Melasma Remedies

Hi... wanted to provide an update on my progress with remedies for melasma.

My current regime is:

Scrub face twice daily (or more if can fit in) with Apple Cider Vinegar... Stinks... Rub in undiluted to the affected areas until cannot bear the stinging anymore... scrub hard.

Taking following vitamins daily:

1 zinc tablet, 1 selenium tablet, 1 vitamin b3 tablet, 4 vit c tablets, 2 pure msm capsules

Castor Oil ..... massage onto face after apple cider vinegar scrub.

Something is happening - some areas have lightened a lot, other areas are lightening but not so quickly.

I have had comments that I look 'fresh'

I'm not sure what is helping whether it is all of the above or one thing in particular.

I am not seeing the 'miraculous' overnight success that other have talked about. This is the most encouraged I have ever been though. I will continue this regime for at least 3 months to see if there is continued improvement.

Good luck to everyone fighting the same problem

Cheers, Maz

Hello

I am a RN and acupuncturist. It sounds like you have more blood stasis causing blood deficiency ( itching) so the MSM would move blood but I don't think your defcient in sulfur as to why yr seeing some results with the MSM but now you need to tonify blood to see everlasting results

Would luv to see what your tongue looks like and feel your pulse.Good luck

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

VCO is virgin coconut oil. You make vitamin D everywhere else that isn't covered by sunscreen or something else, so appyling a mineral sunscreen (not a chemical one) locally where the discoloration is taking place will protect the area without compromising D production. Zinc oxide is probably the best mineral sunscreen, and zinc oxide formulas are sold by many of the natural/organic cosmetic lines. You can also buy pure zinc oxide powder in bulk online if formulas creep you out.

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!

ES, I am so happy for you!!!! Successfully getting rid of melasma stories are so far and few, I'm glad it worked out in your case. Hopefully, we all will just be as lucky! Thank you for giving us your update, this gives the rest of us still suffering some hope. Please post back periodically, esp when its finally all gone!

I have written before because I found out I had a parasite infection in my head in Aug of 2008. At that time I cut out sugar and by April of 2009 I stopped eating meat as well and became a strict vegetarian out of desperation to get rid of this problem. Some of the remedies I tried caused other problems as well.

I was trying a sea salt remedy which was working quite well until I substituted sea salt with excessive amounts of these over the counter salt pills which I now understand this type of salt just kills your cells causing you to look older. I tried MMS (miracle mineral supplement), which seemed to work but they only grow back and I have heard it is a pool cleaner or something and I don't recommend it any longer. Any use of drugs for the problem also had devastating side effects such as hair loss and worsening of the condition.

Before all this all of my life I was a heavy meat eater and always looked young for my age. I am a type O blood so I don't know if that really means I must eat meat to be healthy but that is what I read. But after coming down with several parasite infections, one from a restaurant and contamination from trying on a wig at a beauty store I come down with this horrible infection so I want to be vegetarian at least until I am fully cured if not for life.

However the worst thing that has come from vegetarianism has been the development of melasma over my lip and cheeks and blotchy skin. A couple years ago prior to becoming a vegetarian I had blotches on my face (not as bad as now or with it over my lip) and from your site and other research I found out it was from a copper overload because I was taking all this excess chlorophyll and green supplements. It all disappeared when I did Teds remedy for Candida where you take the stuff for chelating plus I was doing oil pulling at the time. My face cleared up beautifully but I had no idea it was melasma.

After becoming vegetarian in 4/09 not knowing what to eat or liking vegetables all that much I ate a lot of nuts and green stuff which contributed to skin blotchiness again due to the high copper but still not over my lip. Then, to make matters worse in Oct of 2009 I tried the mini beet program and about 2 weeks into it I noticed for the first time in my life a dark discoloration over the top of my lip which was horrifying and ugly.

After listening to the promoter talk about the mini beet program I heard him say that the beets release estrogen and I later read that the release of excess estrogen is usually what causes the melasma over the top of the lip. I don't blame the mini beet program but feel the vegetarianism had made it easier. So at least I understand it.

I am so devastated and feel very self- conscious and ugly now. I have had some terrible experiences because people have noticed the difference in my looks and can be so cruel and shallow.

I've stumbled across this website by chance - thank goodness. I like most of you have been suffering the devestating condition of pigmentation and melasma for over 5 years. It has ruined my self confidence, my social life and my ability to enjoy normal life.

I have tried all the creams, serums, 'beauty' treatments, microdermabrasion, lighteners, brightners, lotions, potions , peels and worst of all Laser and IPL - IPL made everything so much WORSE to the point that now make up doesnt cover it. It just looks like I have big dirty patches on my face.

Since reading all the natural remedies I have stocked up on Vitamin C, MSM, Grape Seed extract, Hydrogen Peroxide and have ordered a product called Meleston off the web.

I pray one or combination of these will give me some result - I will be happy if it just fades somewhat.

Reading about all of you who have been living with this too is such a relief (not that you are suffering but that I am not the only one)

Thank you all for your information and I will keep you posted on my progress

Maz

Hi there, great ideas here for clearing up melasma which I've been battling with for a long time.

Just wanted to clarify, Hydroquinone is not banned in Australia. You can get it over the counter at the chemist/pharmacy or high dosages of it with a prescription.

I'm currently on it myself. I have seen results but then it comes back again. And yes, there are risks associated with it too.

My dermatologist says that UV light is the main culprit, - I've found if I miss putting on sunscreen once (eg. putting it on in the morning on a cloudy Melbourne day then forgetting to put it on in the afternoon) my melasma gets worse. However, there is a question as to whether light in general (eg. from lightglobes) is also a culprit. Which would be pretty frustrating if true! 'Coz wandering around in a balaclava is not something I can really get away with most days.....

As already mentioned here, the dermatologist said that friction is also a cause of it, elsewhere mentioned here. So DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE! I touch my face all the time so I'm sure this has contributed.

And when using HQ it makes my skin peel so I'm not even supposed to touch my face to get it off so that's just as unsightly as the melasma. So I'm pretty much still a melasma mess. : (

Thanks for all the advice, I think that HQ is not a long term solution so will give the supplements another go. And that fungal infection cream, as there's a browny grey patch around my mouth and chin that looks horrid and makeup seems to just draw attention to it. Just hard to figure out what works and what doesn't.

Good luck everybody!

My doctor said, if you have fungus on your skin then you have it in your body. I went on a anti-fungal diet, basically no sugar, no grains, no dairy. All organic, non Gmo food. I take selenium, zinc. niacinamide, the GSE the one that is used for external, and high does of lyposomal vitamin C all of these are anti-fungal .

Another great anti-fungal so is coconut oil if kills the biofilm and kills the fungus. A friend came back third world country with some skin fungus so the doctor told her to use Selsun Blue and leave it on the skin for like an hour a day then rinse it off and I think she did this for few days I can't recall the number of days. Selsun blue is selenium sulfide it kills fungus Selsun blue is very strong smelling I put it in zip lock plastic bag but it works. Be sure to avoid around your eyes.

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

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

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

I've been meaning to post about melasma for awhile now, and your post reminded me to do it. Melasma can be a sign of a copper overload. I had melasma on my forehead and jaws until I added 50mg/day of Zinc Picolinate to my diet. After I did that the melasma faded away. For me, it was a completely unexpected result, but since Zinc balances Copper, my result leads me to conclude that I was too high in Copper. I had the melasma at the same time I was hypothyroid, hypoadrenal and estrogen over-loaded, all of which can lead to a build-up of Copper in the body (as I now know).

HORSERADISH CURED MY SUN DAMAGE/ MELASMA. I have sun damage/ melasma on my forehead and while IPL worked great on my freckles, it did not work on this. I also tried hydroquinone to no avail. What did work (and I think it has been aided by significantly improving my diet, exercise routine, quiting marijuana, and taking msm, vitamin c, fish oil, multi-vitamin, antioxidants, and licorice as recommended by this and similar sites) more than anything and relatively fast was horseradish. I had had the redness for two years and then started putting an all natural horsedadish on it and it has almost gone in just months.

It scared me at first because I put it on 3 times for twenty minutes in a 36 hour period and it got so much darker and stayed that way, so I cursed my decision and fate. However, it peeled off within two weeks, similar to a sunburns peel (and close to what IPL does to freckles) and was lighter. Since then I experimented with the best way to administer it, and I know the goal is to just irritate the skin enough to get it to peel. For me with fair skin, I now cake it on the affected areas and leave it for an hour and fifteen minutes or so and then wait a week while it peels.

I recommend starting slowly by doing it once for fifteen minutes and then waiting a week or two to check the effect, Slowly increase either frequency or duration until you know what it takes to get a peel and then go with that. Although it burns fairly painfully to leave it on longer, I prefer one long dose because it's such a pain to put the stuff on and have it on your skin. Just go slow, and trust that it will work, for which I am so grateful to this site and other natural sites for turning me on to. Good luck.

melasma - I have tried juice of onion with equal amount of hydrogen peroxide as my face toner and in 2 weeks, my 'pigmentation' faded away. Thanks, i love yr website!

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.

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?

This message is For Leah from Sardis, Bc

Hey 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

I have been using a combination of the follwoing and it seems to be working:

Grapefruit seed extract extra strength, three drops in water with a little juice twice a day. I have found this at most health food stores. With regular strengh you would want to use about 15 drops.

A prescription cream derived from vitamin A every other night on very dry skin. You wash, moisturize, wait 45 minutes to an hour and then use the cream to avoid irritation. It comes in cream and gel. I prefer gel as I am very oily.

On alternate nights I use a prescription hydroquinone cream that also contains some sort of acid and some steroid cream. I use this only on the brown spots and I do the same as with the other cream... wash, moisturize and wait 45 minutes to an hour. It's gotten a bad wrap, but it works for me. You MUST avoid the sun when using it or they will get worse! I plan to taper off and discontinue this cream when the spots are totally gone. I will report back and let you know if they come back. I know that this cream can't be used for extended periods of time.

IMPORTANT: I use a sunscreen containing a physical block EVERY SINGLE day. I say this is important because prior to using this sunscreen the spots would fade and then come back. It's a bummer, but you have to use sunscreen every morning. A physical block sunscreen will contain something like zinc, a physical block, rather than a chemical block. My doctor specializes in melasma and she suggested this. It works. Also, if you are gardening or hiking or at the beach, you MUST wear a hat. It's just part of your life now. You must accept it. Learn to love it.

Also, I discontinued the birth control pill which I believed started the whole thing in the first place. I had been on it for about twenty years with no problem and then I woke up one morning with brown spots all over my face. A giant one across my forehead. I believe my hormones shifted as some other thngs started happening like migraines, etc... these have stopped since stopping the pill. I now use a hormone-free IUD. It works well for me. But it does have copper and some people believe copper causes melasma for some people.

I do have another theory though. I got the brown spots basically overnight after getting an immunization shot for typhiod fever before going to Egypt. I have heard theories that certain medications like anti-seizure medication and anti-malaria medication can cause melasma. I have always wondered if this immunization caused the problem, but I don't know.

I have also improved my diet. It's not strict, but I eat less sugar and starches and more vegetables and fruits. I also consume less dairy now. I try to give my liver a rest now and then and not drink alcohol, but I do like my wine.

My melasma is almost completely gone. I am getting the compliments I used to get on my skin before the brown spots. This combo is what is working for me. I think it takes a lot of dedication to get rid of melasma, but I think the changes made are good for you anyway. It's a pain to wear sunscreen every single day and not get a tan, but you won't wrinkle or get skin cancer, so look at it that way. I was on the pill for a long time, but now I am wondering how good that was for me. And a healthy diet is always a good thing.

I think a combo of interior and exterior will fade the melasma in many people. Just one or the other probably won't work as well and just exterior probably won't do much for long if the interior problem is still there... like you keep taking the BC pills or going in the sun.

BTW, I did try several IPL treatments. Although they made my skin look good for a while I don't think they did anything for my melasma really. They probably aren't worth the money. not for me anyway.

Anyway, good luck!

I take a total of 3000-4000 mg of MSM per day. I just added vitamin C yesterday (2000-3000 mg per day). I hope you find something that works for you!

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.

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.

After reading these posts I've started taking MSM. I take one 1500mg pill a day and have been taking it for about 3 weeks. It looks like my dark patch is starting to break up - there are little white spots showing up on it. I have severe melasma that covers my whole left cheek across the bottom of my chin, and over to the right cheek.

Today I've started taking 15 drops of Grapefruit extract in the morning. I'm hoping to see even more results - I will keep you posted!

Preet, I haven't been taking any prescriptions for four years now. I was on BC pills for almost 10 years. I also had taken Prozac for about three years. Both of the prescriptions mess with your hormones. I have not done any internal cleansing but have in the past and believe it could be beneficial. I did a candida cleansing and it helped my flatten my stomach and helped me lose weight and look less bloated.

In addition to the GSE I have also been doing the horseradish mask about three times a week. I was really tired of my spots so I wanted to try both at the same time. My melasma was mostly spots over my lips and two circles, one on each side of my cheeks. Good Luck

Hi, I have tried numerous suggestions from this site to help my melasma. I have had this for over 12 years now. I have had The Fraxel laser done and it lightened it, but came back this past summer. I use SPF 45. I am taking MSM 3 x a day, along with 2 Vit. C. and drinking Grapefruit Extract 3 x a day. Not sure what helped, good news is it has lightened and not become darker. I recently purchased a product called Environ their Evenescence line of products is for Melasma. This product would be $83.00 from my Dermatologist. I bought it at Firstforskincare.com for $45.00. This product is working. I highly suggest trying this product and within 2-4 weeks you will see a difference. I hope this helps. Thank you to everyone for all the great ideas.

I have a very sensitive skin. I suffered from acne "infestation" in my teen-age years, and left some marks of tiny craters on my face. In short, my pores are visible to others at a few-feet distance.

I have read most of the articles posted here and other websites about brown spots / melasma / age spot. I have been suffering from this skin disorder due to over sun-exposure which happened more than 10 yrs ago. Like everyone else, I have tried a lot of treatments with the exception of laser cure because I can't afford it. I have NOT stopped looking for the best possible therapy that would help at least fade my blemishes which are very visible on cheeks. I am thankful for all the contributions made in this site, and I have tried few of them. I came across this website in May, and since then, became more EAGER to find possible ways, and cure for my brown spots. Knowing that you are not the only one suffering from this skin disorder somehow made me more hopeful than discourage. I've wanted to write and share something since May, but I waited until there was a visible sign of change on my face. This is the account of my 3 months self-therapy:

Every night (as always), I sleep with a clean face. Since May, I have tried using Organic ACV (with Mother) on my face as my toner. On the first month, I diluted ACV with water and apply the mixture on my face using cotton. During the 1st month, my skin peeled off. For few weeks, my facial skin was so tender because of ACV, that it became a mild sore. To my amazement, the portions of skin that were peeled off remained my true skin color without the brown spot after it got healed (from being tender). When my face got used to the ACV, I stopped diluting it. Every night, I still apply undiluted ACV on my face. My friends who didn't see me for at least 3 months noticed that the brown spots were lighter. I also tried making my own moisturizer using Organic at least 98% Organic Aloe Vera, Vit. E, and few drops of Organic Tea Tree Oil, and Lavander Oil. From time to time, I replace the oils with Jojoba. Orally, I am taking Glutatione which is according to my research is considered the best, and mother of all anti-oxidants. I eat as much as possible organic food, and drink ACV tonic regularly 3x a Day (I use the brand _____). If I could, I avoid eating pork, junk food, and too much processed food. I rather eat room temperature food than have it warmed in microwave.

I am also using Juice Beauty moisturizer with SPF 20 during day time. So far, this is one of the best products I have tried with more than 90% organic ingredients. Sometimes, labels say organic, but the percentage is another thing. (This also applies when I am looking for food label. So, be careful). I put on Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation/Powder to matte my oily skin. Some researches mentioned that whatever we put or apply on our body, about 60% or more is absorbed by our skin - meaning that's what comes in our body.

For the last three months, my skin and health has improved a lot. I cannot ascribe the improvement to ONLY one thing. I guess it is a combination of all of the above. I am happier with what I see, and feel. I guess there is no short cut to everything good. We just have to be patient. Most of all, we have to have a positive and good mental attitude. The spiritual side of my life helps me a lot in achieving a positive and healthy attitude in life. Remember, what we see on the mirror is just skin deep. The true beauty lies inside us - our soul and spirit.

Hydrogen Peroxide is wonderful. I tried hydrogen peroxide to brush my teeth, and it is very good, my breath is clear and my teeth are shining! and I have melasma on my cheek, I just tried several days to apply it on my face and I found the colour faded. I love this one.

Melasma: I've ethnic skin and due to chronic acne I had post inflammatory hyper pigmentation as well. I got microderm done on my face 4 times at 1-2 weeks interval, without realizing that my skin was too sensitive. I used retin A as well. It left me with dark patches on both sides of my cheeks. A dermatologist said it was melasma. after that I tried many things: lot of sunscreen, azeleic acid, lemon turmeric. but nothing seemed to work. infact I damaged my skin more by being aggressive on it. I decided to give my skin some time. I stopped using too many things on it. totally avoided the sun. and finally when it wasn't very sensitive I started using papaya for exfoliation. i scoop out one table spoon from the ripened papaya and mash it in my hands and slather on my face. if i want deep exfoliation i leave it for 20 mins (else 5 mins) and then rub my face with palms in circular motion. i can see dead skin cells from face in my palms.afterwards i apply fresh aloe juice and then rosehip oil and I'm very happy with the results. the hyperpigmentation is not fully cured but it has faded quite a lot. i still avoid sun. I'm not sure if it was melasma or only post inflammatory hyper pigmentation. whatever it was papaya has lightened it through gentle exfoliation and i'm hoping for great results in future ( I have used it only for 2 weeks). Hope it may also help someone. It doesn't treat hyper pigmentation but just exfoliates effectively. so other lightening agents can still be used along with it. Good Luck.

To Laura from Wichita: Laura, I was using 15-20 drops of liquid GSE extract (the natural citricidal kind) five times a day on an empty stomach (10 drops =100mg for a total of 750mg-1,000mg daily). I started with 20 drops three times a day, for a few days, increased to 20 drops five times a day for a few weeks, then tapered off to 15 drops five times a day. I prefer the liquid GSE because, in my opinion, it is more easily absorbed and perhaps faster acting. If taken on an empty stomach, you do have to increase gradually because otherwise you might experience some mild stomach acidity. I don't know if you will get the same results with tablets or capsules. Just try it and if it doesn't work then switch to liquid and see if it works better for you. Do be aware, though, that the liquid extract tastes very bitter. If you do an internet search on the benefits of GSE you will see that it states it does not affect beneficial intestinal flora; however, I took probiotics at separate times, just as a precautionary measure. I have never tried the MSM. Joyce from Joelton and Ted highly recommend it, and they are both very knowledgeable, so I am sure that would help, too. I wish you the best at resolving your skin condition. I hope it works for you as well as it did for me.

TO DEBORAH FROM ALBUQUERQUE, NM and TO DEBBIE FROM NEW YORK,NY

I don't know if I can mention brands, but I was taking the NutriBiotic original GSE liquid concentrate unfiltered formula (10 drops contain 100mg) which I purchased at a Whole Foods supermarket, to be taken 5-15 drops in 5oz. or more of water or juice 1-3 times daily, with or without meals.

My melasma was on the sides of my forehead, very pronounced on my nose, some on my upper cheek bones and somewhat around my mouth. And, yes, it is all gone, except for one tiny spot on my nose where it was the most pronounced. I had gone on vacation for three weeks and had stopped using the GSE. The Melasma has not returned, but I have started up again on GSE to get that one spot left on my nose. No, I don't use sunscreen. I don't like to use chemicals anywhere on my skin. I use hats during the sun's peak hours. If you decide to try it, I hope it works for you, as well as it did for me. Do remember though, that you would also have to address your internal terrain. Going on an internal cleanse to flush out your colon and liver would greatly benefit your overall health. My best to you.

TO LAURA FROM WICHITA,KS

Laura, I was using 15-20 drops of liquid GSE extract (the natural citricidal kind)five times a day on an empty stomach (10 drops100mg for a total of 750mg-1000mg daily). I started with 20 drops three times a day, for a few days, increased to 20 drops five times a day for a few weeks, then tapered off to 15 drops five times a day. I prefer the liquid GSE because, in my opinion, it is more easily absorbed and perhaps faster acting. If taken on an empty stomach, you do have to increase gradually because otherwise you might experience some mild stomach acidity. I don't know if you will get the same results with tablets or capsules. Just try it and if it doesn't work then switch to liquid and see if it works better for you. Do be aware, though, that the liquid extract tastes bitter. If you do an internet search on the benefits of GSE, you will see that it states it does not affect beneficial intestinal flora; however, I took probiotics at separate times, just as a precautionary measure.

I have never tried the MSM. Joyce from Joelton and Ted highly recommend it, and they are very knowledgeable, so I am sure that would help, too. I wish you the best at resolving your skin condition. I hope it works for you as well as it did for me.

Melasma: For those of you reading the posts. I just wanted to update you all on my condition. I had my hormones checked and my progesterone was pretty low. I started the bio identical hormone therapy last night. They put me on 125mg of progesterone dissolve tabs. Part of the month, I will only be taking half that dose. Also, I started yesterday upping my intake of MSM to 2,000mg twice a day along with 1000mg vit C twice a day. I'm also taking the 500mg grapefruit seed extract twice a day. I'm continuing with 50mg of zinc a day to help with any copper overload caused by the estrogen dominance. We'll just see how this goes after a few weeks! I will keep you posted.

Wow, both wisdom and thought provoking ideas in your mail. Thank you for the detailed response Marea. I am going to try to incorporate what I can from your regime and give you periodic updates on my progress as well.

Good luck in your new home search. May it bring you all you wish and desire :)

Dear Misha, Thank you very much for your good wishes. Just keep in mind, as I am sure you know, that chances of success are higher when changes are not overwhelming, but incorporated one or two at a time. Yes, please keep me updated on your progress. May your efforts be rewarded with beautiful, glowing skin! :) Marea, from Dallas, Texas

Tina,

I have had melasma all over my face for about 5 years. I have tried all of the expensive topical treatments and peels with only temporary success. I discovered this website back in May and have since tried many of the remedies recommended here. I have also started seeing a Naturopathic Doctor, which has been very helpful (although quite pricey$$). She discovered I have a hormone inbalance and she thinks this is the reason I have the melasma (as well as some pretty bad PMS symptoms). I am taking vitex along with other supplements to correct my hormone inbalance (I am estrogen dominant). I am also taking Vitamin C, MSM, a multi-vitamin, Pycnogenol, Zinc, Copper, Probiotics, Fish Oil, and using ACV topically. I have tried the GSE, horseradish, hydrogen peroxide masks and Kefir, but that didn't do anything for me.

For me the fish oil and probiotics have been key to helping my skin. My melasma has lightened quite a bit, but I think this is also due to shifting my diet. I did a 2 week liver detox and have tried to stay away from sugar, wheat, dairy, red meats, alcohol and caffeine since then. I know that sounds like a lot and no fun, but it has made me feel a whole lot better and I think my skin is getting better. I have been eating mostly veggies, beans, fruits, grains and beans. I am not completely strict on this, and I still like to go out and have pizza and beer on the weekends, but I do notice that my brown spots look darker the next day when I do.

Another thing I have done is to shift my beuty products to all natural ones -ACV, coconut oil and natural makeups and SPF (look up EWG.org to find out if your products have irritating chemicals in them). I recently heard about topical niacinamide (vitamin B3), which is supposed to act much in the same way as Retin A by curing acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, but it is completely natural and is very inexpensive. Just google the natural spray form. I am definitely going to give it a try and I will report on my progress. Good luck to everyone else -this is a difficult battle! (I do have to put things in perspective sometimes and think -things could be a lot worse ;)