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Melasma Cures
"Melasma (also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy when present in pregnant women) is a tan or dark facial skin discoloration. Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications. It is also prevalent in men and women of Native American descent (on the forearms) and in men and women of German/Russian Jewish descent (on the face).
The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, upperlip, and forehead. These patches often develop gradually over time. Melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration." (Wikipedia)
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Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
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TED'S REMEDIES
07/11/2006: Denise writes: "I need help in finding a remedy for melasma. I have tried numerous products synthetic and natural. There must be a combination out there that will fade this and age spots. Please let me know if there is help out there. I prefer to use natural products."
RepliesTed from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "First, melasma is a case of hyperpigmentation of the skin caused by hormonal imbalance, and is usually found but not exclusively in women on hormone replacements and pregnancy.Since excess hormones is at issue, the most common problems I have seen people with this condition is oxidative damaged caused by hormones as it tends to cause condition of the skin to hyper-repair, such as when you have a cut or scrapes on your skin. When it does that the skin gets dark from the scars. When the skin cells get damaged, the skin tend to be darker. The condition is really opposite of tinea, which is relatively well understood, and it causes the lack of pigmentation. This is due to the acids which is produced by the fungus that destroys the excess skin pigmentation. These are more than enough clues to know where the treatment is going.
For one thing, when your body have excess hormones, the best way to get about that (besides reducing excess hormones if you can), is that since excess hormones causes excess oxidative damage to the skin, the skin goes on hyper activity. As a result oxidative damage is the cause. Therefore you need obviously, antioxidants. Since the skin is on hyper the body's demand to build collagen goes on hyper too, therefore, you need a supportive supplements which supports that too. Since vitamin C enchances collagen production as well as being antioxidant, it would therefore be logical to take a large does of vitamin C and other antioxidants, in particular, selenium, silicon magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E.
It has been my experience that when oxidative damage does occur (and it usually does) the body's sugar levels and fat metabolism is at risk. Therefore taking lecithin appears ideal to handle the body's ability to remove excess oxidants and fats when the body is hyper. When that happens, skin pigmentation is reduced.
It would also appear, possibly that by washing the skin where there is melasma using vinegar and/or apple cider vinegar would help as this is acid, removes excess oils would help suppress hyperpigmentation as mentioned in the case of tinea and this can theoretically be a supportive therapy to do that too.
Licorice extract obviously will reduce hyperpigmentation as it is a common skin whitening agent and this supportive therapy will also reduce excess hyperpigmentation. It is quite common when hormone is in excess that the adrenal exhaustion appears a possibility, so taking some licorice extract, one teaspoon to 1 tablespoon for only a week would also alleviate the condition too.
There are many ways I deal with melasma, one way was for me to mix evening primrose oil, vitamin E, together with some aloe vera oil to help reduce the darkening or excess skin (pigmentation) also. Of course, this is not done everyday, I do it maybe once a week. It helps smooth out the skin and reduce the hyperpigmentation too.
These are only one of the many ways you can deal with melasma. There are other ways, but this should handle most people with this conditon, assuming of course it is not a severe one and that would take much longer to heal and treatment is more difficult."
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Ted from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "Your melasma depends on what kind you are taking about. If it is aged spots or liver, Vitamin B3 niacinamide (nicotinic acid) NOT niacin, will dissolve the age spots on your skin. It must be done long and frequent enough, about 3 months. I make it stronger by adding a 10% DMSO solution and water and added maybe 20% niacinamide to apply to the skin. Of course, for me one single application does it, but that is more like getting dead skin cells out, and age spots take a while longer.Now another kind of melasma is fungus related. once we know the organism then treatment should be quite simple enough. A boric acid solution maybe 10% enough can be done and applied onto skin should kill it. Of course, at the time my friend had melasma, I have her lavender oil + tea tree oil, to be applied frequent enough throughout the day. It takes about a month of application before the melasma will reduced, but you should notice improvement within a week. A weak copper chloride solution of 5% applied onto skin might also help too. Copper is fairly toxic to the fungus."
08/17/2009: Emma from Toronto, Ontario, Canada replies: "Ted, thanks for your suggestions. Could you provide a bit more advice on your niacinamide recipe? If you are making up a face mixture using powder from caplets - how much would you use. The caplets I have come in 500mg. I might try mixing it up with my licorice extract powder into a mask. Thanks for any advice and will let you know how it goes. Emma"
11/12/2010: Chng from Singapore replies: "Hi, I'm new to this site and I have hyperpigmentation problems on my upper cheeks. I would like to try the niacinamide paste on my face. But wouldn't it be better to consume it orally?
Please advise. Thanks, Chng"
12/14/2011: Facelift from Kuwait replies: "I read with interest the remedies and success of some on their treatment of melasma/dark patches. I'm inspired and hopeful but cannot help but wonder if over 12 years any damage due to any cause would have corrected itself by now?If it's an excess of hormones (estrogen?) would menopause help to fade the mask? If it's sun damage would skin not have "changed" by now.. 12 years on? Is there still hope with these bleaching techniques? Topical ACV, horseradish, vit E, C and antioxidants in diet?I hope so....
Thank you all .. I hope I get your results too."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 07/21/2010: Crazydogjack from New Castle, Pa, Usa writes: "Hello Everyone,
An update to my previous posts on my melasma condition. I was and still am using a product ____24. In addition I am still taking vitamins on a daily basis. Just recently my melasma came back with a vengeance. . . All my fault. I went on vacation to the beach and layed in the sun with sunscreen every day. I wanted a nice tan so badly. Well needless to say my melasma kicked in full gear. I came back to Earth Clinic for help. I tried the acv on my face in the evening before bedtime. This is only my second day and the spots are all fading! After I wash my face, I dip a cotton ball in water acv and put it all over my face. I cannot believe the improvement in just two days! Thanks Earth Clinic contributors! I will keep everyone posted on my progress."
Replies[YEA] 08/18/2010: Crazydogjack from New Castle, Pa, Usa replies: "This is in follow up to my post dated 7/21/10. Well I am happy to report that my melasma is gone. I also got rid of a little mole on my cheek. It only took 4 weeks to get rid of the melasma and only 1 week to get rid of the mole by using Apple Cider Vinegar on my face every evening before I went to bed. I still use the __ __ 24 cream during the day on my face as I am a big fan of this product. I also still take selenium, zinc and other vitamins that support thyroid function and hormonal imbalance since I believe this is why I ended up with melasma in the first place. My skin looks so nice now. Friends and relatives have noticed a huge difference and say I look younger and my skin looks radiant. I wish I would've know about the ACV 2 years ago when I went on my mission to get rid of this dreaded skin condition. I could've saved myself hundreds of dollars! The combination of the ACV daily wash and taking vitamins (healing from the inside out) that support healthy skin such as C and E are key. Best of luck to everyone!"
08/19/2010: Tracey from Gainesville, Fl replies: "Glad to hear of your success. Could you tell me what is in the 24 product and where can I get it? Also how much selenium & other vitamins? Thanks for sharing"
08/24/2010: Angel from Syracuse , In replies: "What is the name of the 24 cream you are using and what all vitiamins are you taking?"
12/31/2010: Kkd from Surrey, B.c. Canada replies: "What is the product 24 that is being referred to. I'm interested because I'm also trying to get rid of my melasma. Thx."
02/26/2011: Stephanie from Stafford, Va replies: "I went and bought ACV to try on my melasma. Do I need to dilute it or rince it off after?? I have suffered with this for almost 5 years! It's all over my cheeks and upper lip. I'm going to a Natural Health Store on Tuesday for some GSE and other supplements that I've seen here on EC. I also bought the book that is sold here on EC about ACV. I can't wait to read it!! Hoping this goes away soon!"
03/10/2011: Wowchic from Kingston, Jamaica replies: "I read all the stories posted here 2 nites ago and already my melasma is fading. I do hope it goes away. Can someone tell me how long b4 I c complete results and do I have to use continuously?"
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/12/2011: Baby G from St.elizabeth, Jamaica replies: "This is so awesome! I visited this site 3 nites ago and I already see results, its fading. I just hope it goes away completely. Can someone plz tell me how long it actually takes to clear up totally? I will continue to use and keep you posted with my results!"
04/21/2011: Diana from Yonkers, Ny replies: "I' ve had melasma every since I started Seasonique about 4 years ago. I had melasma on both cheeks and in the winter is not noticeable but when I get in the sun... Watch out. I'm going to try apple cider vinegar and grapefruit seed extract and will let you know who it turns out"
04/28/2011: Maria from Tucson, Arizona replies: "I am hispanic 44 year old female and wish I could post pictures so you can see my dilema with melasma. I also have hypothyroid which has also been a nightmare to manage, I just recently had blood work done to check my levels since I am currently on Levothyroxine 112mcg, and I still feel bad. I have dealing with this for over 5 years and its progressively gotten worse over the years, they are dark brown spots on my cheeks only right now but if I look closely they are appearing on my upper lip now. I am fairly dark, so the spots look even worse. I have had numerous chemical peels, no laser was recommend since my pigmentation is fairly dark they feared it could get worse!! Omg.. So I only use sunscreen now since makeup does not work, believe me I have a drawer full of concealers and they all seem to make me break out so along with the patches I tend to get breakouts as well...I am going to try the ACV today, since I only have white vinegar in the house I tried that last night. I am taking vitamin c, zinc, msm and Isegenix antioxidants. Is what other vitamins should I be taking? I know... I'm a mess!! But its heartbreaking and its the first thing people notice. So I try not to go anywhere except at night when its not as visible and its the only time the makeup will conceal it a little bit. Any tips would be helpful! I love all the posts, been reading them since last night. :)"
05/02/2011: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada replies: "I found this about melasma in one of my newsletters from Dr. Jonathan Wright (Washington state):Both retinoic acid (a natural, acid form of vitamin A) and azaleic acid (a natural component of human skin) can lessen the abnormally heavy pigmentation of melasma, but in 2002 Chinese investigators reported another simple but effective remedy.
The researchers investigated the effects of pycnogenol (a standardized antioxidant rich extract of the bark of the French pine tree Pinus pinaster) against melasma in thirty women with the condition.
After standardized measurements of area and degree of melasma pigmentation, each woman took 25 milligrams of pycnogenol three times daily for 30 days. Both the area covered by melasma and the intensity of the pigment were significantly reduced. The "general effective rate" was 80 percent and no side effects were reported. Other symptoms also decreased during the 30 days, including fatigue, constipation, pains in the body, and anxiety.
The researchers wrote: "To conclude, pycnogenol was shown to be therapeutically effective and safe in patients suffering from melasma."I hope this helps!"
05/03/2011: Maria from Tucson, Arizona replies: "Thanks Bess! I will give it a try, really can't lose right? I'm keeping a journal with photographs and notes. I'm hoping to see success and hopefuly this information will in turn help someone else. I love the sun and living in Arizona, its unavoidable so lots of sunscreens with zinc and hats but now I stay indoors as much as possible :( I will check in later this month to at least let everyone know my progress. Thanks again!!"
05/18/2011: Ellie from Mclean, Va replies: "Melasma caused by BHRT; I've been on BHRT to manage menopause symptoms. I started getting melasma on upper cheeks so my doctor said more estrogen is needed. Now it's just awful and has gotten bigger. I just stopped the hormones and feel awful, I'm doing a Master Cleanse to rid my body of all the unnatural stuff. I've started taking MSM, C, Zinc, Pycogenol, Selenium and Grapefruit seed extract. what else should I do?"
[WORKED TEMPORARILY] 05/20/2011: Janet from Washington, Dc replies: "I am 30 and have had melasma for about 5 years. I think it is from taking birth control and spending a lot of time in the sun. It started as just a strip on my upper lip and now I have brown patches all over my face. I have tried IPL, the blue peel, chemical peels and microdermabrasion as well as many other expensive creams and treatments to get this under control. The results have all been temporary at best. I discovered this site about a month ago and have been taking 2,000 mg of MSM with Vitamin C everyday along with using ACV and hydrogen peroxide topically (not at the same time), taking 50 mg zinc picolinate, 15 drops of GSE in my water every morning, and drinking my own homemade kefir.The MSM and ACV have made my skin very soft and my complexion has cleared up a lot, but I have yet to see a huge difference in my melasma. I have started using my Retin-A and I'm hoping this will help speed up the process. If anyone has any ideas or advice I would be very appreciative. Has anyone had luck with the pycnogenol? If so, where did you get it?"
[YEA] 07/27/2011: Imperialness76 from Orange Park, Florida, Usa replies: "I am happy to announce that after more than five years of suffering with melasma I am watching it quickly fade away. I came across this site, and tried ACV that same night. It burned a bit because I didn't realize I needed to mix half water and half apple cider vinegar. The next night I made the correct mixture. I have been putting it on my face every night before I go to sleep for six nights now.My melasma is fading fast. I make sure to put sunscreen on every morning before going outside so I do not lose any of my progress. I am also planning on buying vitamins to fix it from the inside out. I will report back if it completely disappears. I want to add that I truly hope anyone who suffers with melasma tries apple cider vinegar and water. The Apple Cider Vinegar costs less than three dollars at your local grocery store, and is well worth it. Compared to the prescription creams and doctors visits it pales in comparison. Also, if it doesn't work on your melasma it can be used for other cures or you can eat it with salads etc. So it would not be a waste of money. :) Good luck to all."
07/28/2011: Willtryanythingonce from Long Beach, California, Usa replies: "I would like to thank everyone in this community for posting their stories! I am a 32 year old woman that has suffered from Melasma on her upper lip for 3 months. I know it's not nearly as long as anyone else but as soon as I noticed it, make an appointment with my doctor. I noticed it after being out in the sun for 10 hours without sunblock. I'm going to admit that I wasn't concerned about my skin. I don't even like the sun, but my child plays sports, so this day was longer than usual. I thought I was seeing things. I thought I had dirt on my upper lip! I tried over the counter lightening products to no avail. I was given prescription strength cream and I asked for Retin-A. I used it everyday. At times I thought it was going away, but it was still there! I started applying sunblock every 2 hours while I'm at the park. I apply sunblock when I get into my car. I've even bought hats and STILL it was noticeable.Well, on Monday(today is Thursday), I realized it looked darker! To the point where I'm actually embarrassed!! I was very upset!! I've googles this problem, but it wasn't until yesterday that I came across this site. I read EVERYONE'S posts. I was at the park and I couldn't wait to leave and go by every vitamin that everyone had recommended, but by the time I left, everything was closed. As soon as I got home, I exfoliated and applied organic ACV. I didn't dilute nor did I wash it off. I threw out my HQ cream, but still applied the Retin-A because it works well on fine lines. Well, I wake up this morning and it's actually lighter. I KNOW it's not in my head! There were times I looked in the mirror and gasped! Today, I didn't. I'm already peeling. Don't know if it's because of the microfiber cloth, Retin-A, or ACV, but the skin in lighter underneath. Thank you everyone!! I see a light at the end of the tunnel!"
08/16/2011: Morevilla from Westfield, Ny, Us replies: "I am a 45 years old Latin woman ( from Venezuela ) I had a little spot show on my face a few years ago and I treated it with Laser but didn't work.. It was very small so I ignored it and covered the little dot with make up and was all fine, few months ago I went on Birth Control Pills that caused it to grow and reproduce and it's now there is an ugly dark spot on each cheek... I came to this site last night while surfing the net on my iPod and as soon as I read about the ACV I jumped off the bed and ran to the kitchen, ripped the bottle of ACV from the counter and ran to the bathroom!!! I rubbed it on both my cheeks and then left the bottle in the bathroom where it belongs from now on.... I will keep you posted about how long will take to remove such ugly stains from my face!!! Good Luck all!! I'm sure this will make me very happy.. I have a great feeling about this!! Xoxo
Morella"
11/14/2011: Josee from Trenton, Ontario replies: "Wow! I must say, I've tried and tried everything to get rid of my melasma. ($$$) I'm so excited to go home and try ACV. And vitamins to fix me from the inside out. It starts out small then spreads no matter what you do. I feel positive that this may work. Will take pictures and will repost. PROMISE!!!"
11/29/2011: Rin from Hk replies: "Thank you very much for all the posts on this site..I have melasma since 3 months ago, 3 WEEKS ago I across this site and started using Apple Cider Vinegar and taking antioxidant and MSM, and using cream called ''skin success fade cream''.. I see the difference now, it's faded. I'll post it again soon when they gone completely. Thanks a lot."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, COD LIVER OIL, ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
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[YEA] 08/21/2011: Devyn from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada writes: "7 days ago, after reading some of the testimonies on this site I bought a bottle of Bragg's unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar and started applying it twice a day in a 50/50 solution---half ACV, half tap water---to two stripey melasma marks on my cheeks. Those streaks (which were fairly large and looked like dirt) had been there a year and I was really starting to think they'd remain for the rest of my life, but they're practically gone aready! I'd also started taking Carlson's Cod Liver Oil, Alpha Lipoic Acid and NAC the same day, not to mention the cilantro/chlorella combination someone talked about, so it's hard to say which had the greatest effect really, but I'm assuming it was the apple cider vinegar. (My skin is already about twice as soft and smooth as it was a week ago too, and I've gotten several compliments on how healthy I apparently look... this was probably a combination of all the supplements taken).
Thank you so much for this site, I'll definitely be back regularly in the future!"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, LEMON JUICE
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[YEA] 10/22/2011: Melasma Sufferer from Whangarei, New Zealand writes: "I have been trying the suggested treatment of an equal mix of lemon juice and cider vinegar every night and morning and I want to say thank you very much for posting that cure! I have had melasma for a long time now, and living in NZ it is almost impossible to avoid UV rays as we have such extreme levels. After 2 weeks, I looked in the mirror and I can hardly believe the difference. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, ONION JUICE
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[YEA] 01/10/2012: Lisa from San Jose, California, Usa writes: "A commercial cosmetic product helped erase maybe 50-60% of my melasma. The rest wasn't responding to the commercial product, so I tried MSM, which helped somewhat, but the rest wouldn't go away. GSE didn't seem to work much. Hydrogen Peroxide was starting to help, but then I read it is an oxidant, so forget the H2O2!
I have finally found something that works: A one part to one part solution of onion juice and ACV. I found the recipe on the internet: just put some onion in the blender (I used a garlic press) to get some juice going. Add an equal amount of ACV to the onion juice.
Every evening, I've been pouring about 1 - 2 teaspoons into a little dish and applied it to affected areas with a cotton swab repeatedly until the juice is used up. This takes 10 - 20 minutes. After several days, I used the vinegary onion pulp as a facial mask - left it on for about 20 minutes.
It's been maybe 4 weeks and most stubborn brown spots have faded really nicely. The onion juice apparently helps lift the darkened areas off - and it has vitamin C in it - which seems like an overall healthy thing to be putting on your skin. I bought my second onion a couple of days ago and am looking forward to even an even clearer complexion!"
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APRICOT KERNEL OIL
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[YEA] 08/24/2010: Carla from Summerland, Bc writes: "pigmentation disorder
Apricot Kernel Oil cured my blotchy skin! Use a few drops as your regular face moisturizer.1-2t imes/week for about 6 months worked for me :) I'm 22 and tan very well, but every summer when I would start showing colour the skin on my face would get terribly blotchy. Lots of people told me that it was just the pigment of my skin and there was nothing I could do. My sister who also would get blotchy tanned skin noticed that after using Apricot Kernel Oil as a moisterizer on her face no longer had the same trouble that year. I stared in January and I can gladly say its the end of August and this is the first summer my face has a wonderfully even tan! (I still use sunsrcreen everday of course)"
Replies08/25/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Sunscreen is probably the last thing you should be using unless you have a natural one. The chemicals contained in most other sunscreens seem to cause skin cancer. It pays to be careful.... Nowadays I only use VCO. And if you use sunscreen you don't make Vitamin D."
07/29/2011: Janice from London, United Kingdom replies: "Would you please tell me what is VCO? What sunscreen would you recommend? I currently use La Roche Posay, but that has chemicals too!"
08/07/2011: Carla from Summerland, Bc, Canada replies: "Hello, and thank you very much for your concern. I definately only use natural sunscreen!! When I learned that sunscreen had adverse effects I started taking cod liver oil everyday as a natural sunscreen, and it is absolutely amazing! (it takes about 3-6 months) and I dont burn at all, but if im going to be out in the sun more than usual I put on a bit of natural sunscreen to be safe."
08/08/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "Carla, before the summer last year I read about coconut oil and how good it is in the sun. As soon as it started getting hot I started rubbing it on my skin and I never burnt at all, the same this year! I stay in the sun the same amount of time, which is quite a bit as I am a Southern European, therefore I don't have very sensitive skin and I need more time to make a good amount of Vitamin D but before, at the beginning of the season I did burn a bit, not anymore! But the idea of the Cod Liver Oil is good as well.My husband who is Welsh, fair skin, burns easily and even has a basel cell carcinoma on the top of one ear but he is now taking Cod Liver Oil although he hates taking anything at all. I will tell him that it can help with sun burns as well, he will be happy about that!"
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BETA CAROTENE, OIL OF OREGANO
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[YEA] 04/28/2011: Sarahlynnlee from K.c., Mo, Usa writes: "Okay people, I have been battling melasma for about 2 years or so and it was getting progressively worse by the month! I want to tell you what is helping me. First of all, I have a food journal that I've been keeping for about a year and I write EVERYTHING in it that I eat and what I use on my skin so I can track the changes.
About 3 months ago I had a big patch of my melasma got dark and crusty and then completely went away to reveal normal skin. Then, no more of the melasma went away so I recently went through my food journal to find out what I was eating and what I was putting on my face. The only thing that I could find that I was doing then and not now was eating lots of raw carrots (not sure why). I'm not a huge carrot fan so I started looking online for beta carotene benefits and saw that a lack of beta carotene causes dry skin and other skin conditions. I bought some at the health food store, 25,000 IU and took it immediately. That was yesterday, and no joke today it is much lighter. BUT, before that I remembered reading that melasma might be a fungal condition and I gave my boyfriend a long time ago some oregano oil for something (I can't remember) that he was dealing with. He suggested to me that I try it on the melasma only because it is an anti-fungal oil.
So on the eve of Easter of this year, I took a couple of drops and started rubbing it into only the parts with melasma and OMG, it burned so bad at first, worse than ACV. The burning subsided so I left it on for about 30 minutes or so and washed it off really well. I have to tell you, you should maybe dilute it with another oil, I used argon oil after that painful experience and it helped but still burned a bit. Anyway, yesterday morning I used the oregano oil again in the morning with the argon oil and by yesterday evening, some of my melasma spots are dry and flaking. Before when I had that big patch that went away, it also dried up and fell off. So I think it is either the oregano oil or the beta carotene or both. I'm not going to pick the dry scaly pieces off, I'm going to wait until they fall off. I'll check back in as soon as I notice the difference. I'm hoping a couple of days the skin will slough off. This condition is awful and I too am on the hunt for a solution. I've tried EVERYTHING and I research this every single day. I also want to say that I'm doing the GSE, MSM, ACV and have not seen any real difference with those. Hope this works, I'll check back soon."
Replies07/16/2011: Fernanda from Modesto, Ca replies: "Hi just following up on oregano therapy could you let me know if your melasma has disappeared with the carotene and oil treatments.thank you Fernanda"
07/25/2011: Sarah from Kansas City, Mo replies: "Well, sadly it has not worked Fernanda. My skin was flaking off but there was still melasma under it. I was so disappointed! I'm still struggling to find SOMETHING to get rid of this. I am taking silica because it is good for hair, skin and nails so I thought that it can't hurt. I'm also taking my vit. C, MSM, ACV, etc... and hopefully it will lighten.This has been an awful experience for me as well as so many others out there. There has to be something out there that can get rid of this condition. One thing I will say about the silica is that it makes my skin feel soft but it's still too early to tell if it will help with melasma. I have only been taking it for a week or so. I'll let you know how it works. Thanks."
[YEA] 08/13/2011: Sansash from Puerto De La Cruz, Tenerife replies: "Hi - I just wanted to share with you my 'cure' for melasma. My partner and I recently moved to Tenerife. I have very bad melasma on my upper lip and upper right arm. Since we moved here I have discovered the aloe vera leaf. I have been applying the gel from the leaf morning and night for the past week. The melasma on my upper lip has gone completely and the melasma on my upper arm has started to fade gradually and looks a 100% better than it did a week ago. I used to hide my arms but now I'm wearing short sleeved tops which I never, ever thought I'd wear again. You need the actual aloe vera leaf. Cut a slice off the leaf and slice it open to reveal the gel inside. Rub this on your melasma morning and night and it's really like a miracle the melasma fades gradually. I don't think aloe vera gel in a bottle will work alone as it's not pure aloe vera gel. The plant grows abundantly here on Tenerife but I'm told you can buy it in health food markets or online.. Good luck to you all."
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CILANTRO
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 05/09/2010: ES from Newton, Nj writes: "OK. You need to do a lot of detective work very thoroughly to figure it out, but melasma and copper overload are connected. Search around to find the scientific jargon for it, but copper plays a major role in pigmentation and melanin. Moreover, the copper levels in pregnant women, women on the pill, and when you are premenstrual are higher. Also, it rises with the estrogen. Hello, I've heard many women note what I myself noted. The melasma darkens before your period and lightens after. Copper levels are elevated so makes sense. Now, many people noted MSM, zinc and vit C help when nothing else did. Well, MSM helps purge the body of heavy metals by making cell walls more permeable and releasing toxins. Zinc and vit C are "antagonists" to copper. But that stuff works slowly. I have had mild melasma, darker in summer very light in winter, on upper lip, nose and forehead for past 4 years. Taking MSM recently (10 grams per day) I did notice two things, it didn't darken much in the sun anymore and a 3mm wide x 5 mm long splotch of it vanished from my nose, replaced by normal colored skin.
But this really isn't good enough for me.
So I read up on the copper link and you know, while for the most part I'm extremely strong and healthy, I have had some acne (under control now mostly) some hormonal imbalance, yeast infections, and a few other of the milder symptoms of copper toxicity. OK, well, now let's talk about getting rid of said copper excess.
I read a few people did this and their melasma's gone.
Cilantro - google it - rids the body of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and copper.
I for one, took the pill at two points in my life for 3 years each time (threw my whole body out of whack for a few years after). I used a copper pan for a few years - RIGHT at the time this problem appeared. I drank tap water at the time too, who knows what's in the pipes, and I also smoked cigarettes and drank too much white wine. (Copper is used in process of making white wine). Anyway, I don't intend to never have a glass of wine, nor watch every morsal of food that has copper content, hello I like mushrooms and avocados. Besides, some copper is needed in the body. So thankfully there is a natural way to leech those heavy metals from your brain, blood and tissue.
Buy fresh cilantro, take one quarter cup of it - I put in blender and add cold water and drink it as a juice. Apparently you must take "chlorella" an algae supplement (I take 10 capsules with my cilantro juice) because otherwise you will remove the heavy metals from where they are being "safely" stored and on the way through small intestine etc the metals will be re-absorbed into the body, and will be all over the place. So cilantro brings out the heavy metals but chlorella helps to flush it right on out.
You do this for 3 weeks, no more. It works very quickly. A doctor discovered this cilantro link, apparently something in the cilantro binds to the metal molecules and removes it, causing it to be excreted and flushed out in the urine.
So, I started this a few days ago and my marks are fading fast but I will post back later to let you know my progress because I know how it feels to have this condition, it SUCKS. I'm a beautiful woman, and thank god this year I refused to feel down on myself for this melasma, I now know I still am beautiful. But there's no doubt it sucks to have to wear makeup to cover it, and in flourescent light it still shows up.
I know many people have it much worse than me too.
By the way most copper testing is ineffective because it is often stored deep in tissues so may not show up in the test.
But please, be your OWN judge, go do your research on the following: Copper and pigmentation. Copper melasma. Copper cilantro and chlorella. Copper and estrogen. Copper and pregnancy. Copper and MSM, or heavy metals and MSM.
I hope that this will help people, no-one should feel bad about themselves. Prior to 4 years ago, my complexion was even-toned. I trust it soon will be again. Will let you know how it goes. And hey, whatever happens, I'm sure over the course of my 35 years of life I've stored up some excess of metals, so at least I'll purge 'em out.
PS - make sure whatever chlorella you order is pure and read up on it to find the best brand for you, you can order it online, and as with any supplement it should be processed properly in some way that doesn't mess up the properties (as with everything, I mean, even for example olive oil should be cold-pressed!) but do your research on that OK, I'm not a chlorella expert, I just googled and read up on it and picked what looked like a good product to me. The stuff isn't too expensive. Whatever works. Cilantro is, thank god, cheap! A buck or two for a nice bunch of it at the grocery store. Also, I thought eating that much cilantro would taste bad but surprisingly it doesn't taste like much. Not bitter, not strong, it smells strong but tastes mild. I like it in salsa but never dreamed of drinking a glass of it!!!
God bless (:
ES"
05/20/2010: Vedika from Kolkata, India replies: "Dear ES,
Please keep us updated on your progress. Also I would like to know how you are doing with Chlorella. After reading your post I was researching the internet and read some side effects specially for people with acidity problems. Using Chlorella increases sun sensitivity so use sunscreen regularly if you are not already doing that. I hope this works for you as well as people like me who are suffering with the problem.
Best Wishes
Vedika"
05/21/2010: Cn from Houston, Tx replies: "I am a mother of a 8 yr old and a 3 yr old and on my last pregnancy started noticing more pigmentation on my cheek bone freckles. I consulted with my OB and she said it's normal with the hormonal changes and should return to normal after my hormones regulate themselves. To add to the insult, two years ago I bought pillow covers as well as towels made with COPPER, because they were really recommended by a person at work as anti-bacterial and beneficial to sleep on. Thanks to this blog, I can now trace the link of copper to my melasma! I am a very active 40 yr old mom and professional woman. I use SPF daily but my melasma has worsen and I can not go anywhere without three layers of make-up, I am self-conscious and embarrased by it. I will give the cilantro a try, luckily I like it. I will research the chlorella and will post my results asap. Thank you!"
05/26/2010: Hg from Bay Area, California replies: "Would love to hear an update from ES. How's the cilantro and chlorella working? Is the melasma gone? I've tried so many things,I'm open to trying this. Am concerned about possible side effects of chlorella, though. Please provide update!"
05/27/2010: Rosie from Uk replies: "Hi,
Please can somebody please help me with my treatment of this 'stuff' on my face!?! I believe it to be caused by a reaction to anti biotics (strong ones) about 2 years ago. I did buy Grapefruit seed extract juice but couldnt take the taste so I have tablet form now. I am unsure as to the dose of Vit C I should take as more than 1000mg per day is harmful and how many tablets or the mg of GSE I should be taking. I do wonder if what I have read about copper overload is true to me so I am taking 20mg of Zinc too.Thank you in advance.
Rosie"
06/03/2010: Sumita from Akron, Ohio replies: "While researching Cilantro and Aloe Vera on the internet, I realized that wheatgrass Juice is a very powerful liver detoxifier and helps to flush out heavy metals from the body, without side effects! Side effects occur only when it is consumed in very high amount. Since I live in a small apartment, its difficult for me to immediately start it. Has anyone tried Wheatgrass Juice?"
07/27/2010: Jean from Tampa, Fl replies: "Any updates on the cilantro cleanse and the effect it has had on your melasma?"
10/05/2010: Es from Newton, Nj replies: "Hi - I promised to write again and it took a while but I wanted to make some changes and wait until I had progress to report. I now have BIG patches of healed normal skin on the forehead melasma splotch. Here is what I have done:A) Quit smoking cigarettes 3 months ago. For those of you with melasma who smoke, I believe it can only help to quit. I quit with hypnosis, it was a cakewalk - I feel great and life is VASTLY improved - never goin' back.
B)I quit drinking alcohol also about 3 months ago - candida/copper/hormone connection. No good for melasma. Also quit via hypnosis, also a BREEZE.
C) Currently taking the following supplements daily:
10000mg MSM
1000mg vitamin C
50mg zinc
10 to 15 drops GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)When I started the GSE a few days ago was when I started to see the big patches of healed skin appear literally overnight. Let me be accurate and clear here: I had a solid splotch on my forehead, a solid splotch down my nose, and shading on my upper lip. When I say "big patches of healed skin" I mean, the splotch of light brown pigment on my forehead is about 1. 5"x2" big. Now, splotches of regular healed skin appearing are varied sizes, a couple approx 4mmx3xmm, several 2mmx2mm, and several more measuring 1mmx1mm. This happened on my nose several months ago, making the whole solid mark down my nose disappear leaving only two small faint spots. Upper lip is somewhat faded. Also noticed today the white yeast on tongue vastly decreased. I'm sure I had inbalance of yeast. See the melasma magically appeared a few years ago, at a time when I was rather depressed and drinking alcohol almost every day, and smoking cigarettes. I cut down, but it was too late. Anyway, MSM and GSE are key. The healed skin becomes normal and no sunscreen is needed - the melasma doesn't come back on those areas when you get rid of them with MSM. I know, as my healed nose area melasma never returned even when I was in the sun without sunscreen this summer regularly. The skin that returns to normal remains normal. I will report back on progress but please be patient as I will wait until I have what to report. I do truly believe it is an internal issue and have not bothered with external treatments as I've heard horror stories about it worsening the melasma and I won't dare take any chances with that. I can say I've seen progress. Now lets see how much more progress comes. Hang in there people, sooner or later someone'll find a real cure for this. Staying positive also does help. I will try the cilantro again, but what happened was, I realized it was rather foolish to do the cilantro metal cleanse while continously re-introducing copper & heavy metals into my body with my nasty chainsmoking cigarette habit and several bottles of white wine per week. So I quit the junk completely, continued with the supplements, added GSE and NOW will try the cilantro cleanse again. Whatever works will likely be a combination. Healthy lifestyle, spirit, and mind are a huge plus. ES"
10/07/2010: Akhan from Long Island, Ny replies: "Can you please clarify if you are taking these supplement as described or X3. Also, did you mean to write 10,000mg of MSM? How long did you do follow this routine before you started to see the difference. I would really appreciate your reply."
11/05/2010: Su from Columbus, Oh replies: "Thank you, Es, I appreciate your comments. Please I would like to confirm if you mean 10,000mg MSM or maybe 1,000 mg. Thanks again!"
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GENERAL FEEDBACK
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10/18/2011: Anu from Cleveland, Ohio Usa writes: "Hi I am Anu. Can my melasma be cured with doing kapalbhati and anulom velom prayanams? I have melasma 3 years back. It is on cheeks and I'm also using aloe vera gel pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee help me"
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08/07/2011: Ana from Pasadena, Ca writes: "Melasma: I was glad to see that I am not alone although I do not know anyone that has the melasma problem. Mine is all over my face, but the one on my upper lip really depresses me. I guess tomorrow I will buy the apple cider vinegar and grapefruit seed extract. We'll see... I have also spent tons of $$$$ and I am very depressed about it."
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06/23/2011: Stacy from Melbourne, Australia writes: "@Gita from Ghaziabad, Up, India how does kapalbhati pranayam yoga help cure melasma?"
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03/09/2011: Janjan from Singapore writes: "Please let me know what is the name of the __24 cream use for melasma. Thanks"
Replies04/12/2011: Phantomask from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Hi everyone. I have had melasma for 10 plus years and past 4yrs have been horrendous! Patches are all over, from bilateral cheeks, side of cheeks, and I look like Charlie chaplin. It is so depressing!!!! I tried everything from laser, fraxel, peels, common standard creams, cosmelan, etc etc. My latest mistake is called "chromobright cream" from Raphe lab. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! The website said it was a silky white cream, but a liquid solution came.... I thought i'd try anyway. It burned my skin to a second degree burn!!!! Anyway This happened last week, 2 days after I started on gse, msm, vit c combo regimen. So I am not able to tell if the cocktail treatment is working yet until my burn has completely healed. The cheek areas ( this area was unaffected by the burn) overall seem to be the same... Will keep you posted. I am still hopeful. I have a question for those who have succeeded on gse: AFTER MELASMA DISAPPEARED, DID YOU STOP TAKING GSE? IF YOU DID STOP, DID ANY MELASMA COME BACK ?Thank you! I'll keep you posted on any improvements! Phantomask ( what I look like I'm wearing on both sides except it is a brown-gray mask plus mustache )"
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10/12/2010: Sandra from Detroit, Mi, Usa writes: "I just recently discovered I have Melasma, on my upper lip , depressing!! I came across this site and got alot of good ideas. I believe I got this from getting my upper lip waxed once last year, never again! I just started today with the grapefruit seed extract, and it is pretty nasty tasting but I will do anything at this point. If you have any other suggestion please let me know, I will keep you all posted, Wish me luck"
Replies10/13/2010: Leslie from New Castle, Pa replies: "Sandra, I too had melasma on my upper lip. I believe mine is from a hormonal imbalance so I do take various supplements. I started putting Apple Cider Vinegar on my face at night with a cotton ball. The melasma is almost completely gone and my skin is so soft. I look younger too."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 10/17/2010: Sandra from Detroit, Mi, Usa replies: "It been about a week with the Grapefruit seed ext. and ACV in the am and pm. I think its working a little, it looks a little broken up. I also have started multi vit as well. It kinda hard to say at this point, will see my derm tomorrow and see what he says. Why did I ever get my lip waxed??? I want this gone!! Has anyone tried anything else that worked for them?"
10/18/2010: Leslie from New Castle, Pa replies: "Sandra,
Be patient... It won't go away over night. I started applying the ACV mid July and it took a few weeks for the melasma to fade."
10/19/2010: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Sandra, I've been reading your posts of frustration over melasma. I too, have had melasma all over my cheeks for quite a few years now- about 5. I have tried apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide and creams that claimed they'd get rid of them. Not only were they expensive, they didn't work! Well, I saw changes when I went raw and drank green juices for about 9 months but still it was there- just reduced. I had hoped it would clear it all up because it was such a cleansing diet but no such luck.A little over two months ago, I started making my own kefir from the living grains which I've written about here on EC. I started because of reading about all the benefits which sounded unreal because it lists a long array of them. Well, I have found so many of the benefits to be true. Among them, one of the most profound for myself was that almost all of my melasma is gone and my skin is amazing. If you google kefir and melasma a lot of info comes up about it! It might interest you to do that. At any rate, I just thought I'd share this info w/ you since I can feel your frustration. Just remember it won't work overnight although I have to say it was only about 2 weeks into it that I started to notice its disappearance! Best to you, Lisa"
10/20/2010: Sandra from Detroit, Mi, Usa replies: "Thanks for all your inputs, it helps knowing there are others out there just as embarrased by this as I am. I saw the derm the other day and it is epidermal kind (thank god) and he gave me samples of tazorac and said to use it with the hydrquinone cream. Has anyone used tazorac before, Im a little nervous about the HQ though. I'll keep you updated."
10/20/2010: Sandra from Detroit, Mi, Usa replies: "I forgot to mention that I did have some blood work done the other day as well to check my thyroid and hormone levels, and everything is back to normal so no obvious reason to why this is on my face:("
10/20/2010: Leslie from New Castle, Pa replies: "The hydroquinone cream made my melasma darker. Although my melasma has faded to it being pretty much gone, I am going to also start making my own kefir as Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca suggested in her post yesterday. I researched it and there are so many benefits from it I can't not try it!"
10/20/2010: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Leslie, So glad I inspired you to look into kefir and that you're now willing to try making it! You will be so pleased I am sure. Did you find the living grains? I gave links on my first post on kefir where to find them. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Did you find the site by Dom? He's an expert in this subject Good luck on your journey! Lisa"
10/21/2010: Leslie from New Castle, Pa replies: "Hi Lisa,
I did find someone who is sending me living grains. I can't wait to try it out. I did find Dom's website as well as a few others.... Very informative! I spent a long time researching and I am looking forward to making it! I'll keep you posted on my progress. Thanks again!"
10/21/2010: Sandra from Detroit, Mi, Usa replies: "Hi Lisa
I looked into the Kefir and it sounds interesting. I am just curious on how it tastes, is it sour? I am going to look up how its made and hopefully it wont be a long process. Do you know if they sell the grains in a whole foods store/ health store? I would like to give this a try!"
10/22/2010: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Sandra,To answer your questions about kefir- well, the taste when you're making it yourself can be changed. When it is fresh- right after you've made a batch, it is very mild. It tastes like very mild plain yogurt. If you wish to ripen it, you leave it on the counter for the next 24 hours and what that does is eliminates ALL lactose from it and strengthens the B vitamins that are abundant in kefir. But, also what also happens is it becomes more tangy. If you leave the lid on tight, it also becomes fizzy. So you can decide what you like and apply accordingly.
From what I've learned in my research, the ripening process is traditionally how it was done because it strengthens and builds the B vitamins contained in it. I choose to ripen mine for this reason. I enjoy it in all its forms- fresh, cold, room temp, ripened, flat or fizzy. Also, just knowing all the benefits it has for the body makes it even more appealing to me!
They do sell some kefir starters in the health food stores but they are NOT the same! You must locate living grains which I've written about in a couple of my posts. They're easy to find online and cost anywhere from $10- $15 from what I've seen. Definitely, if you want to make it I would emphasize the importance of using the living grains. Once you buy them you have them for life and they are self-propagating. They can grow very fast if you add a sugar to your milk. I use blackstrap molasses- "they" love it and thrive! As a matter of fact, my son and daughter in law just got their own place and I gifted them some of my kefir grains as my daughter-in-law has really benefitted from taking kefir. She always had terrible stomach and digestive problems and now they're completely gone!
Anyway, hope this info helps! Lisa"
10/28/2010: Sandra from Detroit, Mi, Usa replies: "I just some Kefir grains and have my first batch, a little nervous to try. It was a lttle watery, maybe because its the first batch, we will see. Hopefully it helps with my melasma, if not, make other things right."
[YEA] 12/12/2010: Finally from Charleston, Wv replies: "IF YOU WANT IT TO GO AWAY... APPLE CIDAR VINEGAR WORKS! I read a earlier post a while back about using ACV with a cotton ball, then a few weeks later, I read an article about natural skin care products found in your kitchen. It said if you cannot afford to get glycolic peels try ACV. I apply it directly to the spots with a Q-Tip twice a day, first thing in the morning and when I get home or before I go to bed. You will see the fastest results if you put it on before bed. My skin is aging so I do not put it on before bed every night. But always twice a day. I do not dilute it. I keep the bottle in my bathroom. I also exfolitate every couple days with lemon(natural bleaching power) and sugar. These two things alone, I can tell you, YOU WILL SEE A DIFFERENCE in 2 WEEKS!!!! It is nearly 3 months, and you can "hardly" see it!! :)"
12/13/2010: Veejay25 from Seattle, Wa replies: "WOW!! Thanks so much for the info. I will try this immediately! "
07/20/2011: Ann from Wasaga Beach, On, Canada replies: "when you say "apply" ACV with a cotton ball, do you mean simply pat the skin or do you scrub it into your skin?"
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06/24/2010: After8 from Middlesbrough, United Kingdom writes: "I stumbled across this website yesterday totally by accident and am keen to try non-invasive stuff as I have good skin (apart from the dark patches on my cheeks that make me look ill).
I had been trying a lemon/turmeric masque remedy but the improvement was only very minor.
I have gone out and bought the grapefruit seed extract and also the acidipillis and started this yesterday. Agree that the GSE is totally disgusting - but no pain no gain!!!. I am taking it in Ribena to disguise it alittle, but actually just drink the glass full in one go.
I am going to go and get some white vinegar today and will also combine the above with the white vinegar/raw potate/vit e remedy.
I feel so hopeful and I thank everyone for sharing their experiences.
I will report back if this works."
07/03/2010: After8 from Middlesbrough, Uk replies: "I am a week in trying the GSE and have started to eat more healthily (including fruit and vegetables) which I didn't use to eat much. Can't see any difference yet but realised half way through the week that the GSE when dropped into the glass goes right to the bottom so I am now tipping half the ribena out into another glass. Putting the drops in glass 1 and then tipping the ribena back from the second glass to catch any left. Can only manage 7 drops yet in a glass.Still taking in all the interesting info provided but will see how this goes for another week.
The white vin/pot juice and vit E remedy went out the window as I couldn't stand the smell of the vinegar - can anyone advise how you can get rid of the smell after use - this might make it more bearable?
I thought it worth mentioning my sister had a much smaller amount of pigmentation developing on her cheek. She went to see a skin specialist in our doctors surgery and he said he could resolve this. He has treated her pigmentation with liquid nitrogen. When I saw her yesterday, the pigmentation had gone a lot darker and seemed a little raised, and she said that is what she was told would happen before it actually came off itself - and the skin underneath should be clear. She was advised if it still had a slight pigmentation to it then he could re-do this. Bascially he is freezing the pigmentation (and killing it). The freezing it prevents it spreading which was why she went while it was so small. I haven't seen her today but I hope to catch up with her in a couple of days and will update you soon.
If the GSE doesn't work I plan to go and get assessed to see if he can do anything for me - I think he can tell where he can help.Hope this is useful.
Regards"
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01/06/2010: Christa from Joshua Tree, Ca writes: "I am so happy to have come across this website. The melasma on my face is so depressing. I have done a lot of internet research on this and have a question for anyone willing to answer. Is there anyone with melasma also experiencing health problems like: bladder or yeast infections, ear/throat problems, etc? I have been battling bladder pain/possible infections and now my ears feel plugged and are itchy and now this melasma has gotten 50% darker and has spread.
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!"
06/19/2010: Mary from Melbourne, Victoria Australia replies: "hi, i to am new to the melasma team and am trying natural remedies and at the moment im just using 3 ingredients its been a week and seen results i take carrot juice or tomato juice a glass daily, dab lemon juice on melasma twice daily and i wash my face with white vinegar morning and night so far so good in saying this im a non smoker, ive given up drinking coffee and drink lots of water with daily exercise. i wear sun screen whenever i go anywhere. training the mind to be positive is the hardest part of all. god bless will keep you informed. mary"
09/01/2010: Katuska from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "This is to Christa from Joshua Tree. I too sufferred from yeast infections, hair falling out, muscle problems and melasma which kept getting progressively worse. I did all kinds of research and finally went to a Dr. who practices Chinese medicine. He was amazing! He did diagnose me with having a chronic fungus in my stomach, Candida. It caused havoc to my system and subsequently deposited all kinds of toxins in the bloodstream where my liver became overwhelmed and cause the liver spots which he called them. He put me on a protein and green vegetable diet. He gave me a bunch of Chinese meds and had me drink water only and no no no carbs of any kind. Everthing has cleared up and so has my malasma/liver spots. That was my experience and I've tried everything. Hope this was useful."
09/02/2010: Sandra from Norwalk, Connecticut, Usa replies: "Thank you so much for your post--you have actually confirmed what I have been thinking about candida underlying my problem w/melasma. Could you please share more information about the types of medicines this Chinese doctor gave you. I have been doing a candida diet and lots of liver and colon cleanses. I have also been taking a chinese herb called schizandra and I've been taking Grapefruit Seed Extract 5 times per day. Though it has gotten better and faded, I am still dealing w/it and would appreciate any more information you have from that doctor. Does this doctor do consults over the phone or by email?"
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06/08/2009: Marquis from Scottsdale, Az writes: "I have melasma because of oral contraceptives and it also comes from the hot sun here in AZ. i have skin discoloring from the sun. how can i get rid of this problem? i am naturally light skin. i have the discoloring on my face, sides of both of my arms, legs, and neck."
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05/29/2009: Babs from Los Angeles, CA writes: "Hi! I am new to this group but am so glad I happened to stumble on this group as I was browsing the internet. I have read through most of your posts regarding the treatments for melasma/hyperpigmentation. It has given me some hope and I am going to go out and buy the Grapefruit Seed Extract and MSM today. I had a question about the topical application of either horseradish or hydrogen peroxide. I did the hydrogen peroxide this morning and obviously it is still too early to tell. I have mild melasma (about quarter-sized brownish-grayish patches on my upper cheeks). I have only had this hyperpig for several months and am not quite sure what triggered it. I had developed the same hyperpig back in July 2008 but it seemed to somehow clear up. But I stopped by birth control (after 8 yrs) last August and started bio-identical hormones January 2009 and this developed a few months after. Maybe it is because I kept increasing the estrogen to help clear my skin (acne problems as well) and went from 2-4 drops a day to 18 drops. Now I am back down to 6 drops. So I think I may also be "estrogen dominant" since I was on bc for so long and even though the OBGYN said my estrogen was way low, my progesterone was prob even lower. So I am not sure what caused this melasma/hyperpig. I used a product that had whitening agents in it (kojic acid, Giga White and Arbutin) and no results. I also did two IPLs and it removed it about 90-95% but came back darker about a week later. I am currently on 2% hydroquinone, retinol and niacin (derm recommendation) but am not sure if it will help clear it forever. I am very very interested in the hydrogen peroxide or horseradish remedy. ANy comments on which is better??? How do they lighten the melasma??? Does anyone know if the melasma/hyperpig is actually caused by too much estrogen (like from bc or bio-identical hormones) or from adrenal fatigue (which I think I have for sure)??? Also, how does the GSE work to get rid of the melasma (isn't it if only the melasma/hyperpig is fungus-related or all melasma)? Thanks for the input!"
Replies09/04/2010: Ellie from Washington, Dc replies: "Hi Babs, I have same story as you. Did you ever get responses about Hydrogen Peroxide and Horseradish remedy for Melasma treatment? Mine is also due to bio identical hormones and estrogen, which makes me feel great but causing Melasma which is reallly terrible. Please let me know."
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[QUESTION] 02/09/2009: Chandani from Kathmandu, Nepal writes: "Dear Preet, I read your posts and most of the posts in this site are a little old. I am Chandani from India but I live in Kathmandu, Nepal. the altitude here is very bad. Also Kathmandu is a valley with high pollution. Many many people here suffer from Melasma (walking on the roads u will lots of women with damaged skin). I too suffer from Melasma. I would like to know, do you have any idea if my Melasma will disappear if I move to a place with lesser pollution. Also, does Melasma totally disappear (i.e. gone for good). My Melasma could be due to stress that I have taken in the past or else over sun exposure. I have had a harmonal profile done and everything is totally normal, also thyroid test were normal. Are u still doing Pranayams? How frequently and which all exercises? Has your Melasma disappeared? Please do reply.....Waiting eagerly for a response..."
Replies03/09/2009: Gagan from Ithaca, NY replies: "Hi Chandni, Sorry for being late in replying. I've been caught up with a lot of lab work. Well, I don't think pollution has much to do with it because there are many people I know (like my sister in law) who live in a pollution free area and yet have melasma. if possible, could you email me your test results? (Estradiol, Progesterone, FSH etc.). I think if you find the right remedy, it'll disappear completely. Don't be stressed. I did do Prayanama for about 4 months (it was too cold here afterwards so could not continue). I'll appreciate if you can email me at gks27@cornell.edu and we can talk further.
Thanks and Good luck
Preet"
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GLYCOLIC ACID
12/19/2011: Roseyposey from Youngsville, Nc, United States writes: "I've tried all the cures and then some. My melasma is on both sides of my neck and was horrible looking! I found some glycolic acid online and ordered that and it worked beautifully on my face but not on my neck. So I found some TCA acid online and ordered that and IT WORKED! One side of my neck is completely clear and the other side may need 1-2 more applications. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! CHOOSE WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU! BE CAREFUL AND FOLLOW ALL THE DIRECTIONS! Also, amazon. com has some really good info on these peels as well..."
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GRAPE SEED EXTRACT, VITAMINS
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 08/10/2009: Leah from Sardis, Bc writes: "Hello everyone!
I am 29 yrs old going on 30 in December. I developed melasma about 2 years ago and have been trying to get rid of it ever since. I have it on both cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip. A year ago I tried bleaching creams to treat it.....it didnt work. I thought it was in control over last winter because it was very faint. I left for Mexico in March of this year with of course my 60 spf sunscreen, but 2 days after beeing there my melasma had come out 3 fold and much larger!! I didnt even want to come out of my room. I have been doing alot of reading and have just recently started drinking aloe vera juice and taking 1000mg of grapeseed extract per day along with a multi vitamin and vitamin b. It has been a week and it is working!!!! the melasma on my cheeks has started to break up and on my forhead the size of the patch is getting smaller!! yeah!! I am so excited I hope this works for you! I will try to post another update soon! Leah."
RepliesEC: Please note: Leah is using grapeseed extract, not grapefruit seed extract.
09/08/2009: Leah from Sardis, Bc replies: "Just a little update for you. I am still taking Grapeseed extract, aloe vera juice along with my vitamins. Yes it did make a BIG differnce. The melasma that I did have, broke up and slowly faded, the melasma that I do have is now so faint no one notices! I have even gotten complements on how my skin looks!!
Leah"
10/13/2009: Izzy from Florida replies: "Leah,
Can you give us another update? You're taking 1,000 mg or 100 mg a day of grape seed extract. The pills I have are only 100 mg and I've been taking them 3 times a day for about four weeks. I've noticed nochange. After reading your post, I'm wondering if I should increase the dose and if I should try the juice. Where do you buy the juice. and what
brand of GSE did you buy? Are you still taking it?"
10/13/2009: Preet from Ithaca, Ny replies: "This message is For Leah from Sardis, BcHey Leah,
Could you please tell us what brand of grapeseed extract are you using? I know that we are not supposed to report product names here but I'm bit confused as the Grapeseed extract products that are available come in 100mg caps and are quite expensive as well. Did you take 100mg per day or 1000mg/day. Please let me know!!
Thanks,
Preet"
10/14/2009: Preet from Ithaca, Ny replies: "Hi Izzy,I'm so surprised to see that you asked the exactly same question (see my earlier post) on the same day! Yeah, I could not find Grape seed extract in 1000mg either and I wonder if Leah was actually taking 100 or 1000? Anyway, have you tried Hydrogen peroxide? I'm thinking of trying it. I've also changed my diet and included several supplements. lets see what helps.
I really believe in what Marea from Dallas reported but seems like she hasn't been on the forum for a while. I want to use Grapefruit seed extract but it gives me very bad die off (I think my liver might be quite weak).
Anyway, Good luck with your treatment (may be we should increase the dosage to 1000mg for a week or so? )I dont think it can have any side effects?What do you think?
Preet"
10/14/2009: Izzy replies: "Hi Preet, How funny that we asked the same question -- on the same day. I'm not sure if Leah checks this site anymore so we may not find out exactly what she took. I think 1,000 mg of grape seed extract sounds too high. I've read that too much of it can thin the blood and make it difficult to stop bleeding. I would like to know if taking that muchhelped her. Where is your melasma? Mine is on my upper lip. I have thought about theHydrogen peroxide, but I'm afraid to try it. I have very sensitive, light skin.While I hate the melasma, I may hatea big read upper lip more! How long have you been taking the grape seed extract and what other supplements are you taking? How much grape seed are you taking and for how long? In addition to the grape seed I'm taking 1,000 mg a day of Vit. C. I've been taking both for a month. So far, no results."
10/15/2009: Preet from Ithaca, Ny replies: "Hi Izzy,Thanks for responding. My melasma is on cheeks and nose. I know, I'm scared of trying hydrogen peroxide too but It think I'll still give it a try may be for a small area. I'm taking 100mg of grape seed extract. I just started few days ago but have taken it before with no improvements. I'm also taking EFAs, Lecithin, Vit. A, E, Zn, Mg and Silicon. I just started taking these too (read in a skincarerx forum that these helped someone so thought should try them). I'll actually report to you in few days if my melasma stays lighter before my period that'll atleast tell that these supplements make some difference.
Have you changed your diet at all? I wish you good luck for your treatment. I do feel that you are right in saying that 1000mg 'll be too much. I think we should keep it at 100 or 200mg max. and if it helps, may be overtime we'll see some effect.
Take Care,
Preet"
10/16/2009: Gigi from Brampton, Ontario replies: "Hi Preet,
I am a new member to this forum, but have been following the posts for about a month now. There are great suggestions on this site.Like most of you, I have also tried every single treatment known to humankind, from IPL to melanage peel (three times to be exact). Initially the melasma would lighten for about a month, then return with a vengence! I spend about $10,000.00 in treatments to help get rid of this problem. Sometimes I would sit in my room and cry for hours as this problem was the central focus on my life, I was truly a mess! I then started searching the net for "natural" solutions, and came across the posts from Marea from Dallas...what an angel this woman is! To share her experience, and solution...I pass on many blessings to her everytime I look into the mirror!
Preet, I am also olive skinned, and have used all the lotions, and potions under the sun, and the only thing that worked for me is GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT, not GRAPESEED EXTRACT. I used (and am still using) the liquid, 20 drops from 3-5 times a day, in a glass of water, and don't eat anything for about an hour. At a separate time I take acidopilis, which is "good" bacteria. I also take MSM caps (1000mg) with VITAMIN C (1000mg), 3 times a day (I take these together with meals). Also before bed I take a herbal liver cleanse liquid (which I purchased at Health food store), one large tablespoon. Actually, all these products can be purchased at the local health food store. I am not sure if I can mention that Nutribiotic was the brand for the GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT. My melasma broke up initially after about 10 days of everyday use, and it has been about 3 plus weeks, and my melasma has almost disappeared. I do use sunsreen everyday, SPF 30, as over this amount is only a marketing ploy,and is not anymore effective, just costs more $$$$. I also use NIVEA cream as it has Magnesium sulfate in the mixture, during the day. At night I use Retin A 0.05% cream, as it turns over the cells at a faster rate. I know Marea did not apply any type of topical, and found that worked for her the best. Everyone's skin is different, but this is the regime which worked for me.
Also on another note, HQ over long term use makes the complexion ashy, and some users have found that the melasma returns worse after you discontinue use. Also, more hair growth on area where used was observed. I was a user of HQ for years, and it did not work wonders, only got darker after use discontinued. Has been banned in countries such as Japan, and Europe, found to be a carcinogenic. FDA wanted to ban it in U.S.A. but pressure from MD's and Derms who make a whole lot of business from seeing patients who demand HQ. To everyone reading this post, please do not use HQ!
I hope this helps you! Let me know.
Warm Regards,
Gigi"
10/16/2009: Preet from Ithaca, Ny replies: "Hi Gigi,A heartfelt thanks for sharing this with me. I really do think that grapefruit seed extract can make a difference. When I read Marea's post about Grapefruit seed extract, I purchased it (Nutribiotic) and started using it but it gave me a very bad die off reaction. I know that I used 10 drops/3 times for few days and seeing that it it not doing anything, I think I did 20 drops/5 times a day which gave me a very bad die off (I did not know at that point that it was a die off, only realized later) but your post has definitely given me hope and I'll try that again. I think supporting liver at the same time'll make a huge difference.
I've some specific questions if you don't mind answering!
1)Did you start the liver detox formula at the same time? (I'm sure it has milk thistle in it but can you mention some ingredients?)
2) Did you start on GSE slowly? If you remember could you tell me the details?
3) Did you ever get a die off reaction like flu like symptoms or muscle ache while using GSE?
4) Did you have constipation problems? I'm asking this because I've read so many times that if you try to kill candida with antifungals like GSE and your bowels are not moving 2-3x a day, that may release more toxins in the blood.
5) Did you change your diet like no caffeine, sugar etc?
I'm also taking MSM and vitamic C and liver support formula (just started 3 days ago). I'll really appreciate your answers to these particular questions I've and hopefully I can start on GSE as I've it sitting in my kitchen.
Take Care,
Preet"
10/16/2009: Laughriot from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Gigi, how did you get your melasma? Was it after pregnancy?"
10/20/2009: Leah from Sardis, Bc replies: "Hello ladies!
I am glad to give you another update! yes my melasma has gotten better, in fact its so faded that even I have a hard time seeing where the out lines of the melasma are!! I was taking 1000mg of grapeseed extract. I buy it at my local health food store (you wont find that dose at the drug stores). It is in capsules and found in a white bottle with purple and black writing. Each capsule is 500mg and I take 2 pills at the same time once a day.
I have just recently stopped taking grapeseed extract only because my skin is so much better. I have been off of the grapeseed for about 3 weeks now. It has not gotten worse, although where I am the sun isnt out too much right now it is raining alot and if not raining then its cloudy. I will have to wait untill spring and summer to see if it comes back. I was also told, that if you start taking grapeseed extract a month before all the nice weather starts it could prevent the melasma from comming back. I will have to test that in a few months, but right now I feel great about the way my skin looks. One of the other benifits to taking the grapeseed extract as well as aloe vera juice I have noticed my acne hasnt been as bad. Although it did get a little worse before it got better (the acne) I think it may have something to do with all the cleansing of the body that both grapeseed and aloe do (so Ive heard)..I will keep you posted
Leah"
10/22/2009: Izzy replies: "Thanks for the update Leah! I went to several health food stores and can't find any brands with 500 mg. 100 mg is the largest I saw. Are you sure it was that much? The other question is about the aloe juice. How much did you drink a day? And how long did it take to see results? Please continue to give us updates. Is it completely gone. How did the upper lip respond to treatment, compared to the rest of your face?"
10/23/2009: Gigi from Brampton, Ontario replies: "Hi Preet,
I am more than happy to answer your questions:
1) I took the liver detox (which does have milk thistle),in liquid form, about an hour before sleep, but not with other meds
2) GSE -- I take 20 drops 3 to 5 times a day, don't eat anything for about an hour afterwards
3) Yes, I did get flu like symptoms sometimes, but I think that was from the MSM, not GSE (I am fine now) I think my body was getting rid of a lot of toxins when first started taking the MSM, but now I am fine
4) I did not have any constipation problems. I think this is due to the fact that I take acidopolis (powder form), 1/4 teaspoon, in a glass of water once a day, at separate times than the GSE. The acidopolis puts back the good bacteria, which the GSE may kill (although, it is only a small amount of good bacteria which GSE kills).
5) I am originally from the South Pacific of Indian background, so giving up tea or any sort of caffeine is not plausible (LOL).
I hope this helps you. I know how debilitating this condition can be but believe me, hon, there is hope, don't give up! You have to keep at it, it could take anywhere from three to six months to see visible results (although, some people have seen results before than). You can lessen the effects of the GSE die off, by taking the acidoplis at separate times. You may get some flu like symptoms, but once your body gets used to it, you will be fine. On another note, just make sure you are not allergic to any citrus because if you are DO NOT TAKE the GSE.
Take care,
and keep me posted as to your results.
Warmest Regards,
Gigi"
10/23/2009: Gigi from Brampton, Ontario, Canada replies: "Hi Laughriot,
I developed melasma after a blue light peel. I had a small amount about a dime size on my forehead and was told by plastic surgeon (huh?) to get the blue light peel to lessen the melasma on my forehead. Being young, and naive, I agreed. The procedure involved putting a blue die all over face, and standing in a tube like structure where they shine a light of rays (UV?) on your face for about 15 to 20 minutes.Now when I think about it, doesn't heat make melasma worse? Why would he prescribe this treatment for me? Also, if the melasma was on my forehead why put blue die all over the face? I truly believe I was dupped.
Anyhow, the melasma was supposed to get darker, then disappear. But that didn't happen, the melasma spread all over my face. To my cheeks, nose, and more on my forehead. When I went to complain (in tears) about the results, they told me that they results were not guaranteed for everyone (huh?) But they had not told me this at the beginning. I think they were using me as a test case because of my skin tone.
I wanted to sue them, but in Canada the rules for taking someone to court, and suing them are quite strict. Anyhow, the damage was already done. I then went to see a derm (who put me on HQ and RA). This combo worked well, but once I finished the course of treatment, the melasma came back with a vengeance. I then tried a series of peels, Fractional laser treatments, etc, etc...
Nothing has helped me like the GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT...
Sorry for the novel, but I wanted to give you a complete picture as to my struggle.
Warmest Regards,
Gigi"
10/23/2009: Preet from Ithaca, Ny replies: "Hi Gigi,Thanks for replying. You can see how desperate I'm for a cure. I keep checking this site every few hours to see if anyone has replied or not (I hope this'll be over soon). I've started GSE yesterday (liquid, nutribiotic)..I'm starting with 15 drops twice a day and 'll slowly build it up to 5 times a day (hopefully by next week).
I've taken MSM previously but never had a die off with it but with GSE it was wholw another story. I've also started a liver detox thing. I hope this helps. I'll take it for few months to see if this helps.
I'm from India and know how difficult it is leave chai tea :-) and again, I cannot express in words how grateful I'm to you for taking your time in order to help others like me.
One more question: DId you change your diet? (avoid sugar, flour, wheat etc.)
Thanks,
Preet"
10/23/2009: Crazydogjack from New Castle, Pa, USA replies: "Gigi,
I have melasma also. I do have grapefruit seed extract. How much did you take, how long did it take to work and how did you take it? I've tried drinking it mixed in water or juice and had a difficult time getting past the taste."
10/23/2009: Gigi from Brampton, Ontario, Canada replies: "To Preet from Ithaca, NY: I am so happy that you are starting from the inside out, you will find a difference in your appearance soon. Your skin will become softer, brighter and the melasma will break up, keep at it!
I DID NOT change my diet. I do not eat a lot of sugar, probably only once a week. As for flour, I love chappati's, but I only eat chappati's made of stone ground flour, not refined or processed flour.
Also take MSM with Vitamin C as it is more effective.
Let me know after 10 days how you are coming along.
To Crazydogjack from New Castle, PA, U.S.A: With the GSE (Grapefruit seed extract) take 20 drops 3 to 5 times a day (in glass of water). If you find the taste too bitter, holding your nose and chugging the mixture is the best way to do it. This may sound funny, but it works. Also take Acidopilis (I take the pwdr for 1/4 teaspoon), once a day in water (separate time than GSE), which will replace any good bacteria which may be lost by GSE.
I hope this helps you!
Take care,
Warmest Regards to all,
Gigi"
10/23/2009: Gigi from Brampton, Ontario, Canada replies: "To Crazydogjack fron New Castle, NY: Sorry, I forgot to answer your question about how long it takes to notice results. I noticed results after 10 days, but it may take longer. Everyone is different, but if you follow my regime, I am sure you will find a difference in your skin. The key is to keep at it, don't give up! Let me know if you decide to follow this regime, and the results you have achieved.
Cheers,
Gigi"
10/23/2009: Preet from Ithaca, Ny replies: "Hi Gigi,Thanks for replying so fast, I'll keep you posted through this site. I hope that you'll check this site occasionally. I'll give you weekly updates, so another update next weekend. Today is day 2 on GSE: 15drops/twice a day probiotics/once a day. I'll start MSM tomorrow although I've been taking it semiregularly since a month or so.
I was just wondering if I can get your email ID if I've any questions. I can leave mine here too if thats more convenient.Thanks.
Preet"
10/24/2009: Gigi from Brampton, Ontario, Canada replies: "To Preet from NY: You are on the right track! Just a quick question from me, how do I post my e-mail address so only those who I want to see, can see it?Thanks,
G"
EC: I can send it to Preet if I get her email address... Probably the best (safest) way for now!
Deirdre
11/08/2009: Izzy replies: "Preet, Could you please give us an update?"
11/08/2009: Preet from Ithaca, Ny replies: "Hey Izzy, I just started using GSE on Tuesday so no updates yet but would let you know as I keep at it. Right now, I'm taking 20 drops/5 times a day. Have you started on it yet?"
11/12/2009: Izzy replies: "Hi Preet,Thanks for the update. I thought, based on your previous post, that you were a few weeks into it. Did you stop and then start again? Are you taking MSM or just grapefruit seed extract? For now, I'm sticking to the grape seed extract, vit C, prenatal vit. and vit c serum. I've noticed some lightening -- very little, but some. I plan to finish the bottle I have, which should last until mid Dec. or so. I may then start grapefruit seed. I just don't want to give up on this too fast. I've been off b.c. since late Aug., so that may be the only reason I've noticed the SLIGHT difference. (that and the fact that it's less sunny.) Please keep us updated. I'm rooting for you!"
12/09/2009: Sonu from San Jose, California replies: "To Leah from Sardis BC,
Hello, I just started seeing these dark patches a few weeks back. I was on the bc pill. I discontinued it based on doctor's recommendation. The patches are still growing in size. I don't know when my face transformation will stop. I have patches all over my face ! I am using sunblock everyday without fail.
I want to start using the vitamins and grapeseed extract. Please let me know how much of Aloe vera juice you had every day. Also what vitamins where you taking. ? I would really appreciate that.
Thanks,
Sonu (Shachi)"
12/11/2009: Sonu from San Jose, Ca replies: "For Preet, Ithaca NY,
Hi Preet,
Are you seeing any results so far by following the GSE ? Please let me know.
For Gigi from Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Are you still melasma free. Are you still taking any kinds of vitamins etc."
08/17/2010: Sarah from London, England replies: "Hello all - like everyone else here I'm suffering from Melasma. I first noticed it at the age of 24 (2 years ago) and although I was devasted I was told by my doctor there was nothing I could do and I should just cover it up with make-up. However, after reading all your wonderful posts I'm determined to not to give up. I'm English and very pale skinned (although I tan easily and go very dark in the sun). I have been on the pill for 9 years and also suffer from acne. The pill controls the acne and I'm therefore reluctant to come off it as in my experience the acne was more distressing. I was using Brevoxyl for a long time and I was also a sun worshipper (as it usually helped clear the acne) and rarely wore sunscreen - so there's no surprised why I'm now suffering from melasma. I'm now very keen not to do anything that will damage my skin further - that's my greatest concern. I wear a high sunscreen everyday (even if I don't leave the house). I plan to start on the Grapeseed Extract, Vit C, Zinc and Aloe Vera. I'm getting married in March and am really hoping these marks will fade before then - or at least enough that they can be fully covered. If anyone has any advice or recommendations I would really appreciate it. I'll keep you all updated. Thanks to everyone for all your posts - they've seen me through some hard times and given me hope x"
[YEA] 02/07/2011: America from Arlington, Va replies: "I just want to say thank you to all of you. You are really a true blessing. This website is absolutely my reference for everything I do to cure ailments. The GSE extract, MSM, Vit. C and liver detox have solve my hyperpigmentation problem. Unfortunately for me, I've been using damaging skin care with HQ and after awhile it completely damaged the skin and cause hyperpigmentation at least on dark skin. I have shared this info with two other people and both had success. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart."
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GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT
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07/26/2011: Connie from Slc, Ut writes: "Hi Tina; By the age of 7, I began to realize the importance of appearance to people. My family was especially "insistant" about this to me. It was decided that I was just plain ugly, and that I would not succeed with that quality. My thinking at that time was that, if I excelled at everything else, then it would compensate for my appearance, and then I would be loved. It didn't work. I also examined myself in the mirror, and assessed that although I had some proportions that weren't in norm; big teeth, big eyes, small head (dad said),
I also had many attributes.
In my teen years, I became what some people would describe as attractive. (braces and grooming) I then received even more negative criticisms of my appearance. I now realize that these poor people were describing their own reflections rather than mine. In my field, I have studied the definition of beauty, and it is a vast subject, but it does involve good health, if one is seeking harmony. An individual with good health has a strong will to survive and a strong will to create beauty.
It looks like you've begun with a good assortment of supplements for melasma. I suggest that adding B-12 to them could very well help. I would love to tell you that it will work right away, but that would be false. It performs so many functions in the body, and it may need to perform other functions first. So please continue your good practice and consider adding the form of B-12 that I believe is most effective; Methylcobalamin, (sublingual lozenge slowly disolved in the mouth). There is a large variance in the amounts people need, but the often recommended amount for skin conditions, thyroid, and endocrine, is approx. 1000 mcg. Daily. A good B-Complex is recommended for these conditions as well."
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 08/14/2010: Lisa B from Devonshire, Bermuda writes: "I want to THANK everyone who have posted their experiences relating to Melasma on this website. I have had melasma mainly on my upper lip for about 5 years and I truly believe that it is associated with taking birthcontrol pills (bcp) in my case. When I decided to look for a natural treatment for my melasma I found this website. I began taking 15 drops of GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT in water, 3 times a day (and sometimes only twice a day) exactly 1 month ago. AFTER TWO WEEKS I could tell that my MELASMA was starting to LIGHTEN. Now today, 4 weeks later, it has not completely disappeared but it has lightened quite substantially and I am going to keep taking the GSE until it has vanished completed - I can't wait! :)
I really hope that everyone who has melasma is able to find a treatment that works for them. Good Luck!
Lisa B from Bermuda
PS: I truly believe that melasma should be treated from the INSIDE OUT because external treatments tend to be a temporary fix and fade creams can cause melasma to return darker."
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[NAY] 08/16/2009: Becky from Queen Creek, Az, Usa writes: "I tried taking GSE for melasma and it did not work. I took 15 drops in water, 3 times per day. I did that for 2 1/2 weeks and did not notice any difference in the melasma, so I tried increasing the dose to 20 drops, 3 times per day. I could only do that for a couple of days; it tasted so horrible! After that, I tried taking 15 drops, 3 times per day again, but did not notice any difference, and the taste was so horrible, I just could not take it anymore. I don't believe it is a fungal condition that is causing my Melasma. However, if I were to ever try the GSE again, I would take it in capsule form."
Replies11/09/2011: Kristin from Reykjavik, Iceland replies: "Hi, I find the taste too bitter too, it is easily solved by adding the GSE to a little orangejuice!"
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[NAY] 06/11/2009: Vijaya from Hartford, Ct writes: "Hi Everyone,
I started taking GSE since May 14th 15 drops 3 times a day. I have seen very little change. I am not figting up hope, i will keep trying for another couple of months and keep you all posted. I had mesalma for a long period of time over 15 years. I will start takig mega doses of vitamin c as well. Please any one has advice?..very desperate..thanks."
06/11/2009: Preet from New York, USA replies: "Hi Vijaya,The lady who originally posted GSE for melasma mentioned taking larger doses (20 drops/ 5 times a day) so may be you should try longer and larger doses. I took it for few days but my die off reaction was so bad that I had to stop it altogether. If you think you have a candida or some other infection, I think this'll help! Just try larger doses and also change your diet. No Sugar including fruits, no Refined products etc. Start a Candida diet! This is all I can suggest but don't lose hope!"
07/27/2009: Pvt. from Eugene, OR replies: "Grapefruit Seed Extract vs. Grape Seed Extract:
Commenters are exhibiting a great deal of confusion about these supplements.
According to Ray Sahelian, M.D., the correct supplement to use for melasma is
******Grape Seed Extract******
NOT Grapefruit Seed Extract.
I suggest that somebody try to clear this up. Maybe it would then help people to clear up their melasma."
08/16/2009: Emma from Toronto, Ontario, Canada replies: "Yes, could someone share their expertise on grapefruit seed extract and grapeseed extract. The postings are clear that some people are using one vs the other.
Does anyone know what the differences are between the two and how they work in the body or on skin? Thanks."
08/17/2009: Tricia from Ireland replies: "I just started looking into this to-day and from what I can gather (in laymans terms) Grapefruit seed extract is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic. Grape seed extract is good for cleaning and strenghtening all blood vessels (veins and capillaries). It's late here in Ireland so tomorrow I will try to look up the sites I got my information from and post them.I would be interested in knowing the difference between grape seed oil extract bought in the 1 oz bottles in health shops and grapeseed oil which is situated next to the olive oil for cooking."
08/18/2009: Preet from New York, USA replies: "Hi Vijaya, Did you make any changes to your diet? That makes a huge difference! Let me know."
07/21/2011: Priya from Alexandria, Washington Dc replies: "Hi everyone, I am new to this post. I truely appreciate helpful tips on this forum. I am too suffering from melasma since 4 years. I have it on cheeks and upper lip. Would also like to add that I have been diagnosed with two small fibroids and my TSH level is slightly elevated. I don't know whats making my melasma resistant.Presently I am taking grapefuit seed extract, MSM, Vit C, Zinc, Iron, Acidophilus, aloe vera juice. I have also tried putting antifungal cream, aloe vera juice, castor oil, coconut oil, horse radish... on my face. Its 2 months now and I haven't noticed any change in my melasma. I have taken off all bakery products, nuts and sugar from my diet. I don't know if anything could help me with my melasma. I totally feel helpless. I would highly appreciate any suggestions."
12/02/2011: Christina J from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia replies: "I'm 25, female and I've always had hormonal imbalance which affected my menstrual cycle every now and then. My gynae recommended to go on the pill called Yasmin. After few months of going on it, I started having dark patches below my neck, chin and the sides of my jaw.. :( it's really upsetting & I've since stopped taking Yasmin. Right now I'm using 200% concentrated aloe vera gel, and it's definitely taking its time... I would like to know if any of you have any success with anything like acv, epo and such & please be kind enough to let me know how exactly you used it & how long it took you?"
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06/05/2009: Rebecca from Sydney, Australia writes: "I have now got a bottle of liquid GSE extract. For melasma on my cheeks, do I take this internally or apply directly to my skin? Please, if anyone has had success with GSE, let me know how I go about using it for this purpose. Many thanks."
Replies06/06/2009: Fernanda from Modesto, CA replies: "hi Rebecca
in regards to your question on gse i was told to use 15 drops in a glass of water by itself 3 times daily on an empty stomach let me tell you to expect a very bitter taste i have not seen results at all but i was mixing with juice to hide the taste so now drinking it straight and will keep you posted as to the results"
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