The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for modulating skin pigmentation and treating or preventing UV-induced skin damage, erythema, aging of the skin, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation in a subject. The compounds, compositions, and methods of the present invention generally involve Malassezia-derived compounds, including malassezin and indirubin, and/or chemical analogs thereof. Other applications of the compounds and compositions disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, improving hyperpigmentation caused by a hyperpigmentation disorder, inducing melanocyte apoptosis, and modulating arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity, melanogenesis, melanin production, melanosome biogenesis, melanosome transfer, melanocyte activity, and melanin concentration.
