ReviewJournal of cosmetic dermatology2026
Targeting Melasma: Innovations in Pigment Deposition and Photoaging in Cosmetic Dermatology.
Review in Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Bionic intelligent responsive barbed microneedles synergistically remodel the microenvironment for the treatment of refractory pigmentation disorders (melasma).Materials today. Bio · 2026Article
- Q-Switched 1064 nm Fractional Laser with Intradermal Tranexamic Acid for Melasma: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study.Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology · 2026Article
- Targeting Melasma: Innovations in Pigment Deposition and Photoaging in Cosmetic Dermatology.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026Review
- The Exposome in Melasma: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Mechanisms, and Implications for Management.Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundMelasma is a chronic, relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder driven by complex interactions among genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, UV exposure, oxidative stress, inflammation, and photoaging. Its psychosocial impact is substantial, especially among women with darker skin types, and treatment remains challenging due to its multifactorial pathogenesis and high recurrence rates.
aimsThis review aims to synthesize current knowledge on melasma pathophysiology, highlight recent innovations in topical and procedural therapies, identify limitations of existing treatments, and outline future directions toward personalized and regenerative approaches. PATIENTS/
methodsA narrative literature review was performed, summarizing findings from epidemiologic studies, molecular investigations, and clinical trials. Key topics included pigment biology, hormonal and environmental triggers, oxidative stress pathways, emerging depigmenting agents, laser and microneedling technologies, combination therapies, and advances in precision medicine.
resultsMelasma arises from dysregulated melanogenesis involving hyperactive melanocytes, hormonal stimulation, UV-induced oxidative stress, dermal inflammation, fibroblast senescence, and pigmentary incontinence. Innovations include non-hydroquinone brighteners (e.g., thiamidol, melasyl), antioxidants, tranexamic acid, and improved topical delivery systems. Procedural advances-such as low-fluence picosecond lasers, fractional CO
conclusionsMelasma management is evolving toward multi-target, combination-based strategies addressing pigmentation, inflammation, and photoaging simultaneously. Emerging regenerative technologies, biomarker-driven personalization, and AI-assisted assessment hold promise for improving long-term outcomes, though standardized protocols and long-term safety data are still needed.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What Socratic holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.