Evidence supporting the use of: Tyrosinase
For the health condition: Age Spots

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Tyrosinase is an enzyme that plays a central role in melanin synthesis—the process that leads to pigmentation in human skin. Age spots, or "liver spots," are areas of hyperpigmentation caused by excess melanin production. Scientific research has shown that inhibiting tyrosinase activity can reduce melanin synthesis, which is why tyrosinase inhibitors are commonly used in topical treatments for age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Common tyrosinase inhibitors include ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin, which are formulated in creams and serums to lighten pigmented areas by blocking the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase.

Multiple in vitro and clinical studies support the effectiveness of these inhibitors in reducing hyperpigmentation. For instance, studies have demonstrated that topical application of hydroquinone or kojic acid can significantly lighten age spots over several weeks to months. However, the overall clinical evidence varies depending on the specific inhibitor and formulation, and not all tyrosinase inhibitors are equally effective or safe for long-term use.

Importantly, tyrosinase itself is not applied directly to the skin for treating age spots; rather, the focus is on inhibiting its activity. Therefore, the concept of targeting tyrosinase to treat age spots is scientifically validated, but the ingredient used is a tyrosinase inhibitor, not tyrosinase enzyme itself.

More about Tyrosinase
More about Age Spots

Other health conditions supported by Tyrosinase

Age Spots
Skin Care (general)

Products containing Tyrosinase

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.