Do you suffer from brown patches on your skin that refuse to go? If these patches are not bothersome in any way, you could be suffering from Melasma – a skin condition that barely has any symptoms, but can make you feel ugly and mar your smile. Often caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, once afflicted, even a generous application of sunscreen will not help!

But fret not – there are a number of home remedies that can treat melasma. Are you interested in knowing more? Read on!

Melasma – An Overview:

Melasma is a condition where the skin suffers from hyper pigmentation, affecting mostly women (1). As per the data of American Academy of Dermatology, it affects nearly six million people in the USA alone. Often confused with age spots or freckles, melasma creates irregular and darker spots. The discolored skin is often blue-gray and brownish. Affected skin regions are forehead, chin, upper lip and cheeks.

What Leads To Melasma?

Melasma happens mostly in women in their reproductive age. Mostly women hailing from Middle Eastern countries, Asia, and Latin regions get affected by this condition. The major causes of Melasma are:

Uncontrolled Exposure To Sunlight:

This is possibly the biggest cause of melasma. Women with a genetic predisposition to melasma get afflicted with the condition when they expose themselves to sunlight a lot. Given the fact most women develop melasma in the scorching days of months – it is a prominent factor.

Pregnancy Induced Skin Discoloration:

In pregnancy, women undergo several unprecedented physiological changes, and the hormonal secretion levels change rapidly. Such women get enhanced levels of progesterone and estrogen in second and third trimesters. Elevated levels of progesterone may be a cause behind pregnancy induced melasma – also known as chloasma. Even postmenopausal women exposed to progesterone hormone replacement therapy become prone to this condition (2).

External Products:

Medications and skin products that irritate skin and affect melanin development may lead to melasma. Usage of some oral contraceptives and skin care products may pave way for the onset of this condition.

Treatment Options For Melasma:

There are a number of treatment options for melasma that the affected lot can avail nowadays. A majority of doctors and skin specialists recommend using 2% HQ creams and OTC products like Porcelana and Esoterica. There are some prescription medications available for treating melasma as well. However, using HQ treatment results in side effects in some individuals and they experience skin irritation and further darkening of the spots.

Some people opt for advanced procedures like chemical exfoliation and laser therapy. Procedures like microdermabrasion are also used in some instances (3). Laser therapy brings short term results and sometimes it can be detrimental. That makes many melasma victims opt for natural and home remedies.

Home Remedies For Treating Melasma:

While melasma does not lead to severe illness or fatal conditions, the dark spots on the face and skin can affect confidence and looks to a great extent. Owing to side effects of medications and chemical treatments, a lot of victims are now considering applying natural and home based remedies. These remedies are found nearly anywhere, and you can locate several of them in your kitchen cupboard or refrigerator!

Below listed are the top 15 home remedies for treating melasma:

1. Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice has been used since ages for improving skin texture and treating skin problems. It works as a natural astringent and the light acidic property helps clear the skin patches to an extent.

You will need to extract the juice of a lemon and then apply it to the melasma affected skin gently for a few minutes. Let the juice dry on the skin and then wash off with warm water. If you do this on a daily basis, the improvements can be felt within a month (4). It is also beneficial if you apply a mixture of yogurt and lemon juice on the brown skin spots.

2. Turmeric:

Turmeric is another herb that has been used since ages to improve skin health and add a glow to the skin. Besides, it has several healing properties that keep your body healthy. It contains curcumin – an ingredient with proven skin-lightening and antioxidant properties.

You will need to take some raw turmeric and grind it for the best results. However, you can also use organic turmeric powder. Mix the paste or powder with some milk in a bowl. You should ideally use whole milk since it has calcium and lactic acid. After adding a dash of gram flour to the mix, you should apply it to the areas affected by melasma. Let it remain on the skin for some time and wait until the skin feels a little stretched. Now, rinse off using warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth or towel. Do this daily to see improvements in skin texture.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is widely used to improve hair health, but it can also be used to fade the skin patches due to melasma. Its acetic acid works as a natural bleach on brown skin patches. It also helps make your skin radiant.

You will need to mix water with apple cider vinegar in equal amounts. Apply this mix to the areas of the skin affected by melasma and let it dry. Later, wash off with water and pat dry. Do this once every day to get the desired results.

4. Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is known as a wonder plant that has excellent hydrating and healing benefits for human skin (5). Its mucilaginous polysaccharides help alleviate signs of hyperpigmentation caused by this skin ailment. Aloe Vera gel also aids in boosting skin cell regeneration.

You can either prepare Aloe Vera gel from plant leaves at home or buy the gel from shops. Apply the gel to the affected area of the skin and massage for a couple of minutes. Rinse using lukewarm water afterwards. It is also okay if you let the gel soak in overnight.

5. Onion Juice:

Onions found in every household kitchen can help you fade melasma skin spots. Its sulfur-containing compounds help fade away the discoloration on your skin.

You will need to chop 2 onions. Use a blender to make juice and mix the juice with apple cider vinegar of the same quantity. Dip a cotton ball in the mix and apply on your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse off using water. You may apply it two times a week for best results.

6. Oatmeal:

Oatmeal has excellent exfoliating properties, and it can be useful in fading brown skin spots caused by melasma. It also helps clear skin complexion.

You need to mix milk, honey and oatmeal powder tighter and form a thick paste. Then apply the mixture to the brown patches on the skin. Wait for a few minutes and then rinse off with clear water. Pat dry skin with a soft towel. This can be done thrice every week.

7. Almonds:

Almonds are quite nutritious, taste great and they are also good for treating several skin ailments including melasma. They are rich in protein that helps in skin lightening. Almond’s vitamin E also helps prevent skin pigmentation.

You will need to blend powdered almonds and honey to make a creamy and thick paste. Now, rub the mixture on skin areas that have brown spots. Wait for half an hour and then rinse off with water. It can be done three times per week. You can also mix milk with almonds and apply to your skin in the same way.

8. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes are replete with nutrients, and they work well for healing skin ailments (6). They contain vitamin C and lycopene, a pigment that has beneficial properties.

You can eat tomatoes daily and also apply cut tomato slices directly on brown patches caused by melasma for the benefits.

9. Peaches:

Peaches are replete with vitamins A, E and C. They are all beneficial for skin health, as studies have shown.

You can mash a peach and mix it well with yogurt to make a natural mask. Apply this mixture on melasma spots and let it dry. Wash off with water.

10. Horseradish:

Horseradish is effective in fading skin spots, including those caused by melasma. It has natural bleaching ingredients that help combat skin discoloration in a gentle manner.

You will have to cut fresh horseradish into slices that can be rubbed on the areas affected by melasma. Let the juice dry out and then wash with water. This can be done once every week. You can also mix horseradish powder with sour cream and apply it to the affected area. Wash off with lukewarm water and then let it dry.

11. Papaya:

Papaya is used to make various skin masks and packs, and you can use it to lighten the marks created by melasma as well. The fruit’s natural active enzyme, namely papain, acts as a nice skin exfoliating agent (7). Applying papaya to melasma affected skin also helps add a glow to the skin and improves skin health.

You can apply mashed papaya on brown skin patches. Leave this on for 15 minutes and then wash with water. For better results, you can blend half cup shredded and mashed papaya with honey and apply it to your skin. Wash off after some time.

12. Cocoa Butter:

The cream-colored extract obtained from cacao bean has proven skin nourishing properties. It has been used for a long time in the skin care industry. It is also effective in treating skin pigmentation related ailments.

You should wash the affected skin parts with warm water. Do not use soap, and instead pat dry the skin with a soft towel. Now, apply pure cocoa butter on skin and massage slowly with fingers. With daily application, brown skin spots will start fading.

13. Cucumber Juice:

Cucumber is rich in nutrients, keeps you hydrated, and its application can help in fading skin hyper-pigmentation. You can apply its juice on the affected spots for relief.

You need to blend a cucumber in grinder and make juice. Apply it with cotton balls on the spots. You may also blend this juice with lemon juice and apply on melasma spots for better results. You can even eat cucumber for good results in this regard.

14. Banana:

Banana is a tasty fruit that is loaded with energy and nutrients. It can also be used for skin benefits in a number of ways. You can use it for fading out melasma patches too.

You will have to take a ripe banana and mash it up. You may also make a puree using a blender. Apply the sticky mashed banana on the skin. Let it dry out, and then rinse with warm water. You may also mix honey and banana for this purpose.

15. Sandalwood:

Sandalwood has been favored since ancient times for skin care needs. It works as a natural skin-lightening ingredient. People suffering from melasma can use sandalwood paste for relief from skin pigmentation.

You will have to mix sandalwood power with equal amounts of milk, lemon juice and turmeric powder. Make a thick and creamy paste. Apply it on the affected skin areas. Allow it to dry out and then rinse with water. Try it 3 times every week.

Points To Keep In Mind:

While applying home remedies made with natural herbs, fruits and plant extracts can help fight melasma, you also need to be careful about a few things.

• The most important thing melasma victims need to do is avoid exposure to sun for a long time (8). Use protective attire and apply sunscreen when you need to go out.
• It is also necessary to check if any medications or skin care products you use are leading to excessive melanin generation – which can cause hyperpigmentation.
• Along with home remedies, it is important to keep a tab on your diet as well. Try to include foods rich in vitamin C and folate in your diet for good results. You should ideally eat plenty of citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and almonds. Evade eating foods that contain copper.

With these handy tips and a combination of the above mentioned remedies, melasma will no longer keep you in the confines of your home! Try them and soon you will be walking out with glowing skin again!

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by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE