Home Remedies For Melasma
If you suffer from melasma, patches of dull brownish-gray color appear on parts of your body where you spend time outside. The most common areas are the cheeks and forehead. It can also affect other parts of your face such as the nose or chin. If left untreated, it can cause permanent scarring.
Melasma is a condition that causes dark spots to form on the skin. These spots usually occur in women who have fair complexions and light hair. They may be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, birth control pills, or menopause.
Melasma home remedies are very effective and easy to use at home. You will find many natural ways to get rid of this problem without any side effects.
There are several home remedies for melasma which help in getting rid of this problem. These methods include using certain oils, applying lemon juice, etc.
Melasma affects everyone, but it seems to be more common among people who have darker complexions. It has been linked to hormone levels. Melasma may also be more common in certain populations, including:
- The use of birth control pills by pregnant mothers has been linked to lower rates of premature births and low birth weight
- pregnant women
- menopausal women who use HRT
Melasma usually appears on the skin as symmetrical dark spots that are brown to grey-colored. They may be found anywhere on the body, but they’re most commonly seen on the facial skin.
- forehead
- cheeks
- chin
- nose
- upper lip
Home remedies For Melasma
It may be possible for the discoloration to fade after having a baby or if you stop taking your hormone contraceptives.
If you’re thinking about trying one of these home treatments for your melisma, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1) Aloe vera
A study conducted by TrustedSource.com in 2017 showed that pregnant women who used an encapsulation of aloe vera gel reduced their skin condition significantly.
2) Polypodium leucotomos
It’s an epiphyte (a plant growing on another plant). Its common name is kalawalla or heliocare, which means “sunshine plant.” It’s also known as calagala or anapsos.
Melasma has been treated for years using oral medications called Polypodium leucotomum (also known as “polypody moss”).
Learn More About: Home Remedies For Swollen Gums
3) Tranexamic acid
According to an August 2017 literature review by TrustedSource, transdermal glycolic (or topical lactic) acids are another promising treatment option for melasma. These acids are derivatives of the naturally occurring chemical compound L-lactate.
4) Glutathione
Cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine comprise an essential amino acid called cystine, which is found in almost every mammal.
Glutathione decreases melanogenesis (the production of melanins) in individuals with melasma. Excess melanogenesis may result in hyperpigmentation.
4) Sun protection
Use sunscreen every day, and reapplying every two to three times an hour. Also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you’re outdoors.
5) Avoiding sun exposure
Avoid direct sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm. If you must go out during this time, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, and a broad-brimmed hat.
6) Using cosmetics
Try not to apply makeup before going out into the sun. Use only light foundations, concealers, and powders.
7) Moisturizing
Moisturize frequently throughout the day. Apply moisturizer at least once daily, especially after washing your face.
8) Treatments options
Treatments include laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and dermabrasion.
9) Surgery
Surgery can remove the excess pigment and improve the appearance of melasma. However, there’s no guarantee that the results will last.
10) Other option
Other treatments for melasma include vitamin C supplements, retinoids, and hydroquinone creams.
11) Homeopathic Treatment
There are several homeopathic medicines available for treating melasma. One of them is Rhus toxicodendron.
12) Herbal Treatment
Herbs like licorice root, milk thistle, and green tea have been shown to help reduce the severity of melasma.
13) Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms associated with melasma.
14) Massage Therapy
Massage therapy helps stimulate circulation and relaxes muscles. This improves blood flow and reduces inflammation.
Learn More About: Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
15) Exercise
Exercise can increase oxygen levels in the body, helping to clear toxins from the skin.
16) Stress Management
Stress management techniques can be helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
17) Nutrition
A healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent damage caused by free radicals.
18) Sleep
Sleep deprivation can cause increased stress hormones, which can lead to more pigmentation.
19) Meditation
Meditation can help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
20) Yoga
Yoga can help reduce stress and tension. It also increases flexibility and strength.
21) Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves being aware of what you’re doing while you’re doing it.
22) Hypnosis
Hypnosis can help people learn how to control their emotions and thoughts.
23) Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses sensors placed on the skin to monitor physiological changes.
24) Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can help people overcome emotional problems.
25) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative thinking patterns.
26) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
This technique is used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder.
27) Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety.
28) Art Therapy
Art therapy can help people express themselves through art.
29) Music Therapy
Music therapy can help patients cope with stressful situations.
30) Group Support
Group support can provide encouragement and understanding.
31) Self-Esteem Enhancement
Self-esteem enhancement programs teach people about self-worth.
Melasma medical treatment
If your doctor refers you to a dermatologist for further treatment, they might be able to diagnose any issues with your complexion and recommend appropriate medications.
One option may be retinol. This topical treatment helps reduce skin discolorations caused by sun damage, acne scars, and age spots. If your doctor recommends a specific treatment, make sure you stick to it! Don’t change products without consulting your doctor.
- tretinoin
- corticosteroids
- triple combination (hydroquinone, tretinoin, cortisone)
- azelaic acid
- kojic acid
Topical treatments for melisma may include lightening creams or laser therapy.
- chemical peel
- dermabrasion
- microdermabrasion
- laser treatment
- light-based procedure
- microneedling
- Niacinamide
- Retin A
- Tretinoin
- Vitamin C
- Laser therapy
Lasers are powerful tools that can be used to target specific areas of the face. They work by emitting concentrated beams of energy into the skin, causing cells to die off. The dead tissue then sloughs away naturally over time.
In some cases, lasers can be used to remove unwanted hair.
Microdermabrasion is similar to chemical peels but uses tiny crystals instead of chemicals. Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin, revealing new layers underneath.
Light-based procedures use intense pulses of ultraviolet light to destroy melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment.
Microneedling is a noninvasive method that uses small needles to create microchannels in the skin. These channels allow oxygen and nutrients to reach the skin’s surface.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel works by exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin, which makes it easier for other treatments to penetrate deeper layers of the epidermis.
The most common types of chemical peels are:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peel
- Glycolic Acid Peel
- Jessner’s Solution Peel
- Lactic Acid Peel
- Niacinamide Peel
- Salicylic Acid Peel
- TCA Peel
- Tranexamic Acid
- Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream
- TriamcinolONE Acetonide Gel
- TriamcinolONe Acetonide Ointment
- Triamcinolonaceton
Learn More About: How to manage oral thrush Symptoms
Takeaway
Melasma is a condition where there are brownish spots on your face. Your physician can diagnose the condition and prescribe treatments.
As time goes by, you may see some improvement. However, it usually took several weeks for your skin to clear up completely. You may need to continue maintenace treatment to keep any new lesions from forming.
While there may be treatments available that are better than others, prevention is always important. Put on some sunblock every day and wear a wide-brim hat when you’re outdoors. Avoid tanning beds and artificial sunlight.
You should also avoid using makeup that contains hydroquinone. It can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun.