Melatonin Is The Trendy New Ingredient Everyone Is Talking About

Written by Sumona BoseNov 30, 2023
Melatonin is the trendy new ingredient everyone is talking about

If you have trouble falling asleep, you might already be familiar with the snooze-inducing prowess of melatonin. Popularly consumed in the form of supplements, melatonin is also a naturally occurring hormone in your body that signals your brain when it’s time to go to bed. Much like many other trendy ingredients in skincare right now, melatonin is also an unlikely term that has found itself in face creams and serums. But unlike other ingredients, does the topical use of melatonin have any real benefits?

We are answering this and a lot more below…

 

What is melatonin for the skin, and what are its benefits

How to include melatonin in your skincare routine


Used in topical skincare products, melatonin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It is known to protect your skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and inhibit early signs of ageing. Compared to other popular antioxidants in skincare, melatonin has shown effectiveness in stimulating antioxidant enzymes at the gene level and boosting DNA repair. Even though there is a need for more research, some of the benefits of melatonin are believed to be -


01. Supports skin health - An anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and supporting mitochondrial function, melatonin is known to support essential processes of skin that maintain its health.


02. Fights signs of ageing - Melatonin has been known to penetrate deep into the skin's dermis and help boost collagen, an essential compound for maintaining elasticity and suppleness in the skin.


03. Protects against UV damage - Given the deeply penetrative properties of melatonin, the ingredient can help manage oxidative stress on the skin. This comes in handy if you tend to get a lot of sun exposure and need an added layer of protection in your routine in addition to sunscreen.


04. Functions as a strong active - The benefits of adding actives to your skincare routine are already established. They give long-term and visible results, which may not be achieved through basic skincare products. Melatonin, like other hormones oestrogen and cortisone used in skincare, can elevate your skincare routine for faster and better results.

 

 

 

How to include melatonin in your skincare routine

How to include melatonin in your skincare routine

It won’t come as a surprise that, given the benefits of melatonin for skin, brands have started adding it to their night creams to heighten its appeal. It’s also interesting to note that melatonin in skincare products has not shown the effect of drowsiness and grogginess, which often is the case when you consume the supplements. It has also been touted as a good pair with retinoids to heighten the anti-ageing effect of a routine. But, as mentioned before, we are yet to know the full benefits of melatonin. So until then, make sure to consult your dermatologist before including it in your skincare routine!

Sumona Bose

Written by

Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!

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