Silymarin

What is the summary?

• Silymarin is a useful topical for melasma & pigmentation
• It works as an antioxidant protection against UV & environmental damage
• It is best combined with vitamin C & ferulic acid
• Pigment correcting properties is less compared to usual agents
• Silymarin combinations can be used as part of an antiaging skin care routine
• We use it as adjunctive therapy in selected melasma cases

What is silymarin?

Silymarin is a natural compound extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant. It is a mixture of flavonolignans, with silibinin being the most active component. Silymarin is best known for its antioxidant & anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. 

What can silymarin do for my skin?

Silymarin offers several benefits for skin health:

• Photoprotection: Silymarin helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of full-spectrum solar radiation, potentially slowing down photoaging. 
• Anti-pigment role, especially in treating melasma. 
• Anti-Aging Properties: Regular use of silymarin can reduce the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, with noticeable effects typically observed after eight weeks. 
• Improved skin quality : Silymarin aids in retaining moisture, enhancing skin clarity, radiance, & evening out skin tone.
• Acne Reduction: Silymarin has been shown to help reduce blemishes by cleansing pores and soothing the skin, making it beneficial for those with acne-prone skin.

Why use silymarin to treat hyperpigmentation & melasma?

Several studies have explored the potential of silymarin in addressing pigmentation disorders such as melasma.

Efficacy in Melasma Treatment: A randomized, double-blind, split-face study compared 1.4% silymarin cream to 2% hydroquinone in treating epidermal and mixed-type melasma. Results indicated that while hydroquinone showed a slightly better response, silymarin was effective with fewer side effects. Patients reported a 73.9% good-to-excellent improvement with silymarin, accompanied by fewer adverse effects compared to hydroquinone.

Mechanism of Action: Silymarin’s effectiveness is attributed to its antioxidant properties, which mitigate oxidative stress—a key factor in melasma pathogenesis. It reduces the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as inflammation and DNA damage, thereby decreasing melanogenesis citeturn0search1.

Comparative Studies: Research has demonstrated that silymarin, derived from milk thistle, offers comparable efficacy to traditional treatments like hydroquinone but with additional benefits, including a lower incidence of side effects citeturn0search4.

In summary, silymarin has shown potential as an effective and safe treatment for pigmentation disorders like melasma, offering comparable results to conventional therapies with a reduced risk of adverse effects.

Does silymarin work on all forms of skin pigmentation?

Silymarin works for some forms of melasma & pigmentation. It is best used as adjunctive therapy and not monotherapy (by itself). In the context of traditional pigment inhibitors, silymarin is weak. It is best combined with vitamin C & ferulic acid.

What is better- silymarin or vitamin C?

A combination of vitamin C & silymarin work best. This formulation is made by Skinceuticals & is called Silymarin CF. 

Both silymarin & vitamin C function as antioxidants, however the pigment reducing capacity of vitamin C is higher. Ideally combine silymarin with vitamin C & ferulic acid. 

What is Silymarin CF?

Silymarin CF is made by Skinceuticals. It contains-

Silymarin 0.5%: antioxidant
L-ascorbic acid 15%: antioxidant, pigment corrector, collagen builder
Ferulic acid 0.5%: antioxidant
Salicylic acid 0.5%: exfoliant, anti-inflammatory agent

Skinceuticals claims it reduces oxidation by up to 76%. Its use can be extended to reduction of oilyness & acne. It also has anti-aging benefits. 

When do we introduce silymarin into your melasma treatment program?

At the very end, or as adjunct to conventional melasma therapy. Compared to traditional pigment blockers, silymarin is weak, hence why we do not rate it as first line management. It can be considered as an adjunct to photoprotection in well motivated individuals with melasma.  

Can I use silymarin everyday?

Yes, silymarin can be used daily as long term therapy for melasma. 

Studies have highlighted silymarin’s safety in treating melasma, with patients experiencing minimal to no adverse effects. This favorable safety profile makes it a promising alternative for individuals seeking treatments with fewer side effects compared to mainstream treatments such as hydroquinone. 

How do I incorporate silymarin in my daily routine?

AM: Gentle cleanser, then Silymarin CF, SPF

Midday: SPF

PM: Cleanser, pigment corrector of choice (HQ, arbutin, kojic acid, botanicals, azelaic acid).

*For effective pigment solutions, lasers & chemical peels will give far superior results, as compared to antioxidant skin care products.

Which is better, Siymarin CF or CE Ferulic acid?

Both products are made by Skinceuticals. Both are expensive, both work as antioxidants. The results from both should be negligible. Why? Because both function as antioxidants, & by definition both protect against UV & environmental oxidative stress. The choice depends on textural feel, so try before you buy. 

*Over 95% of melasma patients do not ‘get’ protection prior to spending lots of money on fancy skincare, Cosmelan peels, & pico lasers. Our tip? Get your sunscreen application right before investing in skin care products.