Melasma is one of the most common skin conditions. Melasma also means skin hyperpigmentation. There was one study done by the American Academy of Dermatology in which is estimated that melasma is affecting 6 million people in the United States of America and it is more common in women than men. This condition interferes with the natural color of the skin and it leads to the formation of brown patches on the face.
The main cause for this condition is the excess melanin production in the skin cells which is caused by the excessive sun exposure. But also there are other factors that could lead to melasma such as use of birth control pills, thyroid problems, toxins, excessive stress and hormonal changes in the body. There are many cases when melasma is mistaken for age spots or freckles.
But if you have melasma, then the brown spots on the face will be larger, darker and they have irregular shapes. These brown spots on the face are a beauty concern for many people but there are many treatment options and medicines which are available in the market. Before you start using some of this type of treatment, you should bear in mind that they have side effects.
Also there are many home remedies which you can use for the treatment of melasma because they will restore your skin color and they will not cause any side effects. Talk with your doctor if you suffer from melasma before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies for melasma. When you are using some of the below mentioned home remedies for melasma, you should limit your exposure to the sun for prolonged periods. Also when you go out, you need to use sunscreen because this protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.
Melasma Home Remedies
Oatmeal: This is an amazing natural exfoliating agent that can remove the brown spots on your face and they will dissolve dead skin cells which can give you brighter and glowing skin. You should mix together one tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of milk and 2 tablespoons of oatmeal powder. You should apply this home remedy on the affected area. You should wait for twenty minutes and then rub off this mixture using water. You should pat dry your face with a clean towel. You should do this process 2 or 3 times per week in a period of month.
Aloe Vera gel: Aloe Vera gel has mucilaginous polysaccharides which can alleviate the hyperpigmentation and they will restore the original color of your skin. Also it can remove dead skin cells and it can promote regeneration of new skin cells. You should cut open an Aloe Vera leaf and extract the fresh gel from it. You should apply this gel thoroughly on the affected area and you should gently massage it for 1 or 2 minutes. You should let it stay there for fifteen to twenty minutes and then wash it off using lukewarm water. You should follow this natural treatment two times per day in a period of few weeks.
Onion juice: This is also a very effective home remedy which can help to restore the natural skin tone. It has a range of sulfur – containing compounds which can fade dark patches or discoloration on the skin. Also this home remedy can provide nourishment to the skin cells. You should finely chop 2 – 3 onions. You should put them in a piece of cheesecloth and squeeze it to extract the juice. You should measure the onion juice and then mix it with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar. You should apply this natural cure on the affected area using a cotton ball. You should let it stay there for twenty minutes and then wash it off using warm water. You should follow this natural treatment two times per day in a period of few weeks.
Turmeric: This home remedy can help to reduce the skin’s melanin and it can help to combat the melasma. Also it has active ingredient known as curcumin which has skin – lightening and antioxidant properties. You should mix 5 tablespoons of turmeric powder with ten tablespoons of milk to make a paste. It is the best choice to use whole milk because it has calcium and lactic acid which can soften and exfoliate the skin. You should add one tablespoons of gram flour to thicken the mixture. You should apply this paste on the affected area. You should let it dry for twenty minutes. Then, you should rinse it off using warm water and then pat dry with a clean towel. You should repeat this natural treatment on daily basis because it can help you to have the best results.
Apple cider vinegar: It has acetic acid which is making it a powerful bleaching agent and it can help to remove spots and this will make your skin much smoother and more radiant. You should mix together equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar. You should apply this home remedy on the melasma spots and allow it to dry. You should rinse it off using lukewarm water and pat dry your skin gently. You should follow this natural treatment once per day.
Lemon juice: This is a natural skin lightener and it has astringent properties. It has acidic nature which can help to remove the outer layer of the skin and this will eliminate a layer of the hyperpigmented skin. You should extract the juice from one fresh lemon. You should apply this juice on the affected area and you should gently rub it around for 1 or 2 minutes. You should let it stay there for twenty minutes before you rinse it off using lukewarm water. You should follow this natural treatment two times per day and you will notice improvements within 3 weeks.
Horseradish: This is also very effective home remedy for melasma. It has bleaching property which can bleach out any kind of discoloration of the skin in which melasma is also included. You should cut horseradish into slices and you should rub it gently on the affected skin. You should allow the juice of horseradish to dry on its own. You should rinse it off using lukewarm water and you should pat dry. You should repeat this natural treatment once per week until the brown patches fade away. Also you can mix 2 tablespoons of horseradish powder to one cup of sour cream. You should apply it on your skin and let it stay there for 3 minutes. Then, you should wash your face using lukewarm water. You should do this natural treatment once per day until you see improvements in your condition.
Almonds: Almonds are having high amounts of protein which has a skin – lightening effect. Also they have Vitamin E which can nourish the skin and it can remove discoloration. You should mix one teaspoon of powdered almonds with enough honey to make a thick paste. You should gently rub this paste on your affected skin and you should let it stay there for thirty minutes. You should rinse it off using lukewarm water and then pat your face dry. You should do this natural treatment 3 or 4 times per week until you see improvements in your condition. Also there is another option and that is to grind 5 soaked almonds with enough milk to make a fine paste. You should add one teaspoon of honey to it and then mix it well. You should apply this paste on the affected skin before you go to bed. You should let it stay there throughout the night and then wash it off using cold water in the next morning. You should use this home remedy on daily basis in a period of 2 weeks.
Sandalwood: This is also a very effective skin – lightening ingredient which can enhance the skin complexion and it can reduce signs of melasma as well as other types of blemishes. You should mix equal parts of lemon juice, whole milk, turmeric and sandalwood powder to make a thick paste. You should apply this paste on the affected skin and then you should allow it to dry on its own. You should splash some water on your face to moisten the mask and then scrub it off in circular motions. You should rinse it with more water and then pat dry. You should follow this natural treatment 3 or 4 times per week until you get the desired results.
Papayas: Papayas have an enzyme known as papain which is a natural exfoliating agent and it can help to eliminate dead and damaged skin cells. You should mash a ripe papaya to get a paste – like consistency. You should add 2 tablespoons of honey to ½ cup of mashed papaya paste. You should apply it as a mask over the affected skin area. You should let it stay there for about twenty minutes and then you should rinse it off using lukewarm water. You should follow this natural treatment once per week in a period of several months.
