Antimelanogenic peptides

Summary Melanin is the skin's natural colour, or pigment, and can be increased by aging, hormones, exposure to UV from sunlight, and inflammation caused by injury, burns, acne or allergies. Pigmentation disorders, such as hyperpigmentation, can cause irregular patches of darker skin, and although these disorders are not generally physically harmful, they can cause serious emotional distress. Peptides are increasingly being used in skincare products as active ingredients and antimelanogenic (anti melanin) peptides are potentially useful for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha‐MSH) is a peptide that, through a complex sequence of events, is involved in the synthesis ‐ or production ‐ of melanin. The authors of this study aimed to identify certain peptides that could inhibit this melanin synthesis that is triggered by alpha‐MSH. If these peptides could be targeted, it could stop the cascade of biological events that leads to the production of pigment in disorders like hyperpigmentation. In particular, glycinamide was found to inhibit melanin synthesis. The authors are currently conducting clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of these peptides, and anticipate a breakthrough in the treatment of skin pigmentation. Linked Article: Kim et al. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:128–137