First things first: what is melatonin?
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland. Due to the changes in our environment impacting the quality of our sleep (such as stress and blue light exposure), we often see melatonin in the form of a supplement to support sleep regulation. But what about in skincare? That’s where we come in (your skin educators). Let’s take a look into melatonin and how it can really benefit our skin.
How does melatonin work as a skincare ingredient?
Our bodies have two natural systems to stop UV damage, one being antioxidants. There's two important things to know: “melatonin stimulates antioxidant enzymes…”, and that “melatonin synthesis and secretion is enhanced by darkness and inhibited by light”. Basically, applying melatonin topically can trick your skin into triggering antioxidant behaviour that would otherwise kick in during sleep, where skin regeneration is naturally at its best. Research also shows that "repair of DNA-damaged skin cells, as a result of UV exposure, peaks at night.", making it the perfect time to add an antioxidant-boosting active such as melatonin to your routine. This is why we love melatonin - not only does it regulate our circadian rhythm, but also restores our skin’s health by regenerating and repairing overnight. Talk about multi-purpose!
Melatonin’s role in skincare
Antioxidant Power
Our skin is constantly exposed to stressors, including UV rays and stress, which cause the generation of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate the ageing process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion. Enter: antioxidants. Antioxidants bond with free radicals and stop them from causing harm.
Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, and has even been called a “potent free radical scavenger”. Research shows that the “presence of melatonin in the skin is of paramount importance in its protection against damage caused by external factors…topical melatonin has been shown to improve the clinical signs of skin aging.” We love an overachiever!
Skin Repair and Regeneration
Melatonin supports the skin's natural repair and regeneration processes. When applied to the skin, it enhances the skin's ability to recover from daily environmental stressors, such as UV radiation and pollution. This can lead to improved skin texture, more even skin tone and a brighter, more rejuvenated appearance. A study conducted showed that “topical melatonin formulations improved the hydration and tonicity of the aging skin, with a significant reduction in skin roughness and a clinical improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.”
Ok, we're sold. Does it come in a bucket size? Just kidding (not really).
Why is Melatonin a hero-ingredient in our newest product?
When we researched the benefits of melatonin topically we knew we had to incorporate this into the Tailor range. PSA, you only require a small percentage of melatonin in your skincare to have effect. The recommended dosage for cosmetic use based on case studies is 0.0005%-0.0015%, so we made sure that our newest product contains the maximum amount. This is in additional to our (long-ish) list of requirements to check off (we’re high maintenance). This includes finding an ingredient supplier that provides scientific data that supports the ingredient benefits, where it’s made and the working conditions, making sure it’s vegan, cruelty free, and eco-conscious.
P.S. This is not a dream, but it is your dream skin.
How Melatonin will fit into your night time routine
Our range has been formulated to be mixed, matched and tailored to your skin. Here is how we recommend Melatonin, aka Tailor Restore to be tailored to your routine:
Renew / Mixing Restore with Probiotic Lysate and Grape Seed Extract, aka Renew, together with their strong cell regeneration properties and ability to combat UV free radical damage, will strengthen skin, reduce fine lines and improve elasticity and firmness. You would apply this after your cleanser in your nighttime routine. Shop the bundle.
Hydrate / Mixing Restore with Hyaluronic Acid, aka Hydrate will together increase your skin’s elasticity, giving a more plump complexion. You would apply this after Renew in your nighttime routine. Shop the bundle.
Illume / Mixing Restore with Bakuchiol, aka Illume, together with their combined strong pro-aging properties will reduce fine lines, plump and refine skin, leading to a more youthful complexion. You would apply this as a last step in your nighttime routine. Shop the bundle.
References:
Rusanova, I., Martínez-Ruiz, L., Florido, J., Rodríguez-Santana, C., Guerra-Librero, A., Acuña-Castroviejo, D., & Escames, G. (2019). Protective Effects of Melatonin on the Skin: Future Perspectives. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://doi.org/https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/19/4948
Tordjman, S., Chokron, S., Delorme, R., Charrier, A., Bellissant, E., Jaafari, N., & Fougerou, C. (2017). Melatonin: Pharmacology, Functions and Therapeutic Benefits. Current Neuropharmacology. https://doi.org/https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/80633
Ding, K., Wang, H., Xu , J., Li, T., Zhang, L., Ding, Y., Zhu, L., He, J., & Zhou, M. (2014). Melatonin stimulates antioxidant enzymes and reduces oxidative stress in experimental traumatic brain injury: The Nrf2–ARE signaling pathway as a potential mechanism. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 73, 1-11. https://doi.org/https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0891584914002032
Lyons, A. B., Moy, L., Moy, R., & Tung, R. (2019). Circadian Rhythm and the Skin: A Review of the Literature. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. https://doi.org/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6777699/