Melatonin in Beauty: Fact or Fiction
- Interest in melatonin, once relegated to treating sleep disorders, is surging as a key ingredient in both sleep aids and skincare products.
- While melatonin is readily available as a sleep supplement without a prescription in many countries, the Korea Food and Drug Administration takes a stricter stance.
- Despite these concerns, the appeal of melatonin-based sleep aids continues to grow.
Melatonin‘s Moment: From Sleep Aid to Skincare Sensation
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Interest in melatonin, once relegated to treating sleep disorders, is surging as a key ingredient in both sleep aids and skincare products. This shift reflects a growing trend dubbed “Sleeponomics,” where consumers are increasingly investing in sleep-related products. influencers and overseas trends have further propelled melatonin’s popularity as a convenient sleep solution.
Melatonin for Sleep: A Growing Trend
While melatonin is readily available as a sleep supplement without a prescription in many countries, the Korea Food and Drug Administration takes a stricter stance. The agency does not recognize melatonin as a functional ingredient due to its hormonal nature and potential impact on physiological functions. Health authorities cite varying individual effects and a lack of long-term verification regarding its sleep-regulating role as reasons for caution.
Despite these concerns, the appeal of melatonin-based sleep aids continues to grow. Several products are available, each with unique formulations:
- Meladay (Green Monster): Priced at 33,000 won, this product combines vegetable melatonin extracted from 22 kilograms of pistachios, along with minerals like magnesium and GABA. It is marketed toward those seeking a refreshing morning and those with irregular sleep schedules.
- Mela Beauty (Sleep Smart): Retailing for 89,000 won, this product focuses on both overnight recovery and next-day skin condition. It contains melatonin, L-theanine, and GABA, utilizing a liposome method to enhance the absorption of glutathione and vitamin C.
- Melamain (frombio): This option, costing 30,000 won, offers 2 milligrams of melatonin combined with L-Tryptophan, magnesium, and L-theanine to improve sleep quality.
- Good Night Melamate (GRN+): At 39,000 won, this product provides vegetable melatonin in an easy-to-take tablet, formulated without needless excipients.
Vegetable Melatonin: A Natural Option?
GRN+ product development managers highlight the appeal of vegetable melatonin, noting that tomatoes are rich in it and share the same structure as the melatonin secreted by the human body. Green monster also utilizes pistachio-derived melatonin, extracting a small amount from a large quantity of pistachios. This “Bitual melatonin” is promoted as biologically similar to synthetic melatonin, offering a natural solution for irregular sleep patterns and smartphone-induced sleep disturbances. the appeal lies in its classification as a health functional food rather than a medicine.
Melatonin in Skincare: A “Quiet Miracle”
Beyond sleep, melatonin is gaining traction in the skincare industry. Director Lee Soo-hyun of Pure Dermatology notes that melatonin acts as a potent antioxidant, removing free radicals and preventing cell damage at a rate five times higher than glutathione. This translates to more elastic skin, strengthened skin barriers, and inhibited melanin production, reducing blemishes and freckles.
Several skincare products incorporate melatonin:
- Time Return Melatonin Cream (MAXCLINIC): Priced at 50,000 won, this cream uses 99% purity liposome melatonin to restore tired and irritated skin overnight, while also improving skin tone by inhibiting melanin production.
- Sikamanu 92 Serum (Parnell): This 41,000 won serum combines melatonin with bottle pools, Madecassoside, and honey extracts for moisturizing and improved skin condition.
- Expert Madeca Mela Capture Ampoule Max (Centellian24+): This 30,000 won ampoule targets pigmentation issues like blemishes and freckles,using patented technology to enhance skin absorption of its milky formulation.
- Radiance Cooling Pad (Thim Beauty): These 30,000 won cooling pads utilize liposomes to deliver melatonin deep into the skin, addressing dullness and roughness while providing moisture.
Maximizing Melatonin’s Skincare Benefits
While the skin’s natural regeneration peaks between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., Director Lee suggests that melatonin in cosmetics can be used at any time. It does not substantially affect biorhythms and works synergistically with ingredients like vitamins C and E to inhibit melanin production. A patch test is recommended to check for allergic reactions or irritation. For those seeking firmer and brighter skin,melatonin may offer a new approach to skincare routines.
Melatonin: Your Complete Guide to Sleep and Radiant Skin
Q: What’s the buzz about melatonin these days?
A: Melatonin, once primarily known as a sleep aid, is making waves as a key ingredient in both sleep supplements and skincare products. This shift reflects the growing “Sleeponomics” trend, where people are investing more in sleep-related solutions. Influencers and international trends have boosted melatonin’s popularity as a convenient sleep solution.
Q: Is melatonin a regulated ingredient in all countries?
A: No, the regulatory landscape for melatonin varies. In many countries, it’s available as a sleep supplement without a prescription. However, the Korea Food and Drug Administration has a stricter stance, not recognizing melatonin as a functional ingredient due to its hormonal nature and potential physiological impacts. Health authorities express caution because of varying individual effects and a lack of long-term study results confirming its sleep-regulating effects.
Q: What are some popular melatonin sleep aid products available?
A: Hear’s a rapid look at some melatonin-based sleep aids:
Meladay (Green Monster): This product, priced at 33,000 won, combines vegetable melatonin extracted from pistachios with minerals like magnesium and GABA. It targets those seeking a refreshing morning and those with irregular sleep schedules.
Mela Beauty (Sleep Smart): Retailing for 89,000 won, this focuses on overnight recovery and next-day skin condition. it contains melatonin, L-theanine, and GABA, using a liposome method to boost glutathione and vitamin C absorption.
Melamain (frombio): This option, costing 30,000 won, provides 2 milligrams of melatonin combined with L-Tryptophan, magnesium, and L-theanine to improve sleep quality.
Good night Melamate (GRN+): Priced at 39,000 won, this delivers vegetable melatonin in an easy-to-take tablet, formulated without unnecessary excipients.
Q: What is “vegetable melatonin,” and is it different from synthetic melatonin?
A: “Vegetable melatonin” is derived from plant sources. GRN+ product developers highlight that tomatoes are naturally rich in it and share the same structure as human melatonin. Green monster utilizes pistachio-derived melatonin. This “Bitual melatonin” is promoted as being biologically similar to synthetic melatonin, offering a natural solution for irregular sleep patterns and sleep disturbances caused by smartphones. The appeal lies in it being classified as a health functional food.
Q: How is melatonin being used in skincare?
A: Melatonin is gaining traction in the skincare industry. Director lee Soo-hyun of Pure Dermatology notes it functions as a powerful antioxidant, removing free radicals, and preventing cell damage five times more effectively than glutathione. This can lead to more elastic skin, a fortified skin barrier, and inhibited melanin production, reducing blemishes and freckles.
Q: What skincare products contain melatonin?
A: Several skincare products incorporate melatonin:
Time Return Melatonin Cream (MAXCLINIC): Priced at 50,000 won,this cream uses 99% purity liposome melatonin to restore tired and irritated skin overnight while improving skin tone by inhibiting melanin production.
Sikamanu 92 Serum (Parnell): At 41,000 won, this serum combines melatonin with bottle pools, Madecassoside, and honey extracts for moisturization and improved skin condition.
Expert Madeca Mela Capture Ampoule Max (Centellian24+): This 30,000 won ampoule targets pigmentation issues like blemishes and freckles using patented technology to enhance skin absorption of its milky formulation.
radiance Cooling Pad (Thim Beauty): These 30,000 won cooling pads use liposomes to deliver melatonin deep into the skin, addressing dullness and roughness while providing moisture.
Q: When is the best time to use melatonin in a skincare routine, and should I be concerned about my body clock?
A: Director Lee suggests that melatonin in cosmetics can be used anytime. It doesn’t substantially affect biorhythms. A patch test is recommended to check for allergic reactions or irritation.
Q: Who might benefit most from using melatonin in their skincare?
A: Melatonin might potentially be an appealing choice for those seeking firmer and brighter skin, offering a novel approach to skincare routines.