Melanogenesis is a melanin-forming process responsible for protecting the skin against ultraviolet radiation damage. An excess production of melanin, however, may result in hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) to adverse dermatological effects (freckles, solar lentigines, and melasma) and skin cancer. These hyperpigmentary skin disorders may also have a major effect on a person's appearance and could even result in emotional and mental distress, as well as a diminished quality of life. A large number of melanogenesis inhibitors have been discovered, but most of them appeared to have undesirable side effects. Therefore, in order to better understand the mechanisms of hyperpigmentary skin disorders and to establish effective and safe melanogenesis inhibitors, more fundamental research is needed. Apart from tyrosinase blockers, there are also alternative approaches that involve the manipulation of melanogenesis regulatory pathway such as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone blockers, melanosome transferase inhibitors, and cytokines. This review abridges data on the different melanogenesis inhibitors and depigmentation agents from both natural and synthetic agents from the last few years.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.