Research
Latest published research we're tracking.
The newest skincare and haircare papers from PubMed, linked to the ingredients we decode. Summaries are the authors' own abstracts — we excerpt, attribute, and link out to the source.
47 papers under Melasma & dark spots
Food-derived components as natural skin-whitening strategies: Classification, mechanisms, application forms and prospects.
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) · 2026
BACKGROUND: Skin hyperpigmentation has attracted widespread attention. Traditional chemical skin-whitening components pose potential risks, whereas food-derived skin-whitening components are gaining increasing attention owing to their natural food sources and high biocompatibility. SCOPE AND METHODS: This review was conducted by comprehensively searching Google Scholar, Wiley, and Taylor &… Read on PubMed →
Nonapeptide AOP-P1 ameliorates UVB-induced hyperpigmentation by suppressing melanogenesis via targeting natriuretic peptide receptor 2.
Bioorganic chemistry · 2026
Hyperpigmentation disorders remain challenging to treat because most available agents mainly act on downstream melanogenic enzymes rather than upstream regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we identified AOP-P1, an amphibian skin-derived nonapeptide, as a potent anti-melanogenic peptide with nanomolar activity and no detectable cytotoxicity. By integrating in vitro and in vivo functional assays… Read on PubMed →
Topical Recombinant Collagen Following Fractional Radio Frequency Microneedling for Nonsurgical Facelift: Case Report.
JMIR dermatology · 2026
BACKGROUND: Fractional radio frequency microneedling (FRM) is an effective nonsurgical facelift modality supported by growing clinical evidence. While generally well tolerated, postprocedural erythema, pain, swelling, and bruising typically last up to 7 days. Other serious complications include prolonged swelling, infection, persistent grid mark, burns, and hypo- or hyperpigmentation. Recombinant… Read on PubMed →
Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation: a unified spectrum of dermal pigmentary dermatoses.
Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2026
Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH) encompasses a group of dermal pigmentary disorders (lichen planus pigmentosus, erythema dyschromicum perstans and Riehl melanosis/pigmented cosmetic dermatitis) that present with insidious-onset grey-to-brown macules and patches due to dermal melanin deposition. Traditionally regarded as distinct entities, these disorders share overlapping clinical… Read on PubMed →
The efficacy of tranexamic acid in prevention and treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: a pilot study.
Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2026
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common complication following trauma or cutaneous inflammation, particularly affecting individuals with skin of colour. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a lysine analogue with antifibrinolytic properties and has been used as an off-label agent for melasma and procedural PIH. This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of oral TXA in the prevention and treatment… Read on PubMed →
Mechanism of Inonotus hispidus in treating melasma: integrated in vivo, in vitro, network pharmacology and untargeted metabolomics investigation.
Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2026
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst. is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a long history. Although its use in treating melasma was documented in the Bencaogangmu, its therapeutic mechanism remains unexplored and is poorly understood in modern research. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the mechanism of Inonotus hispidus extract in treating melasma. MATERIALS… Read on PubMed →
Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Mechanistic Characterization of Methotrexate and Selinexor as Potent Anti-Melanogenic Agents via Multi-Pathway Suppression of MITF.
Cells · 2026
Tyrosinase is a pivotal therapeutic target for hyperpigmentation disorders, yet current inhibitors frequently exhibit limited potency and suboptimal safety. Here, we employed structure-based virtual screening of an FDA-approved drug library against a refined human tyrosinase homology model, identifying methotrexate and selinexor as potent anti-melanogenic candidates. Both compounds markedly… Read on PubMed →
The efficacy and safety of a 577 nm diode laser in the treatment of cutaneous warts: A prospective single-arm study.
Lasers in medical science · 2026
Warts are a common skin disease caused by the human papillomavirus. While many treatments exist, none are entirely effective. Our objective is to study the efficacy and safety of a 577 nm diode laser in the treatment of cutaneous warts due to its strong oxyhemoglobin absorption for targeting wart vasculature. Patients with common warts (n = 31) were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients… Read on PubMed →
Reversal of rare paraneoplastic syndromes in melanoma: fever and cutaneous melanosis.
Melanoma research · 2026
Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS), manifestations of systemic effects of a tumor, are rare in patients with melanoma. We describe two cases of patients who presented with rare PNS, fever, and cutaneous melanosis, that resolved after treatment of melanoma. The first patient, a 64-year-old woman, presented with high fever. After diagnostic evaluation, infectious causes were excluded and the patient was… Read on PubMed →
Anti-Photoaging and Anti-Melanogenic Effects of a Novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RKBP Isolated from Giant Centella asiatica.
Journal of microbiology and biotechnology · 2026
Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is a major contributor to photoaging and hyperpigmentation, leading to collagen damage and excessive melanin accumulation. This study investigated the anti-photoaging and anti-melanogenic effects of heat-killed L. plantarum RKBP isolated from Giant Centella asiatica. L. plantarum RKBP was prepared by thermal inactivation and evaluated for anti-photoaging effects… Read on PubMed →
Translational Evaluation of a Disodium Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP2Na)-Based Topical Formulation for Physiology-Aligned Skin Rejuvenation: Integrated In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and Clinical Evidence.
International journal of molecular sciences · 2026
Skin aging stems from intrinsic decline and external stressors that induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, ultimately lowering cellular energy production and slowing epidermal turnover to cause wrinkles, dryness, and pigment imbalances. While disodium adenosine monophosphate (AMP2Na) is hypothesized to enhance cellular adenosine triphosphate production and restore epidermal metabolism… Read on PubMed →
Combined conservative hemodynamic treatment for venous insufficiency strategy and negative-pressure wound therapy for the management of a refractory venous ulcer: a case report and review of the literature.
Journal of medical case reports · 2026
BACKGROUND: Chronic venous ulcers (CVUs), affecting 1-5% of adults, present significant management challenges due to delayed healing and high recurrence rates. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has emerged as a beneficial adjunct to compression therapy for refractory cases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old Chinese female with a 30-year history of symptomatic bilateral varicose veins CEAP C6… Read on PubMed →
Salvage of preputial flap necrosis in penile glans melanosis using Integra dermal regeneration template and split-thickness skin graft: A case report.
Medicine · 2026
RATIONALE: Penile glans melanosis is a benign but psychologically distressing condition. While surgical excision with flap reconstruction is a standard treatment for extensive lesions, total flap necrosis presents a significant reconstructive challenge. This report describes a successful salvage strategy using a dermal regeneration template (Integra) and split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) after… Read on PubMed →
Radiation-Induced Side Effects to the Skin Due to 177 Lu-PSMA Extravasation : A Case Report.
Clinical nuclear medicine · 2026
We report a case with clinical side effects related to extravasation of 177 Lu-PSMA (estimated activity of 2.25 GBq) after administration via the cubital vein. After initial cooling (±10 min), the patient was asked to elevate and mobilize the arm. Five weeks post-injection (p.i.), the patient reported localized pruritus. An erythematosqualous plaque with lichenification was observed. At 9 weeks… Read on PubMed →
Efficacy and Safety of Topical Metformin vs Kligman Formula in the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face Study.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2026
BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by symmetrical hyperpigmented macules and patches on sun-exposed areas, primarily the face. Kligman's formula, or "triple combination cream," is widely used but has potential side effects. Metformin, an oral anti-diabetic agent, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, suggesting its possible role in melasma… Read on PubMed →
Safety and Efficacy of Aminolevulinic Acid 20% Topical Solution Activated by Blue Light for Facial Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2026
BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (isSCC) is an early-stage cutaneous malignancy that requires effective treatment to prevent progression to invasive SCC. Aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is a noninvasive treatment that selectively targets neoplastic cells. This study evaluated the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of ALA-PDT for the treatment of patients with… Read on PubMed →
Effectiveness of omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids on the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
BMC oral health · 2026
BACKGROUND: In dentistry, gingival hyperpigmentation is a common aesthetic issue caused mainly by excessive melanin deposits. Traditional surgical methods for depigmentation, like surgical techniques, can be effective, but they often associated with pain after the procedure and longer healing times. Because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids… Read on PubMed →
Innovative femoral vein valve repair combined with deep femoral vein ligation for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency: a case report.
Journal of cardiothoracic surgery · 2026
Chronic deep venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities results from structural or functional abnormalities of the venous valves, leading to blood reflux and increased venous pressure. Common clinical manifestations include edema, varicose veins, skin hyperpigmentation, and ulcers. The primary etiologies of CVI include congenital valve defects and secondary damage from venous thrombosis… Read on PubMed →
Comparative effectiveness of acupuncture, fire needle, and herbal therapies for melasma: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.
Medicine · 2026
BACKGROUND: Melasma is a prevalent pigmentary disorder among reproductive-age Asian women. Although various treatment modalities exist, most demonstrate limited efficacy and carry the risk of adverse effects. In recent years, external Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies (including acupuncture, fire needle, and herbal external applications) have attracted increasing attention as… Read on PubMed →
Facial laser complications (A Five Year Review).
Lasers in medical science · 2026
Lasers have become integral to dermatology and plastic surgery, with expanding applications for skin rejuvenation, scar revision, and pigmentary disorders. Despite technological advances, complications remain a significant concern, particularly in patients with darker skin types. A systematic review was performed following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for… Read on PubMed →