Melasma Remedies

Papaya

Posted by Angel (Gainesville, FL) on 06/26/2008
★★★★★

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.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Marea (Dallas, Texas) on 06/19/2008

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.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Marea (Dallas, Texas) on 02/27/2009

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

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Janet (Washington, Dc) on 08/16/2011
★★★★☆

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 ;)

Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Jennifer (Carrollton, VA) on 01/18/2008
★★★★★

I tried the Hydrogen Peroxide for Melasma: I've done 5 treatments, 20 minutes on the affected areas and it has substancially faded. I have it quite bad on forehead, cheek area, upper lip. I have also done the glycolic peels, Tri-Luma cream, etc. with no results. I am amazed this is working, and trying to determine if I can continue this to control the melasma.

Melasma Creams That Don't Work

Posted by Alisa (Reno, Nevada) on 12/12/2016

Hydroquinone and tretoin is only temporary and my mealasma came back worse....beware. Fix your hormones which is major cause.

Whipped Tallow Balm

Posted by Ruralady (Illinois) on 08/25/2025 138 posts
★★★★★

I don't have melasma but I've heard some women have had wonderful results with whipped tallow balm. It's going to take awhile but they're happy with it and it's all natural.

Self Love

Posted by Tessa (Okanagan) on 08/24/2025

Hi ES -

You wrote a wonderful prescription that could be used in so many situations:

Be patient, be kind to yourself, take care of yourself and don't insult yourself over it. Imagine you're your own best friend ...

I've put the words where I can see them on a regular basis so, whenever I need "reinforcement" over something in my life, I just look at them and take them to heart.

Thank you!

Horseradish

Posted by RB (Somewhere in Europe) on 12/27/2023 92 posts
★☆☆☆☆

As to horseradish, there might be some mistake. I switched from MILD to SPICY (grated horseradish (52%), filtered water, vinegar, rapeseed oil, sugar, salt, citric acid, modified starch, xanthan gum, sodium metabisulfite, and potassium sorbate). I also switched from 15 minutes per day of treatment time to a non-stop 168 hour treatment in a 168 hour period. However, horseradish did not do anything for my melasma.

Treat for Fungal Infection

Posted by Art (California) on 08/17/2022 2723 posts

Sarah,

This post has not been active since February so there is less chance that the poster will answer.

There are multiple antifungal creams available with multiple active antifungal ingredients. I think the active ingredient you are looking for is Clotrimazole as that is the active component in antifungal creams that also inhibits melanogenesis.

Here is a link to typical otc Clotrimazole products :

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=clotrimazole+cream+1%&crid=2TTMLTOHZZXMH&sprefix=clotrimazole+cream+1%,aps,224&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Good luck and please let us know how this works for your melasma.

Art

Probiotics

Posted by Marianne (Germany) on 09/01/2017

Based on your symptoms, I believe you could have adrenal fatigue.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Katie (New Brunswick) on 07/01/2015
★★★★★

I started using ACV; raw, unpasteurized; with the "mother" in it; I suffered from very black melasma spotting over my lips and forehead; I used a skin bleaching cream; carefully; and was able to lighten it up enough that it wasn't so offensive....I can still see faint patches; it helped a lot; I used a neo strata product; and dabbed it lightly on the spots; I started using ACV recently; internally; although use a straw to protect your tooth enamel (diluted in water) and I drink raspberry smoothies regularly to help; you can use raw organic cocoa to protect and heal sundamage from within; good luck; I hate this stuff; I still haven't gotten rid of it completely.

Silymarin Topical

Posted by Art (California ) on 06/22/2015 2723 posts
★★★★★

Based on the following study I made a silymarin topical for my niece and it has helped her hyperpigmentation issues:

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-5945/12/18

Print this study and show it to your doctor to see if he will approve this cream for you. If yes, you might be able to have the cream made up at a compounding pharmacy.

Art

Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalene Oil

Posted by Leanh** (Australian ) on 01/19/2014

Wow, this sounds amazing! Can I ask for an update to your melasma using the rosehip oil and squalane oil? Is it still working and have you done anything else since then to help with your melasma? I have melasma and really want it gone too :-(

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sam (New York, Ny) on 07/21/2013

Melasma: ACV is good to balance your skin's pH & to give it a nice fresh glow but I don't know about getting rid of darkness? You should go internal by taking Pycnogenol which has like 30 years of reasearch to back up its efficacy on many conditions, including melasma. It's expenisive but worth it because it minimizes the darkness and keeps it at bay. Pycnogenol makes a great internal sun blocker but still put sunblock on your face all the time.

There is also MSM which is great for many things, everyone should be taking that. Also, B3 which can be taken orally and applied topically. Pond's cream has a B3 cream that is affordable and works better than any department store product. Easy to find online, it's in a pink container, plus it doesn't stink that bad. There is also some stinky stuff for a couple of dollars that defiantly works wonders but it stinks and you must stay out of the sun, it's called La Campana (The Bell) you can buy it online, as well.

Vitamin A or Retinol/Retin-A works wonders, too, but must be bought from a doctor's prescription and it's around $70 bucks for a little tube but you only use a pea-size. You must use sunblock and stay out of the sun, as well, like the bell cream. It may have little effect on the dark stuff but it makes your skin look so fresh and glowy, like getting a microderm or other facial treatment without the astronomical costs associated with it.

Maintaining beauty does not have to cost a fortune. Actually, the best treatments for the skin are usually the cheaper ones, like ACV. I hope this helped out.

Glycolic Acid

Posted by Aufia (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) on 01/13/2013
★★★★★

hello everyone... I'm Dr. Aufia

Thank God I saw these comments on treatment of melasma... and I really feel blessed to help u out of this stigma on face...

leave everything else aside n go to a medical shop n get 15% glycolic acid and a sunscreen with spf more than 40... N apply over the whole face daily for 2 weeks... n then come back n reply my comment...

ok bye c ya.. Ol d best

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Topaz (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 11/03/2012

I have suffered from melasma for 5 years, it has become progressively worse from what I believe a combination of factors, some being, age, toxin overload, medical treatment for acne, huge exposure to the sun from working outdoors, birth control ( which I quit 3 years ago ). I am also a long term acne sufferer, off and on for 20 years and use of medicines internal and external to treat. The acne isn't too bad and I can deal with it. The melasma didn't worry me too much at first, it started on the forehead then last year developed on both cheeks and this year I developed my moustache which is just awful. I now avoid the sun at all costs which is difficult in the climate I live in. I am not a fan of sun-screen because of its adverse effects, but I have SPF 30 in my moisturizer used daily and always wear a hat but NEVER hang out in the sun like the old days.

I started an HQ cream 10 months ago, didn't feel it did anything so stopped and now believe my melasma has darkened. I decided I really have to do something as it is affecting my self-esteem, I had my hormones checked via blood test, hoping that would come back abnormal and give me the answer, but hormones are all in check. So I've been advised to have skin needling and chemical peels ( expensive ) and invasive procedures I've never been a fan of either. I was thinking of going ahead but now reading all these posts I'm back to where I was a while back believing this is an internal problem.

For those that are reading this, I know I haven't told you of any remedies or glimmers of hope but the above gives me the opportunity to express my problems and history with melasma and I can come back to this site with what I experiment with and learn.

I plan on using the GSE, MSN, B-12, cod liver oil, aloe vera, ACV and tumeric. Will update with how it goes.

This site gives hope and support, and know that beauty really does come from the inside.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rin (Hk) on 11/29/2011
★★★★☆

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 01/06/2014

Dear Saadia,

The Apple Cider Vinegar can be used externally and internally. Use raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar from the health food store. (Some larger grocery stores may have it also.) Mix 1/2 vinegar with 1/2 water in a jar and apply with a cottonball a couple of times a day. If it irritates your skin, dilute it with more water.

Start with 1 teaspoon of the apple cider vinegar in an 8 ounce glass of water once a day. If that agrees with you, you can increase to 2 teaspoons and then to 3 teaspoons. You can drink this twice a day even, if you like. I prefer my vinegar water to plain water after using it a lot.

Birth control pills (and probably other hormonal birth control methods) can cause this or aggravate this condition.

Please keep us posted. If this doesn't work, there are other things you can try.

~Mama to Many~

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Sarah (---, Qatar ) on 09/28/2011
★★★★★

I suffered from dark upper lip for ages before finding a remedy. I am 24 now and when I finally decided enough was enough, I had to get rid of this 5 o clock shadow which showed despite concealors, I approached the problem in 2 ways: (a) get rid of hair for good so you are not irritating or damaging the skin (as that could have been the cause of my dark shadow ). (b) Sunblock application. First, I checked with a dermotologist and found out that I didnt have hirutism and needed no hormonal remedies for upper lip darkness. Which also meant that there was no cause within body responsible for this, and the problem may be superficial over the skin only. I decided to get laser therapy ( costing $100 / session, costs may vary) to get rid of hair and between the sessions I tried to avoid hair removal unless extremely necessary in which case I threaded.

Secondly, I took up sunblock religiously. I apply avene emulsion 50 15/30 before sun exposure without fail. If I have to go out again and its been arond 2 hours, I reapply. If I can avoid the sun, I do.

Its been 3 laser sessions ( I might need 2 more ) and 4 months of sunblock use, and voila I have seen amazing results. The progress may be slow to completely rid of darkness but you will notice changes in skin color immediately after 2 weeks with sunblock application alone. Keep at it and you will be soon as happy as I am. :)

Apple Cider Vinegar, Cod Liver Oil, Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Devyn (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 08/21/2011
★★★★★

7 days ago, after reading some of the testimonies on this site I bought a bottle of _____'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!

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Anna (Tehran, Iran) on 07/24/2011
★★★★★

Hi all

I am Anna Farahmand (researcher you can find me on the web) and you answer how to stop melasma in brief:

1- Fresh lemon juice dry fast, so best cheap composite to brightening skin is a mixture of fresh lemon juice with equal amount of glycerol. Also you can eat lemon juice as syrup as well as vinegar to intake enough vitamin C.

2-copper can make pigmentation. So it is good remedy to get rid of gray hair. Nutrition copper bomb is walnut. It can reverse aging if you take 6% of your calorie intake from this nut and make your hair better but also make hyper pigmentation.

3-spinach and onion are best to clear your skin from inside. Onion has enough MSM. Although you can take small amount of MSM medically.

4-nuts have much all minerals you need which are critical for your skincare.

5-if you notice, melasma is mostly visible on your face and your paw, it is because of sun. That's why Muslim women who wear scarf have a better skin, in the other hand they don't go out much time. But if you have pigmentation on all of part of your body without going exposure to sun, you can't heal it. Small size of melasma can be disappeared with laser therapy in many cases

Kefir

Posted by Sarah (London, Uk) on 05/15/2011
★★★★☆

I've been on this forum before and am happy to report that I've made progress with my melasma battle - and I really wanted to share with you all (as it's completely because of you guys and all your fab posts)!

My melasma originally started on one cheek. After two years, I started noticing it developing on the other cheek. I was on the contraceptive pill and made the decision to come off it (I'd been on it for 8/9 yrs).

Last summer was particuarly difficult as the marks were so dark that they couldn't be covered. Cover-up made them look grey. Then I started noticing tan patches appearing on my forehead - nightmare.

I decided not to use any harsh chemicals on my skin - I truly believe these mask the problem and will only make your skin sensitive and susceptible to further problems.

I invested in a high factor (40 ) sunscreen/make-up, which I always wear - rain or shine.

I increased my water intake and made sure my diet was full of fruit and vegetables.

Initially, I tried Grapeseed Extract 1000mg, Grapefruit Seed Extract (which I found made me feel sick with the taste), MSM 1000mg, Zinc 100mg, Vit C 100mg. I think I probably needed to start off with smaller amounts because I started to feel really unwell and felt my health was suffering. Plus, I saw no change in my skin. Although I should point out I was still on the pill when trying these.

However, a couple of weeks ago I visited this site again and saw someone mention kefir. I did some reading and thought it was worth a shot. I bought some grains on the internet and started making kefir (daily) - which I turn into a smoothie or pancakes.

Well - after only two weeks my melasma looks like it's fading. It can now be covered with make-up. Even better, I spent the day in the sun and it isn't any worse.

Even my husband has told me my skin looks smoother and brighter - result. I'll definitely keep this going. I'm also going to introduce Grapeseed Extract and MSM again - (slowly this time) to see if I can speed up results.

So thank you for posting about kefir - it's brilliant stuff. If anyone has any other advice they could give me that would be great.

I'll keep you all posted on the results.

Beta Carotene, Oregano Oil

Posted by Sarahlynnlee (K.c., Mo, Usa) on 04/28/2011
★★★★★

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.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Maz (Melbourne, Australia) on 02/01/2011
★★★★☆

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

MSM

Posted by Qi Strong (Daytona Beach, Fl) on 06/13/2016

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