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Review
. 2025 Apr 16:18:929-947.
doi: 10.2147/CCID.S520625. eCollection 2025.

The Pathogenesis of Oxidative Stress-Induced Chloasma and Its Therapeutic Implications

Qingqing Wu  1 , Huilan Zheng  1 , Jingping Wu  2 , Yuruo Tang  3 , Hongbin Cheng  1
Affiliations
Review

The Pathogenesis of Oxidative Stress-Induced Chloasma and Its Therapeutic Implications

Qingqing Wu et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. .

Abstract

The majority of oral and topical skin-whitening products, as well as chemical peels, are commonly used to treat chloasma, a challenging skin pigmentation disorder. However, the therapeutic efficacy of these treatments often falls short of patients' expectations and is accompanied by notable side effects. Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between oxidation and antioxidation, plays a crucial role in various clinical conditions and leads to oxidative damage, including cellular dysfunction, DNA damage, protein and lipid peroxidation, and even irreversible cell death. Recent research has shown that the onset of chloasma is closely associated with oxidative stress. This review explores the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of chloasma and examines the related signaling pathways and biomarkers. Our findings suggest that antioxidant therapy can enhance the effectiveness of chloasma treatment by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and reducing melanin production. We hope this review will provide a theoretical foundation for future antioxidant-based treatments for chloasma.

Keywords: antioxidant therapy; chloasma; oxidative stress; pathogenesis; review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Oxidative stress and the formation mechanism of chloasma.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The relevant signaling pathways of oxidative stress also affect chloasma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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