Melasma Remedies

Hello Ladies - I wanted to let you know I found all of your posts very helpful. I have been dealing with this disease for 4 years now, and it was prior to my children. It has really flared up since getting pregnant 2 years ago. My little girl is now 8 months old and Friday 04/25 I found this site with your comments. I have been using the MSM 1,000 MG for about a month or so but only taking it once, also I have been doing 500mg of Vit.C once a day. I have went up on both I am now taking the MSM - 1,000MG 3 times a day and the Vit. C 2 times a day, and in less than a week I have seen dramatic results. I am so happy to have found something that is helping! Thank you all! I wanted to post this for encouragement to all! I am also using Proactiv and I think it helps lighten it. One more thing I put on a 50spf everyday! Boy Oh Boy how wonderful at last some results.

Melasma

Hi.. don't give up hope.. I got rid of melasma on bridge of my nose.. I would soak the apple cidar vinegar in cotton ball and apply .. then I would apply hydrogen peroxide on and off for days and days.. sometimes I taped the cotton ball to my nose soaked in ACV.. well it did take awhile. Maybe a few months but finally the skin started to peel and peel off into new skin.. most of it is gone but now I have a freckle there but the peeled skin came off and now the melisma is gone.

Your article was a gift to me - meant a lot.

Gave me some insight and understanding about myself and cleared up lots of "unexplained and unsolved mysteries" about my personality.

Thank you so much for the time, energy and detail you expended to create it.

God Bless You.

Reply to Lisa.

04/08/2008: Lisa from Santa Fe, New Mexico writes: "I've read all your suggestions and thoughts about melasma. I must admit, this is the most feedback I've seen thus far! I too suffer from this disgusting patchy face look. I have it on my cheeks, forehead and upperlip just like most of you. I've tried creams, OTC and prescription, the only thing that faded was my money! I've tried Apple cider vinegar and currently trying a cream with "tepezcohuite" a mexican remedy. So far its been 3 days and I know I must give it some time, I wanted to wake up and see instant results but thats dreaming. I plan to give it 4-6 months of fair trying. I'll keep you posted on how its working for me. if all else fails, I'm interested in the hydrogen peroxide remedy. Has anybody heard about laser tx? I'm getting desperate that I'm thinking about that route. I'm at my wits end with melasma. I feel people are concentrating on my melasma rather than me"

My aunt had melasma. She started doing Kapalbhati pranayam and the melasma reduced within a few weeks and went away completely in a couple of months. In India, yoga master Ramdev Baba's style of doing kapalbhati Pranayam is the most popular. Here is the link to see how it is done:

http://knowyoga.org/tiki-index.php?page=Kapal Bhati Pranayam

If you do it, do write back in a month to let us all know if your melasma has faded. Good wishes! (I do kapalbhati everyday for other health benefits and like Ramdev Baba says, it seems to cure all problems.)

MSM- Answering back to Grace and Debbie.

First of all, I'd like you to know, that I understand how you feel. For me, melasma on my face, makes me feel very unattractive and very insecure. I got to a point where nothing was working for me so I started researching it on my own. By all means, my knowledge on melasma is limited and I researched and read quite a bit before I started taking MSM.

MSM is available in capsule, powder or crystal form. Make sure it's a pure brand. I myself take the capsule form. I take 3 capsules of MSM (1000 mg) everyday. When you take the MSM, take it after you have eaten and don't take all 3 at once. Take them throughout the day. Make sure you consult your GP before taking the MSM, especially if you are on any prescribed medication. Be cautious and don't mix without consulting a doctor first. You do not want it to interfere with other medications, like aspirin or blood pressure meds.

I also take 1 to 2 chewable vitamin C tablets (500 mg) a day.

As for the apple cider vinegar, I apply it once a week (if that). Once you wash it off, your face feels very soft. I don't use it that often any more. I've also increased my antioxidant intake. I eat everything from blueberries, kale (green veggies), and green tea, pomegranate (my favourite), red wine, etc... Since MSM (Methyl-Sulphonyl-Methane) is a powerful antioxidant, I thought I'd start eating a lot more antioxidant foods. All in all, my face is looking better and better. I honestly can't believe it. Maybe this is a result of everything combined; I really don't know. What I do know is that adding more antioxidants to my diet, can only help me in the long run. As for the MSM, it appears to be safe and non-toxic. MSM is also a very good mineral for healthy hair, skin, nails and joints. Good luck and don't give up. I started all this on December 3rd /07 and 2 months later my melasma has slowly disappeared. I'm feeling and looking happier everyday. Just remember, for some of us it may take longer; don't give up.

I do hope I've answered some of your questions.

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.

Triluma is hydroquinone 4% plus tretinoin 0.5% (AKA Retinol or Retin_A) plus Fluocinolone Acetonide which is a corticosteroid primarily used in dermatology to reduce skin inflammation and relieve itching. Therefore if Triluma works then hydroquinone alone should do the trick and it should not cost more than 20$-30$

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

Thanks so much for this. I have had melasma for only 4 months and it's destroyed my life.

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.

I have tried MSM powder with Vitamin C 1000mg daily to successfully clear Melasma on my cheeks.

Prior to this I tried many over the counter remedies with no or little results.

I would recommend this method if you want fast results:

1. 1 X 1000 mg capsule/tablet or 1/4 level teaspoon powder/crystals for 5 days with breakfast

2. 2 X 1000 mg capsule/tablet or 1/2 level teaspoon powder/crystals for 5 days with breakfast

3. 3 X 1000 mg capsule/tablet or 1 level teaspoon powder/crystals for 5 days with breakfast

But its best to start slow and work up to a steady dose and you can go up to 5 x 1000mg.

Some friends found that they were more comfortable increasing their dose at a much more steady rate than that outlined above and they may have taken a few months to reach their optimal dose. It is wise to not rush in order to allow the body to adjust properly.

Hope this helps someone!

Hi, thank you for this remedy. I want to try it. Please can you tell me what is the cream's name and what brand it is? Thanks

So you put the foot cream on your foot or your actual upper lip? How long did it take for your melasma to go away! I want to try this!

Hi there, just read your post regarding the remedy that helped your melasma (applying athletes foot cream) to your feet/foot. How did you make that connection?

Thank you so much for your info! I used hydroquinone too and made my melasma even worse! Now I have horrible dark patches that can't be covered with heavy foundations. 😞 I am devastated, I feel ugly, I don't want to go out of the house, do you think msm may help? Have you tried it topically too?

Again thank you so much!

Has anyone found something to fade their melasma as I too have horrible brown patches on my face. I have been using murad Lightning system and I alternate it with his resurgence line. it did help a little. I also have been using glocolic peel I ordered from Walmart. Idk what else to do to get rid of this off my face. It's so embarrassing just looking for anything that will help

Hello, how is your skin doing?

Hi Jenny, Just got through reading your post and it's as if I was reading my own experience as to how I developed melasma. I developed mine about 3 years ago. It's was during an outdoor outing. I have tried about everything from lotions to potions and even had Profesional intervention (dermatologists) but no results. I have finally just laid back, and kept my skin regime very simply and have just stopped stressing about it. I was hoping you could share what brands of supplements you took since the options out there are countless and not made with quality. It would really help me out tremendously and I would be very grateful. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.

I'm a newbee recently joined this website to battle melasma.. I have also tried cilantro as a green smoothie or juice every day .. I did found some improvement but I haven't tried for long.. hope cilantro helps with melasma.. now I have taking vit c, milk thistle, neem, thriphala.. I did not see much improvement. but when I was on cilantro diet I did see some improvement but I didn't continue long ..

Hi, I wanted to give it a shot. Could you please share the link for this product. Many Thanks

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.

How long did you take the cod liver oil before it started fading? And how long before it went completely away?

I used to take green pasture fclo years ago, but not for any specific condition. The melasma started after a bad episode on BC pills, so it is hormonal for me.....above my lip. :( It comes and goes over the past 3 years but never really fully gone.

You mention gigawhite. Are you using topical products that contain gigawhite? If so please share what they are. Also are you using natural progesterone creams during certain days of your cycle? Are you using licorice topically or orally? Thanks for the info.

Wanted to know if we have to take MSM and licorice orally or apply them topically and how.

Hi, I started taking msm capsules on Saturday, how long should I wait to see any kind of result? I am taking capsules of 1000 mg each, thank you so much, right now I feel devastated and without hope 😞 . Do you think msm in cream would also help?

What type of MSM do you use? powder or pill and what brand?

hi, I would like to know what kind of a licorice powder or oil I have to use and how?

I have done two rounds of paelo detox, working with a nutritionist on eating ketogentic and taking vitamins that are missing in my body for about 7 weeks now. Haven't noticed any fading on my cheeks. How long will it take and am I on the right track?

I have melasma on my upper lip from laser hair removal and around my eyes from plucking. At the moment I am trying 2 different things Apple Cider Vinegar and alternating with tumeric paste made from milk and tumeric. After less than a week I can start to see blotches where it's fading. Fingers crossed but it looks like it could work!

I've only had melasma (forehead, cheeks, and upper lip which was the worst area) for less than a year, but I am already sick of it. the only thing I can relate its cause to was when I started using an acne ointment that a dermatologist gave me. Horrible. I started my research and first pursued IPL; did it twice and was better at first but came right back. Not willing to continue spending the money I came back to this trusty site and saw all of the recommendations. I am so happy to say that after 2 weeks I'm seeing some improvement. I'm sure it'd be even better if I actually remembered to take the supplements 3x a day instead of when I only remember. What I do: I take each of these items 3x a day: 300mg capsule of raw (whole food) vitamin C, 1000mg capsule of MSM (I looked for one without glucosamine because of my own preference), & 15 drops of grapefruit seed extract (it's 100mg per 10 drops). I used some recommendations of filling empty gelatin capsules with the extract to avoid the taste and it works great. I wish all of you the best. I'll keep you posted if I see more improvements.

Hello, I am really desperate! I want to get rid of my melasma because I'm getting married in 3 months. I tried ACV and all I am seeing is red blotches on top of the melasma. I am feeling very discouraged and don't know what to do. If anyone has tried ACV and got the same red blotches please let me know if this is normal. I don't know if I should continue with ACV or move on to something else. If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it!

My skin colour is fair but the skin outside my vagina, under arms and inner thighs is dark due to the use of hair removing creams. I am going to marry in 2 months. I am virgin and physically fit. I desperately need to lighten the skin color of these areas very fast.. ASAP. Can Isopropyl Alcohol be of any help? Please suggest fast remedies without any side effects.

Every time I bathe in milk of magnesia I look like a ghost when I get out of the tub.... Maybe put some topically on those areas and leave it.... Wouldn't hurt might help, some people use it for deodorant ( but some get tiny bumps and have to discontinue use)and I know it is good for removing dead skin cells and the magnesium in it is good for your muscles.

For a quick fix, purchase a can of Airbrushed legs (make sure to get the right shade) and spray on the border of where the normal skin meets the dark. Blend around so you can't see where the dark starts and light skin begins. Works like a charm and won't smudge.

Hi all has anyone tried glycolic acid for melasma, please reply

Hi, I totally hear you. Mine developed a few years ago while on a course of the dreaded accutane for oily acne skin. It destroyed my liver and while on this, these horrid patches of dark skin appeared and have darkened over the years. I have it really bad and it can be depressing as people stare and often say, "Have you been burnt in the sun?" So I am going to also start with the suggestions above and let's do this together. I am also going to try the hydrogen peroxide and onion juice mix topically. All the best. Vic

Dermal melasma is deep melasma underneath the skin and is blue/grey. Epidermal melasma is in the skin and brown in colour. How you treat dermal melasma is different from epidermal. Looking for anyone who has dermal or a mix of both melasma so that we can come together and fight this thing. Really, this is crazy. I have a dermal mustache and it's grey/blue. A lot of fun, can I tell you. If you have any leads on how to treat this please post. Luv

Hi everyone, I am so happy to find a current thread on this forum! I've been researching this for so long, but mostly have only found older posts. I have Dermal upper lip melasma, it's horrible!! No matter what I do, it looks like I have a mustache. Nothing covers it, in fact it looks worse with cover up! I always feel the need to bring it up in conversation so that people don't think I forgot to wax!

I also have it on the entire center of my forehead which goes down in between my eyebrows. That's where it started about 6 1/2 yrs ago, my youngest were 8 yrs old, so not pregnancy and haven't been on pill since before they were conceived, I was 38, so not postmenopausal. It began as a small diamond shape between brows and then grew! I used to think that was unattractive, but once it appeared on my upper lip, I realized how much worse it was to have it there! I've read that it is a different hyperpigmentation above the lip, apparently the skin is different, anyway it's the hardest to treat, of course, the most embarassing place to have it is the hardest to get rid of.

The only thing I've read about that works sometimes is MSM. I tried triluma a few years ago, but it did nothing, also recently a new dermatologist put me on tretinoin & a 4% hydriquinone, but I stopped using it as summer began, I was told by a makeup artist that it's not a good idea to use the bleaching during the more intense sun. In addition, the hydriquinone is known to be unsafe as well as many online have said that it makes the patches darker, as well as laser. So, I'm not sure that I will continue with it even after summer.

I'm also afraid of the tretinoin as the dermatologist said that skin is more sensitive to the sun while using it, it's crazy so many of the treatments make even "regular skin" more sun sensitive, so why would we want to put our melasma that's already sensitive to the sun, at risk for becoming even darker!!

I figured I'd save up for laser, but after everything I've read, it doesn't sound worth the money I don't have, it either doesn't have an effect or makes it worse. I believe that it is definitely a (hormonal) internal problem, so it should be treated internally. Most seem to have luck with the MSM, so I think I will try that, I'm just trying figure the right combo of supplements, the most popular seem to take it with gse, but many use other supplements with it as well. It's all so overwhelming. I would really love all suggestions and any information that any of you have to offer.

Overall, I know that I'm very fortunate that this is only cosmetic, in fact I feel shallow thinking about it too much, when there are so many others that have problems much worse than this. I try to keep things in perspective, thinking of others and remembering how lucky I am, really does give you a better attitude about dealing with melasma. Luckily, I have great friends, that helps too, and a wonderful family that I am so grateful for, they also keep me busy not giving me too much time to worry:)

I'm so happy to finally have people to talk to about this! Looking forward to hearing from all of you!! Khava

Hey sorry for the late reply, I'll try and check this weekly. Still climbing up the battle hill.

Researching MSM, a lot of people had limited success according to a thread by author Vanessa Wild, who wrote a book on msm for melasma. I am still hopeful. Msm has helped me the most because my skin is sensative so i'm staying away from acids. It has helped my melasma quite a bit and I still have more to go. I still see improvement and as long as thats the case, you never know!!!! I did email with one person who has had full success with MSM and dermal mustache. I used to use msm internally but I took a break as it is recommended for your body and still see improvements so i'll wait a little while before going back on because I was on a high dose, like 10,000 mg. I use msm topically. First, I wash my face and dry it really good. Then I just mix it with some water, put it on a tissue and lay it on top of 'mel' for a minute.

Also, i'm on a cleanse, cutting out a lot of sugar for my candida, especially processed. Candida is linked to melasma. Depending on what website you look at some people recommend cleansing and then adding some low-sugar fruit on an empty stomach to your diet so it's your call. Also, antifungals and probiotics. Also linked to melasma is high copper in the body. Hormone levels. Sun. I think it is important to rebalance your body and it helps to fight the melasma, otherwise the melasma will keep coming back.

Anyhooie. Blessings and prayers. Will check back. It's good to have some persons respond who are on the current journey/struggle. Let's help one another. Believe you me, I am praying for us.

Hello... I used Grape Fruit Seed Extract in pill and liquid form to rid me of melasma. I am now melasma free and no longer need all my GFSE pills. I have bottles of them and will give them to any genuine melasma sufferers in NZ or Australia if they are happy to pay the postage (if it is NZ it should only be about $10 maximum for all the pills - anywhere in the country I have about 10 bottles of pills). They worked for me and I don't mind sharing. I know how horrible this condition in. If you want them please reply to this thread with your email address and I will contact you. I think the bottles are bout $40 NZ each to buy.

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.

Hi, I read some useful information about melasma on your website. There is a list of things to use such as ACV, cilantro, lemon juice, etc but it does not exactly specify how to use it. Drink or put on the skin. I have melasma from about a year which is rapidly increasing from last 4 months. please help me do the right thing. Saadia

What type of lazer treatment did you use? Thanks

I've battled dark skin spots (hyperpigmentation) for nearly 11 years; I've tried everything out there and found that Tri-Luma is very affective. My discoloration is aggressive and Tri-Luma has worked when my skin has been at its worst. Tri-Luma is a topical skin cream; should be applied in the morning about ten minutes before applying make up and again at night for best and fastest results. Tri-Luma is by prescription only and is very expensive; my dermatologist offers it to his patients at a nicely reduced price but some warehouse clubs like Costco also offer it between $175-$190 a tube. Don't need much, a tube lasts about 2-3 months.

Anna Farahmand from Tehran, am I correct when I intepret your post on remedies for melasma that you say walnuts can cause hyperpigmentation? So are you saying not to use walnuts if you have melasma? Thanks for your interesting post, and I am looking forward to more clarification.

Hello dear

All people and body are not the same. Some tend to have hyper pigmentation and some people are never sensitive to environmental parameters. I actually mean if a you are primary sensitive to have melasma , it goes worse if you eat walnut. In spite of that walnut is one of best nuts. Or you have another alternative choice and that is not to exposure sunlight while you are eating walnuts and intake copper content drug.

But for sensitive person, better to eat other nut specially hulled hemp seeds (most nutrition nut in the world), pumpkin seed (good source of zinc) and sesame.

In fact I mean, you should eat nuts and it is mandatory. Just see the nature and how birds are colorful and energetic with nuts. Unfortunately in new age we are getting far from nature, more and more.

I hope this is good answer for your question, if there is any more don't hesitate to ask.