Topical Hypopigmenting Agents for Pigmentary Disorders and Their Mechanisms of Action.
- Author:
Hyojin KIM
1
;
Hye Ryung CHOI
;
Dong Seok KIM
;
Kyoung Chan PARK
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Hydroquinone; Hypopigmentation; Melanin
- MeSH: Arbutin; Chromones; Glucosides; Hydroquinones; Hypopigmentation; Melanins; Melanocytes; Melanosomes; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Pyrones; Resorcinols; Tyrosine
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2012;24(1):1-6
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Melanin is produced in melanocytes and stored in melanosomes. In spite of its beneficial sun-protective effect, abnormal accumulation of melanin results in esthetic problems. Hydroquinone, competing with tyrosine, is a major ingredient in topical pharmacological agents. However, frequent adverse reactions are amongst its major limitation. To solve this problem, several alternatives such as arbutin, kojic acid, aloesin, and 4-n-butyl resorcinol have been developed. Herein, we classify hypopigmenting agents according to their mechanism of action; a) regulation of enzyme, which is subdivided into three categories, i) regulation of transcription and maturation of tyrosinase, ii) inhibition of tyrosinase activity, and iii) post-transcriptional control of tyrosinase; b) inhibition of melanosome transfer, and c) additional mechanisms such as regulation of the melanocyte environment and antioxidant agents.
