Potential of Herbal Extracts as Sunscreens and Antihyperpigmentation Treatment

Abstract

Skin pigmentation is one of the most serious problems in the adult population of all races. The underlying factors of skin pigmentation are excessive exposure to UV radiation, oxidative stress, and other provocative causes that cause melasma, black spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hence, treating hyperpigmentation disorders is challenging. Skin pigmentation occurs as a process of melanin biosynthesis triggered by UV exposure. Tyrosinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the rate-confining step in melanogenesis, if inhibited, can cause skin hypopigmentation. This has evoked an interest in reviewing plant extracts/ phytoconstituents, which can serve the purpose of sun protection and treat hyperpigmentation, ensuring skin glow for a better quality of life. A literature search on Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was done using various keywords like hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin-lightening agents, and sunscreen. Sun protection products for canopy with photo-aging and skin pigmentation are recommended. Tyrosinase inhibitors are first-line topical medicines available as single or combined topical formulations. Hydroquinone, retinoids, corticosteroids, and kojic acid are clinically proven as exceptionally powerful. However, the adverse effects reported with these small molecules largely impact skin appearance, dermatitis, and exogenous ochronosis. Currently, there is a rising trend towards comfortable, fascinating, and well-endured skin depigmenting agents from natural products that might be utilized by a wide populace. This present study aimed at exploring plant and fruit extracts together with their active ingredients as potential multitargeted anti-hyperpigmentation agents with sunscreen properties, tyrosinase inhibition, and skin whitening effects.