03/11/2026
Melatonin & the Hair Follicle
Melatonin is best known as the hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate our circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle.
But its biology extends well beyond sleep.
A 2026 review highlights that melatonin is also produced and metabolised locally within the skin, where it forms part of a cutaneous melatoninergic system involved in antioxidant defence, inflammatory signalling, mitochondrial function and protection against environmental stress.
Of particular interest to trichology, melatonin receptors are present within the human hair follicle, and experimental and clinical research has investigated melatonin's potential influence on hair-follicle biology and the hair-growth cycle.
Topical melatonin has also been investigated in androgenetic alopecia, although the strength and quality of evidence varies and further research is needed to better establish its clinical role.
It is another fascinating example of how the hair follicle is influenced by complex interactions extending far beyond the scalp.
The hair follicle does not function in isolation. Explore the science behind hair and scalp disorders with the International Association of Trichologists.
References :
Kömürcügil Yiğit, İ., Türsen, Ü., & Kroumpouzos, G. (2026). Topical melatonin in esthetic dermatology: From cutaneous melatoninergic biology to photoprotection, and skin rejuvenation. Clinics in Dermatology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2026.07.002
Slominski, A. T., et al. (2025). Melatonin and the skin: Current progress and perspectives for human health. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 145(6), 1345–1360.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2024.11.012