6 ways to reduce melasma

Melasma, which means skin hyperpigmentation, is a very common skin condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma affects an estimated six million people in the United States and is more common among women than men.

Melasma interferes with the natural color of the skin and leads to the formation of brown patches on the face.

The main cause of melasma is excess melanin production in skin cells due to excessive sun exposure. However, other factors also contribute to this problem, including hormonal changes in the body, excessive stress, toxins, thyroid problems and use of birth control pills.

Often melasma is mistaken for freckles or age spots. But brown spots on the face due to melasma typically will be larger, darker and have irregular shapes.

Method 1: Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) contains a large number of antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and sun damage to your skin.

Note: GSE contains citric acid. Do a patch test 24 hours before starting application to check for any adverse reaction.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply grapefruit seed extract on the melasma patches apply grapefruit seed extract to get rid of melasma

Apply grapefruit seed extract to fight off free radicals and sun damage causing dark melasma patches

Directly apply grapefruit seed extract on your melasma patches.

Wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes.

Gently pat dry your skin with a soft cloth.

Apply GSE every other day until all the brown patches on your skin have cleared up. You will see a visible reduction after 1 week of regular application.

If the GSE stings your skin a little, you can dilute 5 or 6 drops of GSE in 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil.

Method 2: Castor Oil

Castor oil contains rinoleic acid that helps reduce melasma patches. Additionally, this sticky oil is high in vitamin E, which helps heal your skin naturally for a youthful glow.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply castor oil on the patches at night apply castor oil to get rid of melasma

The rinoleic acid in castor oil helps reduce melasma patches

Clean your face using a mild face wash.

Apply castor oil directly on the melasma patches and leave it on overnight.

Wash it off in the morning with cold water.

Do this every night and your melasma patches will be visibly reduced after 7 to 10 days. Continue applying it until your skin is restored to its natural shade.

# Castor Oil, Honey and Lemon Face Pack

Things you’ll need to use castor oil to get rid od melasma

Castor oil (reduces and fades melasma patches) – 1 tablespoon

Lemon juice (natural bleaching agent) – ½ teaspoon

Honey (heals and moisturizes skin) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine castor oil, honey and lemon juice in a bowl

Combine castor oil, honey and lemon juice to get rid of melasma

Combine castor oil, honey and lemon juice

Pour 1 tablespoon of castor oil in a bowl.

Add 1 tablespoon of honey as well.

Finally, add ½ teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Step 2. Mix well and apply it on the skin patches

Apply the mix once every three days to get rid of melasma

Apply the mix once every three days

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

Wash your face to remove all dirt and grime accumulated during the day.

Gently pat dry your skin with a soft towel.

Use a clean brush to apply the pack on your face or wherever there are brown patches.

Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.

Apply this face pack once every 3 days for at least 2 to 3 weeks, or until the brown patches have completely disappeared.

Method 3: Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can be used for a variety of health and beauty purposes. This elixir has a high content of acetic acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent.

Applying diluted apple cider vinegar can help get rid of melasma patches, leaving you with a uniform skin tone.

Step 1. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water

Dilute apple cider vinegar in water to get rid of melasma

Dilute apple cider vinegar in water

Pour ¼ cup of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a bowl.

Add an equal amount of water to dilute it.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2. Apply it directly on the problem areas

Apply diluted apple cider vinegar on the patches to get rid of melasma

Apply diluted apple cider vinegar on the patches

Apply this solution directly on the affected skin.

Let the solution air-dry on its own.

Wash it off with lukewarm water, then gently pat dry your skin with a soft towel.

Do this once daily to fade dark brown patches on your skin. You will see visible lightening of the skin after 2 weeks of regular use.

Method 4: Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is highly effective as a bleaching agent and is used in several commercial skin-bleaching creams. Hence, you can use 3% diluted food-grade hydrogen peroxide on your skin to get rid of melasma patches.

Step 1. Dilute hydrogen peroxide dilute hydrogen peroxide with water to get rid of melasma

Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water

Pour ¼ cup of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide into a bowl.

Dilute it by mixing in an equal amount of water.

Step 2. Apply the diluted solution on the affected skin

Apply the diluted hydrogen peroxide on the patches to get rid of melasma

Apply diluted hydrogen peroxide on the patches

Dip a cotton ball into the solution and apply it directly on the dark patches.

Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

Wash it off with lukewarm water, then gently pat dry your skin.

Repeat every other day for 2 to 3 weeks to fade and reduce melasma patches on your skin.

Method 5: Lemon Juice

Lemon juice acts as a powerful bleaching agent. The best part is that since it is natural, you do not have to worry about the possibility of skin damage as opposed to commercial bleaching agents.

However, if you have extra sensitive skin, perform a simple patch test before you begin regular application to get rid of melasma. Also, lemon juice makes your skin highly sensitive to sunlight, so use this remedy in the evenings or at night.

Note: As lemon juice contains citric acid, do a patch test before beginning regular application on your skin.

Single-Step Treatment: Squeeze out fresh lemon juice and apply it on the skin patches

Apply fresh lemon juice to get rid of melasma

Apply fresh lemon juice on melasma patches

Squeeze out fresh juice from a medium-sized lemon.

Apply it directly on the patches with a clean cotton ball.

Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with water.

Gently pat dry your skin with a soft cloth.

Apply lemon juice daily for 2 to 3 weeks, or until the melasma patches have completely faded.

Method 6: Chemical Peel

Chemical peels have also been used successfully to treat and fade melasma patches.

Chemical peeling refers to a process in which a strong chemical is applied to the skin. This chemical causes regulated or controlled destruction of the epidermis, which in turn causes exfoliation and removal of the uppermost layer of the skin.

Ask a dermatologist for chemical peeling to get rid of melasma

Ask a dermatologist for chemical peeling

As the damaged skin is removed, you will soon see regeneration of a fresh skin layer that will be free of patches or dark spots.

Alpha hydroxy chemical peels that are performed by using glycolic acid have proved to be most effective in treating melasma in dark-skinned patients. You have to set up an appointment with a dermatologist to get this done. Do not attempt to do a chemical peel by yourself at home.

First, you must do a test peel to determine your body’s reaction to the applied chemical.

If the test is successful, the chemical peel can be applied to the skin patches for a duration of 3 to 5 minutes.

After application, the peel is neutralized using water or 1% bicarbonate solution.

Repeat once every 2 to 3 weeks to successfully treat melasma.

There are also other chemical peels that are used to get rid of melasma. Consult a good dermatologist to find out which chemical peel is best suited to your skin.

Tips

Wear a hat to protect your face when you go outdoors during the day. Also, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on any exposed skin.

Avoid waxing, as it can irritate your skin and cause increased melanin production leading to melasma.

Taking fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent and repair sun damage on your skin. Cod liver oil capsules are an excellent source of these beneficial fatty acids. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Eat foods that are rich in folic acid, such as dark leafy greens like spinach; green vegetables like asparagus and broccoli; whole grains like brown flour and rice; and lots of fresh fruits.

Include white meat like chicken and lots of seafood in your diet.

Increase your consumption of foods containing copper, such as coffee, almonds and avocados.