Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Melatonin's protective effect against UV radiation: a systematic review of clinical and experimental studies
Cecilie Scheuer1, Hans-Christian Pommergaard, Jacob Rosenberg
1Department of Surgery, Herlev Hospital - University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.
Background:
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main etiologic factor for skin cancer. The endogenous hormone melatonin has been proposed to have protective effects against sunlight.
Aim:
The aim of this review was to evaluate melatonin's protective effects against UV radiation and to clarify the cellular mechanisms behind this effect.
Method:
Medline, Embase and Cinahl were searched up to January 2013 to identify studies evaluating melatonin's protective effect against UV radiation (UVR)-induced skin erythema in humans and damage on a cellular level.
Results:
Four human studies have investigated melatonin's protective effect on UVR-induced skin damage. Melatonin was shown to have protective effects when applied before UVR, but no effect if applied after exposure. A total of 16 experimental studies evaluated melatonin's protective effect against UVR-induced damage to cellular structures and pathways.
Discussion/Conclusion:
The protection against UVR-induced skin damage was conducted by melatonin acting directly as an antioxidant, and indirectly by regulating gene expression and inducing a DNA stabilizing effect. As these results were obtained using artificial UVR and without investigating possible side effects, studies using natural sunlight and evaluating possible side effects of topical melatonin administration are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Management of Insomnia
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light

