Melasma Remedies

Folic Acid

Posted by Catherine (Wellington, New Zealand) on 05/04/2010
★★★★★

MELASMA: From what I have read on this site it seems to me that melasma might be another name for pregnancy cap. This is what (in the "old" days) we called the brownish grey pigmentation that covered the faces of some pregnant women. I have seen the same thing on a niece of mine when she was going through fertility treatment and it is still in evidence some years after. What I do know is that Adelle Davis indicated this to indicate a deficiency in folic acid..perhaps this should be investigated.. Adelle also warned all those years ago about spina bifida and folic acid deficiency. Such a tragedy her information was neglected by the medical profession until now.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Gigi (Brampton, Ontario, Canada ) on 10/23/2009

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

Onion Juice, Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Marilena (Milan, Italy) on 07/23/2010
★★★★☆

I tried the onion juice (I did not have the H2O2) with lemon juice just yesterday night and for some of my melasma has worked. It has become lighter in one shot unbelievable. . . Anyways I have come to a conclusion that all the melasma are not the same, that is why it is so difficult to treat. . . . Or at leat they don't have the same origin. Some come from yeast infections and other from liver intoxication. . . Or a mix of both together. It is necessary a deep knowledge on how it developed the very first time. I am working from the inside because it is the very best way to get rid of melasma I believe. . .

Multiple Remedies

Posted by JDW (Beverly Hills, MI) on 05/19/2009
★★★★☆

I am 41 years old suffering from Melasma. I turned to the internet to find remedies to help with my problem. I have it on my cheeks and I am writing on this forum to help anyone out, because someone has helped me. Here's what I tried that did NOT work. First I had 4 IPL (Intense Pulse Light) treatments. They did not work and in fact, made the problem worse. I now have lines going down my face where the laser treatment was on my face. As I said, I turned to the internet and I found that many people who suffer from Melasma may have copper overload. Personally I had never heard of this before. I am working on my master's degree in nutritional science, so I always look for the internal/external connection. Here's what I am doing now that IS working. Internally here is what I take daily. Supplements: 3,000 mg of MSM, Priobiotic (whatever brand you choose, look at the dosage, usually 2 capsules). 2000 msg's of Vitamin C with rosehips, Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium (combined supplement)1000mg so far. Iron supplement (just one tablet) and I eat a ton of leafy green vegetables and as many natural foods that I can. I try to avoid processed foods as much as possible.

Here's what I use for the external that really seems to work. Exfoliate with clarisonic brush, use a favorite toner that works with your skin type. You can use Hydroquinone 4%, it works for me, but it makes me nervous, but it does work for me. I also used Meladerm, works well and no HQ. I do this every night, I never go to sleep with my makeup on!

I think the key is getting the proper nutrients inside and exfoliating every single day and it does take time but after months I am truly seeing a significant improvement. Put it this way, I don't want to cry now every time I look in the mirror. The IPL treatments put me over the edge that it made it so much worse. Now I am going to try the Grapefruit Seed extract and see what that will do for me. I know that in my younger years I was on the birth control pill, so I know hormones play a role, but my diet of sugar and junk food in my 20's and beyond has had an effect on my skin, I am sure. Now I am just trying to undo some of my past damage and I know I will get there with patience and time.

I just wanted to write to see if I could help someone else fight this annoying problem.

Good luck and I hope something I've said here helps.

JDW

Avoid Hydroquinone

Posted by Kimberly (Santa Monica, CA) on 05/10/2009
0 out of 5 stars

A few months ago an esthetician at a skin care office recommended the obagi system to me a couple months ago for age spots on my cheeks. The program had retin-a, 4% hydroquinone and alpha hydoxhy acids. I didn't have any problems until I applied the hydroquinone. Immediately the lymph nodes in my neck became inflammed. I thought it was a fluke, waited a few days doing just the retin-a and alpha hydroxy, then applied it again. Same thing occured. I tried it ONE MORE TIME after a week's rest. Not a fluke at all, clearly a toxic substance. I then went online, which is what I should have done before shelling out almost $200 for this skincare line and read up on the hydroquinone. Happens to be banned in Europe, Australia and Japan because, quite simply, it's carcinogenic! Tied to leukemia in rat studies. The FDA wanted to ban hydroquinone a few years ago but came under sooo much pressure from dermatologists that so far, nothing. Apparently these skin "specialists" make an enormous amount of $ from selling it in packages like the obagi system. So the short of this story is, please be careful (not stupid like me) and research any products before you are talked into them by your doctor. That said, I am trying the grapefruit seed extract now!

Horseradish

Posted by Maria (Oceanside, CA) on 08/30/2008
★★★★★

I've had dark blotches on both sides of my face since I was pregnant 27 years ago. I've spent so much time and money without any possitive results. I have been washing my face with baking soda and using horseradish nightly for two weeks, not only has the color lighten but the big blotches are breaking up into smaller sections. I can now apply light make up and cover my blotches. I give a big thumbs up to horseradish.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Marea (Dallas, Texas) on 05/16/2008
★★★★★

I share your sentiments about melasma. I, too, was afflicted with this condition, but nothing you do externally will be of great help or even permanent, unless you also address your internal terrain. I started using an herbal liver cleanse, and it took four months before I started noticing improvements. My melasma was reduced by half by the end of six months. However, when I started taking Grapefruit Seed Extract (the natural citricidal kind) for an unrelated condition, to my amazement, the melasma started dissapering at a faster rate than with the herbal treatment. It took only about four weeks to almost completely dissapear. I believe liver spots, melasma, age spots, whatever they are called are mostly related to an internal fungal condition, which the GSE greatly treated and that is why it acted so much faster. I was taking it five times a day on an empty stomach.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Marea (Dallas, Texas) on 08/18/2008

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT FOR MELASMA

TO LAURA FROM WICHITA,KS: Laura, I have been traveling this summer, so I am now catching up on my reading, and noticed your comment on the CURES section for Melasma. You said you "haven't noticed the GSE has helped my melasma either". I would like to encourage you to persevere just a little longer, don't give up too soon. I treated my melasma successfully with GSE, and gave the GSE extract to a friend who also treated hers successfully, but took her a little longer to see results. I can only deduce that the longer you have had the melasma, the longer it will take to see results. I had my melasma for about five years and it took four weeks to see results. My friend had hers for about 12 years and it took her about nine to ten weeks to begin to see results.

Also, I noticed that you were taking several things such as MSM, Vitamin C, Zinc for copper overload, hormone therapy in addition to GSE capsules. I am wondering if perhaps too many things for the same condition are causing system overload. Not only that, but also you were using GSE capsules (or tablets?) which in my opinion, may not be as effective as the GSE liquid extract itself. I had started with an herbal liver cleanse prior to the GSE which addressed my internal terrain, which I believe helped to get things started, but I KEPT IT SIMPLE and used no additional supplements. I used the GSE liquid extract on an empty stomach mixed with plain filtered water, NOT mixed with any juice so it would not interfere with digestion or assimilation. I learned to tolerate the taste.

If your condition is hormone related, perhaps the hormone therapy is what will work for you. Everyone's body chemistry is different, so what may work for some, may not work for others. But we should all be willing to try different avenues until we find what works for us. In many cases, it is also a matter of giving a remedy sufficient time to work. Let me know of your progress. I wish you well in your quest for a solution to you condition. Marea

TO LEAH FROM SUFFOLK,VA: Leah, I had my melasma for about five years, and yes the GSE (GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT, NOT Grapeseed) worked for me. It took only a few weeks, but it might take longer for those who have had melasma for a longer period of time. So far, I would consider it permanent resolution as my melasma has NOT returned.

TO DENISE FROM BROOKLYN,NY: Denise, you said you were experiencing side effects from the MSM and wondered if Vitamin C and GSE worked on their own to treat melasma. In my personal case, I took NOTHING ELSE BUT GSE. The GSE worked for me all by itself. I had started taking GSE for an unrelated condition after I had finished doing an herbal liver cleanse to address my internal terrain, when I realized to my delight that it was breaking up my melasma faster than the liver cleanse! It cleared it completely, and to this date, it has not returned. I wish you well in successfully treating yours.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Kayla (Pdx) on 06/19/2018

I felt bloated so my doctor changed my hormones and cut back on progesterone, three months later I had five o'clock shadow! I had the doctor add back the Progesterone and all of the five o'clock shadow melasma was gone. Progesterone is a skin lighter! I also did Meladerm Cream while I was waiting for my skin to go back to normal this speeded up the lightening.

As for the people using GSE, this is important the one that is for external use is the ORIGINAL FORMULA GSE is that people used internally. There was some rule that made them change the labeling. The new internal GSE lacks the vital ingredient that the external one has. Do your research before you buy it.

MSM, Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Carrie (Mississauga, Canada) on 01/20/2008
★★★★★

I have been suffering from melasma for about 4 years now. It's on my forehead,and both my cheeks. I have tried everything from bleaches, cosmelan to IPL. Everything is short term. Just as recent as December, 2007, I started taking MSM, vitamin C as well as applying apple cider vinegar on my face. The results are amazing. For the first time in 4 years I can actually say my face has improved and I don't mind going out without makeup. It's only been 6 weeks and I intend on using this remedy to see if it'll get even better. I do hope my experience and information sharing will help someone out there, that has melasma. Good luck!!

Horseradish

Posted by Jamie (Laguna Hills, CA) on 08/08/2007
★★★★★

i read in a book that swedish woman use horseradish on their faces to cure brown spots. I tried it and i will have to say it really worked. Not only did it take away brown spots instantly but it made my face glow and took away my sleep crease .definately give this a try i haven't heard anyone talking about horseradish but it works.Just get the kind at your local store that is crushed and put it on in a circular motion ,leave it on for a few minutes and rinse.

Fish Oil

Posted by Art (California) on 07/31/2022 2365 posts
★★★★★

In early June of 2022, I was having a conversation with a friend who I was already working with to try and resolve hyperpigmentation issues of her skin. Progress was slow and she was asking about different supplements that might be helpful. She mentioned that she was taking fish oil (FO) and it didn't seem to be too helpful, even though she had been taking it for years.

I asked her how many milligrams of FO she was taking. She mentioned that she was taking a 1000 milligrams a day of combined DHA/EPA. I mentioned that that might not be the optimal dose for her based on effective dosages used in studies of FO in humans and suggested she consider upping her dose to study levels of EPA/DHA of 3 to 4 grams per day in order to optimize the benefit to her skin and heart. This would be 3 to 4 times the amount she was already taking. It is the total amount of EPA/DHA in a given FO soft gel that is important, not the total amount of different oils. So even though a FO soft gel may say 1200 mg, the actual EPA/DHA level may only be half that amount. It is important to read the label carefully to know what you are really getting.

Obviously the heart benefit will not be readily apparent other than through testing, but I told her that any additional benefit to her skin should be readily apparent within two months or so. I also reminded her that FO at therapeutic dosing such as she was now taking can absolutely have blood thinning effects and as such she should notify her doctor and have him/her add that information to her medical records for safety. I further told her that the high dose FO, because of its anti inflammatory effects should be additionally beneficial to her anti hyperpigmentation regimen as localized inflammation is a contributing factor to skin hyperpigmentation.

This past week, my friend texted me to update me on how she was doing as it was approaching the 2 month mark at her new increased FO dosing level. She said the following, it appears to be additive to her anti hyperpigmentation regimen as she could see increased fading of dark spots which she said had previously slowed to a crawl and she felt that if the current rate of lightening continued she might be "clear" in 3 months or so. She further said that the increased FO dosing schedule had eliminated "all of her dry skin" issues which she said had been a major problem for her for years. She went on to say that "stretch marks, keratosis and scars" that she has had for years had either faded, significantly diminished or both.

Overall she was very happy and looking forward to continued improvements and she said the improvements are helping her to diligently stick to her current regimen with no slacking. I told her that was good that she is applying her regimen consistently because that is needed in order to obtain the results she is getting and wants.

She told me she would update me later and when she does I will update this thread to update on her progress.

I know this is not of very much importance to many people, but it does offer a significant boost to her self esteem which, imo, is very important in trying to improve your overall quality of life, plus the added health benefit that the therapeutic FO dose is having to her heart is great, especially as we age! It is important to highlight the benefits of FO at useful dosing levels as many studies spotlight a multitude of health effects associated with sufficient intake of EPA/DHA, even for the brain!

Art

Melasma Creams That Don't Work

Posted by Aneta (Colorado) on 10/10/2017

hello Kerri,

Yes, do not use hydroquinone.

my melasma faded to the point where I do not need make up anymore simply by ditching grains, sugar and dairy (3 months).I simply eat meat, veggies and fruits. I use mandelic acid 25% which is made of almonds during winter, and it helps, and 50SPF sunblock.

You need to address your gut and kidney-glucose, heal inflammation.

Good luck!

Melasma Creams That Don't Work

Posted by John (Sawtell, Australia) on 10/14/2017 1 posts

hi kerri, this all the same plant just different names

petty surge, milk weed; radium weed, wart weed.

I have used this many times you only need to squeeze a drop or two from the stem of the plant then simply rub it on to the area you want to treat do not use more and do not get it near your eyes, if you put some on in the morning you can you can wash yourself that night without it making any difference to what you have treated. all ways try in a small spot first, as it is possible that too much could burn a little, don't let that bother you, it will take up to a week to start to see the result.you than can use more if need be. its magic no more blemishes no more skin cancer.recently I had black patches on my arms caused by listing to doctors and taking asprin, I started using ozone an found that if I applied ozone to a black patch within about a week I would simply rub the spot and it it gradually dissapear never to return. I have not tried it on cancer spots as yet; as dont have any. (as yet). good luck, john.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Posted by Mdfabone (Suburbs, Il) on 07/20/2016
★★★★★

I've had melasma around my mouth, around my eyes and across my forehead which was 4 times darker than the rest of my face for more than 10 years. I've tried everything from fade cream which did fade it but it came back within a few weeks, to acv, peroxide, onion juice, potato juice, castor oil the list goes on and on. Nothing truly help until I tried Organic 100% pure Rosehip oil(rosa canina oil).

I 1st tried 100% organic pure rosehip seed oil (rosa rubinginosa oil) which is a light color, used it twice a day for 6 months, it was a nice moisturizer but did nothing for the melasma. So I wanted to try another brand of rosehip oil bc of the review I read from the previous EC post. I decided to try the Organic 100% pure Rosehip oil (rosa canina oil) which is a dark amber color, little bit thicker, richer and better overall quality oil and great moisturizer than the rosa rubinginosa oil. Wow, what a difference. I used it twice a day and within 3 months my skin tone started to even out nicely, I don"t have to cake on the foundation anymore I can go without. The melasma is so light, its not noticeable.

I think that the origin of the oil makes a huge difference. The rosehip oil (rosa canina) source chile, andes mountain vs rosehip seed (rosa rubinginosa) there are others like rosehip oil (rosa mosqueta) etc. But make sure its 100% rosa canina.

Eliminating Wheat

Posted by Lynnbenn (Raleigh, Nc) on 11/16/2014
★★★★★

I don't know what brought my Melasma on three years ago. I tried everything, I was so discouraged. I couldn't put anymore energy into it. I had already been eating very healthy for years (organic veg and fruits, grass fed beef, free range chicken....) I just by chance cured my Melasma on accident. I read the book Wheat Belly, stopped eating wheat right away. I also started taking vitamin D3 supplements. Actually it is a combination of Vit D, Calcium and magnesium (Trader Joes brand to be exact). I was dreading summer, because that's when it got the darkest. BTW, I had been using sunscreen for 2 years.

Looking back, I know it didn't help, just getting hot would bring it out! This is the first summer I noticed it Was diminishing. It HAS to be the diet change. I am convinced it was my gut health. If you've read anything on how unhealthy wheat is, you know it blocks nutrition absorption. The minute I stopped the wheat and took vitamins, my skin transformed. It can't be a coincidence. I don't even wear sunscreen under my makeup anymore. My friends and family noticed right away. FYI, I only use coconut oil on my face every night. I don't even wash it off. I rub all over, wipe with a tissue. I also use it to take off my mascara. I don't think the coconut oil cured my melasma though, I think I was missing vitamins and minerals that my skin desperately needed! Just had to share, possibly to help someone else :)

Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalene Oil

Posted by Marina (Syracuse Utah) on 01/25/2017
★★★★★

I have suffered with melasma for almost ten years. I seriously have tried everything. It has made me feel so depressed and frustrated, lately it's even been more depressing because it has appeared above my upper lip.

With my last visit to the determologist with yet another set of medications. That did nothing except burn my skin. I started to research different oils that have helped people. I have to say they've been such a great help. From the rose hip oil to the one I think works the best frankincense and even sandalwood. The have faded my melasma a ton and worked way better than tri Luna. It's worth a try I promise.

Dermal Melasma

Posted by Laurie (New York) on 07/17/2012

Hello, I also have melasma and have tried many different treatments over the years, including the msm and gse combination. I did not have much luck with it but I still encourage you to try it because many others have. My melasma is related to hormonal imbalances as well, I started to enter menopause at the age of 38. I just turned 47 and the problem has lessened over the last few years but is not completely eliminated. I also use tretinon and find that it is better for wrinkle prevention than melasma - not a bad perk :o) I would like to suggest lactic acid peels. I have been doing a 55% peel at home once a week for the last 2 months and have seen improvement. Its very mild it will not make your skin peel and is safe for home use. Another good option is mandelic acid, also great for hyperpigmentation, and very safe. I sometimes alternate them. Another factor is consider is cleaning up your diet by removing sugars and just do your best to eat "clean", no junk. You have a great attitude, which is half the battle, I wish you the best of luck!

Oregano Oil

Posted by Lily (Honolulu, Hawaii) on 04/13/2012
0 out of 5 stars

Hi, I used to have beautiful olive skin, until I moved to Hawaii and started to breakout with acne. I went to a dermatologist who prescribed an acne medication that could produce sunspots as a side effect. I didn't think much about it until I developed two tiny sunspots on my cheeks. I tried everything to get rid of them, goji berry extract, retionol products, expensive photofacials. Nothing worked omly seemed to make them worse. Over the next two years theygradually grew to about the size of a quarter but not very dark and could be covered with makeup. My father in law mentioned oregano oil. So I decided to use it. I put it on my entire face, it burned really bad but I was determined to get the two sunspots off. This was one of the worst decisions I have ever made in my life. About three days afterwards I developed a horrible case of Melasma. I have huge dark brown spots on my upper lip, cheeks, forehead and nose. It has made me look 10-15 years older and my confidence has effected my social life. I went to the doc and she said that the heat from the oregano oil onsetted Melasma and there is no cure for it. The best thing to do for it is sunscreen, hats everyday and stay out of the sun. DO NOT USE OREGANO OIL it has ruined my face.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Onion Juice

Posted by Lisa (San Jose, California, Usa) on 01/10/2012
★★★★★

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!

Glycolic Acid

Posted by Roseyposey (Youngsville, Nc, United States) on 12/19/2011
★★★★★

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...

Hormone Cause

Posted by Julieanime (Silver Spring, Maryland) on 11/13/2011

Just found out I have been suffering from a Hyperthyroid... Hmmmmm. I pieced together my Melasma time line with the other symptoms of a Hyperthyroid, zeroing in on a known cause of melasma - increased hormones known to cause and acelerate the condition - it matches the onset of my other Hyperthyroid symptoms. Ladies and gentlemen, just a consideration - this may also be you. Make sure you have a thorough check-up including blood work... melasma that does not go away may very well be associated to a hormone condition caused by a malfunctioning thyroid.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Baby G (St.elizabeth, Jamaica) on 03/12/2011
★★★★☆

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!