Topical Melatonin
Melatonin isn't just for sleep — applied to skin overnight, it's a potent antioxidant that protects against UV-driven oxidative damage from the previous day.
Strong mechanism (skin's own antioxidant system). Small RCTs support reduced UV-induced skin damage, improved hydration, and post-procedure healing. Effects: 8–16 weeks for visible changes.
Skin has melatonin receptors and produces its own melatonin — but levels drop with age. Topical melatonin applied at night functions as a powerful antioxidant in skin tissue, protecting against the lingering oxidative damage from daytime UV and pollution exposure. It's especially compelling in PM routines as a counterpart to morning vitamin C. Doesn't cause sleep effects when applied to skin (negligible systemic absorption). Small but growing trial evidence for photoaging and post-procedure healing.
- Form
- Topical melatonin serum — increasingly common in PM-focused skincare lines (Asystem, Naissant). Often combined with peptides or HA. 0.01–0.1% concentrations.
- Dose
- Apply per product instructions, PM only.
- Timing
- PM, after cleansing, before / instead of night moisturiser.
- Schedule
- Nightly.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. Mild irritation, rare contact dermatitis.
- Interactions
- Generally clean topically. Negligible systemic absorption (no sleep effects).
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy / breastfeeding (default caution — limited data).
- Lab markers
- Visual / photographic skin tracking.
- Food sources
- Not food.
Pairs with
Topical vitamin C + SPF (AM) — morning protection, evening repair. Topical retinoids (apply melatonin after letting retinol absorb).
within Topicals (skin / transdermal)