ReviewPhotodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine2022
Melasma: The need for tailored photoprotection to improve clinical outcomes.
Review in Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 35 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
35 citing papers in PubMed, 63 citations in OpenAlex.
- Cutaneous Aging in Skin of Color: A Narrative Review.American journal of clinical dermatology · 2026Review
- Beyond Melanin: A Literature Review of Photoprotection Mechanisms and Gaps in Skin of Color.Cureus · 2026Review
- What's New in Photoprotection?American journal of clinical dermatology · 2026Review
- [Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser combined with topical metformin lotion for treatment of chloasma in mice].Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University · 2026Article
- Global consensus on the management of melanin hyperpigmentation disorders.Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2026Review
- Multimodal Approach for Recalcitrant Melasma Using Picosecond Laser and Topical JAK Inhibition: A Case Report.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026Article
- Innovations in Refractory Melasma: Mechanism-Based Management and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies.Cureus · 2026Review
- Sun Protection Advice for the South African Population for the Prevention and Management of Skin Diseases.International journal of dermatology · 2026Review
- Exposome involvement in the development of acne vulgaris.Frontiers in immunology · 2026Review
- Beyond the boundaries of pigmentation and inflammation: understanding the mechanistic basis of melasma-rosacea comorbidity.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Review
- Efficacy and Safety of 675-nm Laser Monotherapy for Melasma in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-V: A Prospective Pre-Post Intervention Study.Dermatology and therapy · 2026Article
- Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding melasma among female patients.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Identification of Hub genes in melasma using integrated transcriptomic analysis.Bioinformation · 2026Article
- International Expert Consensus on Knowledge Gaps in Care for Dermatologic Disorders in Skin of Color.International journal of dermatology · 2026Article
- Review
- A New Hope for Melasma: Long-Term Clearance With 755-nm Picosecond Alexandrite Laser and Topical JAK Inhibition.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025Article
- Comparison of Visible Light-Protective Tinted Sunscreen to Untinted Sunscreen to Protect Melasma Patients During Summer: A Prospective Randomized Investigator-Blinded Study.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025Article
- Efficacy and Tolerability of a New Facial 2-Mercaptonicotinoyl Glycine-Containing Depigmenting Serum Versus Hydroquinone 4% over 3-Month Treatment of Facial Melasma.Dermatology and therapy · 2025Article
- In Vivo Evaluation of Melasma Pathologic Features and Treatment Response by 2-Photon Microscopy.JAMA dermatology · 2025Article
- Latin American consensus on the treatment of melasma.International journal of dermatology · 2025Review
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 at 3 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
background/purposeMelasma is a frequent photoexacerbated hyperpigmentary disorder, which can significantly impact on the quality of life. We sought to review the pathogenesis of melasma, and the role of photoprotection in the prevention and treatment of this disorder.
methodsWe conducted a narrative review of the literature. We performed literature searches with PubMed from January 1990 to December 2021 using the keywords "melasma," "pathogenesis," "ultraviolet radiation," "visible light," "photoprotection," and "sunscreens."
resultsThe physiopathology of melasma includes a complex interaction between genetics, sex hormones, and sun exposure. Visible light, in particular high-energy visible light (HEVL), and long-wave UVA (UVA1) play a key role in melasma pathophysiology, and recent research suggests that melasma shares many features with photoaging disorders. Melasma disproportionately affects dark-skinned individuals. Some 30% to 50% of South Americans and Asians, among other ethnicities, can present with melasma. Dark-skinned patients take fewer photoprotective measures. Also, the majority of melasma patients do not adequately follow photoprotection recommendations, including the application of sunscreen. Intensive use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen can prevent melasma in high-risk individuals, can lessen melasma severity (associated or not with depigmenting agents), and can reduce relapses.
conclusionsDue to the physiopathology of melasma, sunscreens should be broad-spectrum with high sun protection factor, and provide high protection against UVA1 and VL. Sunscreens should be cosmetically acceptable and leave no white residue. Tinted sunscreens are an excellent choice, as pigments can protect from HEVL and UVA1, and may provide camouflage, but they must offer colors that match the skin tone of each patient.
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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 OpenQuestion graph.