely beneficial to getting a good night’s sleep.
When melatonin is used topically however, it plays a whole different role! Topically applied melatonin found in skin care products, has been found to act as an ANTIOXIDANT for the skin. Much like other topical skin actives like Vitamins C and E, antioxidants function in the prevention of aging due to environmental factors (pollution, UV rays, etc).
One of the most exciting findings seems to be the role of melatonin in protection against UV damage and burning. There are only about 4 human studies at this time (and 16 experimental studies), but it has been found that melatonin is a safe and effective topical product. Due to it’s 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓 and 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈-𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 profile, topical melatonin when 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍 may be a useful addition to a sun protective routine.
𝐈𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐎𝐖𝐍. 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧.