Melasma
Natural Remedies

Melasma Remedies

Multiple Remedies

13 User Reviews
5 star (8) 
  62%
4 star (3) 
  23%
3 star (1) 
  8%
1 star (1) 
  8%


Posted by Kim (Discovery Bay, CA) on 10/20/2008
5 out of 5 stars

I found the biggest improvement with Mandelic/Malic acid. I first used Nucelle's SPA System and saw big benefits, but because the price, I switched to Mama Lotion.

Still, I didn't get rid of the melasma completely. I was having other problems too, such as acne, stomach problems, numbness and migraines, etc. so I saw a nutritionist who put me on a food plan to cleanse my system. It was only $120 to see the nutritionist and I've been on this plan for a couple of months. I notice HUGE improvements overall. I feel wonderful! She suggested fasting, but I haven't done it yet.

I pretty much cut everything out of my diet (wheat, dairy, sugar), I have great recipes to follow which contain mostly fruits, vegetables, brown rice or brown rice pasta and raw nuts (some lean meats). I try to buy mostly organic when I can afford it. I have my fruit in my morning smoothie and I add Nature's Plus Source of Life daily and KYO green. At night I take flaxseed oil, milk thistle and probiotics.

I think you not only have to treat the skin on the outside, but on the inside too! I wish I could share my food plan with all of you!!!

Good luck!

Replied by Denise
(Brooklyn, New York)
10/20/2008

It was great to hear how your new diet has helped you, I always new that the proper foods are the foundation for overall well being. However you did not mention if the diet made a difference in your melasma is it gone ? has it been reduced? I am a melasma sufferer myself and would do anything to get rid of this ghastly condition.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Denise (Medina, USA) on 09/30/2008
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Replied by Tracey
(Los Angeles, Ca)
05/01/2009

Hello,
Can you tell me what is MSM 3x you are taking for your Melasma. Is it tablets. I need help on Melasma too. Please help me on wher you get it and how many times you take it a day. And how many mg of Vit C a day.

Thank you
Sara


Multiple Remedies
Posted by In_Owe (CARSON, CA) on 08/12/2008
5 out of 5 stars

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.


Onion Juice, Hydrogen Peroxide

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  50%
4 star (1) 
  50%


Posted by Shirley (Singapore) on 08/19/2009
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Replied by Sumita
(Akron, Ohio)
06/01/2010

Hi Shirley,

If u still check this site, can u tell me how is ur Melasma now?

Replied by Marilena
(Milan, Italy)
07/23/2010
4 out of 5 stars

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. . .

Replied by Riju
(Cleethorpes, Linconshire/united Kingdom)
07/07/2012

Hi m new on this site. I have melasma also- could u pls tell me how did u make it and apply or how long?


Oregano Oil

1 User Review
(1) 
  100%


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.


Papaya

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Angel (Gainesville, FL) on 06/26/2008
5 out of 5 stars

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.


Prescription Drugs

Posted by Cece (Santa Barbara, California) on 08/01/2011

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.


Prescription Drugs
Posted by Suzy (Tallmadge, Ohio) on 11/09/2010

Ive had melasma which has covered nearly 40% of my face. It started about a 1 1/2 years ago. I got a little spot on my nose and around my upperlip. 6 months ago it started very quickly to spread. I went to several Dr even cleveland clinic and they gave me creams but nothing worked. They all told me the same thing. "Theres nothing you can do, it will probably get worse." I wasnt willing to believe that. I started reading natural cures and heard about apple cider vinegar and tried it. It got a little better. So I realized that there has to be a cure otherwise it wouldnt have helped at all. I had a spot on my fingernail which I believed was fungus. I also had granuloma Annular on my neck and when I put Apple cider vinegar on it it helped the nail and eliminated the granuloma completely. So then I realized they had to be connected to the melasma. I began my mission. I had been to several Dr. I knew that all 3 were related, they all told me I was crazy that there was no connection. I knew if I could find what cured my fingernail it would cure the melasma. Each dr perscribed something diffrent nothing worked. So I began doing more research on the internet and realized what I needed was Doxycylene and prednisone to cure it. Sure enough it worked 5 days later the bacteria in my nail is gone and so is the melasma. I think mine was caused from a bacteria in my body. Dont give up you just need to know where its coming from..... Good luck!!!!! Suzy

Replied by Aerin
(Vancouver, Bc, Canada)
06/13/2011

Hi Suzy, after reading your post I have realized that my melasma may also be connected to a fungus. I have had melasma for several years now and for the last 2-3 years have also had a reoccuring foor fungus! I have tried creams perscribed by my doctor for the foot fungus but nothing is working and if it does work it comes back.

I am going to ask my doctor about the medications you were taking but I am worried he will not let me try them. did your doctor just give them to you when you asked for them? I looked them up and found that Doxycylene is used for acne and bacterial infections but I don't understand what the prednisone was used for? Could you explain I am so tired of having melasma!! Please help!


Probiotics

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Jenny (Nh ) on 12/06/2016
5 out of 5 stars

I just wanted to let those of you who are suffering from melasma know that you can fix it!

I have been contracting the dreaded upper lip and blotches on both sides of my cheeks slightly since mid 20's. Last winter I became very ill with the flu AND mono ( usually very healthy ) and felt fatigued ALL THE TIME. After I thought I felt a bit better, I drove cross country. The sun was beaming down on me through the windshield the entire time (which I never thought to wear sunscreen while driving). Anyway, I arrived at my destination and new town for the summer with even darker and uglier patches (probably the sun and clearly my health was a bit shakey). Needless to say I was horrified with my skin! I never want to wear makeup and had to pour it on everyday to hide the ugly brown blothes! I went to an esthetician and she told me I had melasma and that it is incurable (great). She talked me into getting a really expensive chemical peel which made my skin look okay for maybe 2 days until I went on a hike with my dog for even a 1/2 hour. I was getting fed up. I didn't believe the sun could make a symmetrical brown mask on my face and knew it had to be something more as I was still feeling fatigued. I did TONS of research. I started juicing..which sort of helped.. I've been taking MSM, turmeric, vit C, Vit D, apple cider vin toner morning and night, also started using castor oil as a face wash (which makes your skin feel so good and glowy! ). I just started taking probiotics and I can already see my lip completely fading. My energy is sky rocketing also. Clearly I have some autoimmune issues!! I suggest you all start taking probiotics because I think they are working the most of all as they help regulate intestinal function which in turn helps out your entire mind/body!! Sorry for the rant but I know you all understand how tough having this problem is! Do the right thing and buy some probiotics.

Replied by Marianne
(Germany)
09/01/2017

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

Replied by Allison
(Virginia)
07/20/2018

Hello, how is your skin doing?


Retinoic Acid

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 05/02/2011
5 out of 5 stars

I found this about melasma in one of my newsletters from Dr. Jonathan Wright (Washington state):

Both retinoic acid (a natural, acid form of vitamin A) and azaleic acid (a natural component of human skin) can lessen the abnormally heavy pigmentation of melasma, but in 2002 Chinese investigators reported another simple but effective remedy.

The researchers investigated the effects of pycnogenol (a standardized antioxidant rich extract of the bark of the French pine tree Pinus pinaster) against melasma in thirty women with the condition.

After standardized measurements of area and degree of melasma pigmentation, each woman took 25 milligrams of pycnogenol three times daily for 30 days. Both the area covered by melasma and the intensity of the pigment were significantly reduced. The "general effective rate" was 80 percent and no side effects were reported. Other symptoms also decreased during the 30 days, including fatigue, constipation, pains in the body, and anxiety.

The researchers wrote: "To conclude, pycnogenol was shown to be therapeutically effective and safe in patients suffering from melasma."

I hope this helps!


Rosehip Seed Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Mdfabone (Suburbs, Il) on 07/20/2016
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Replied by Priya
(Va)
07/22/2016

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


Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalene Oil

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%


Posted by Rr (Colorado) on 10/15/2013
5 out of 5 stars

Melasma Remedy Treatment (Rosehip Seed Oil and Squalene Oil)

I've tried just about everything for pregnancy induced melasma. It was embarassing and was getting to the point that even makeup couldn't cover it. I was reserved to just use sunblock and dermablend concealer for the rest of my life, but then I happen chanced on something that worked.

I had previously tried EVERYTHING, even that nasty skin bleaching cream, but nothing worked. I started making my own beauty products and purchased a couple of oils to make a natural anti-aging cream for my eyes. However, I was lazy and just mixed the two oil 50/50 and put it around my eyes, accidentally getting some on my temples (where the worst of my melasma is)... A few hours later I looked in the mirror and was FLOORED at what I saw. The melasma was significantly lighter. I begin putting it on my entire face and in just two days it is 75% gone. I am NOT exaggerating. I didn't need concealer today and just used a light BB cream and it blended in nicely. I imagine after a few more weeks, it should be all but gone. I am going to add a few more EO's and carrier oils to a serum too and test those out. If you want it to fade, while smoothing your complexion out, use RoseHIP seed oil (not rose oil) and squalene oil (derived from olive oil). Mix the two 50/50 in a bottle and apply liberally on your skin. It is also helping with the thin and dry skin on my hands and I'm testing it on scars and stretchmarks too.

Replied by Leanh**
(Australian)
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 :-(

Replied by Gg
(Sacramento, Ca)
03/24/2016
5 out of 5 stars

Hi. Thank you so much for sharing your mix if rosehip seed oil and squalene oil. I feel the need to reply to pay it forward. It did wonders to my melasma in as little as one week. It's been a month and my melasma is much lighter. I'm afraid it has peaked and it has stopped getting lighter. I wonder if you discovered any other oil to include in the mix to continue its effect on erasing the melasma? I got depressed with my spreading dark spots on my face and your mix of rosehip seed oil and squalene really helped me. Thank you so so much!!

Replied by Marina
(Syracuse Utah)
01/25/2017
5 out of 5 stars

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.


Selenium

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Liza (Phoenix, Az, Usa) on 01/28/2010
5 out of 5 stars

Hi all,

I have tried almost every remedy on this site for the last two years to help my melasma: hydrogen peroxide, grapefruit seed extract (GSE), MSM supplementation and horseradish. In addition, I have tried Tri-Luma cream from my dermatologist. I also have worn 50 sunscreen every day from La Roche Posay. Though I appreciated everyone's posts, unfortunately, nothing seemed to work.

Until now. I wanted to share this with everyone on the message board because I found the suggestions here so helpful. Basically, I started taking 200mcg of selenium, a mineral that's supposed to help with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Within three weeks of taking it, my fatigue had improved AND...my melasma was completely gone. I was shocked and did some research. Turns out that in the same way that yeast overgrowth can affect some people with melasma, there are other people with thyroid problems who are more affected by melasma as well.

(In case the link doesn't work, here the info:Association of Melasma with Thyroid Autoimmunity and Other Thyroidal Abnormalities and Their Relationship to the Origin of the Melasma*

RUB?N J. LUTFI, MIGUEL FRIDMANIS, ALEJANDRO L. MISIUNAS, OSCAR PAFUME, ENRIQUE A. GONZALEZ, JORGE A. VILLEMUR, MIGUEL A. MAZZINI and HUGO NIEPOMNISZCZE)

I should add that I also take fish oil, evening primrose oil and a B vitamin, but the melasma didn't go away until I started with the selenium. HOWEVER, selenium can be toxic at high doses (400mcg)--PLEASE consult with your doctor to find if you are deficient or have other thyroid problems. This probably won't help everyone unfortunately, but those few of you with undiagnosed thyroid issues it may help. And since selenium is quite inexpensive, that's nice too. :)

Replied by Michelle
(Melbourne, Australia)
05/12/2010

Hi Liza,

I happened to stumble across this website by accident and saw your post.

I am almost 41 and have had Melasma for about 4 1/2 years. I have never been on the pill and could not understand how I ended up with this. I guess I thought that living in Australia, this was the result of sun damage, even though I have dark skin and have never had a need to tan.

I have however, recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease (hypothyroidism)! I read the link that you posted and it all started to fall into place! Can you tell me how you found out about Selenium for Melasma?

Your post has given me hope.

I look forward to you reply.
Cheers,
Michelle

Replied by Andrea
(Rowville, Victoria ,australia)
11/17/2011

Hi I have suffered from melasma now for 6 years and also live in Australia, I've just started taking selenium as well but dont think I have a thyroid problem. I had perfectly toned skin until we went on a European holiday in 2006 and I started getting brown blotches all over my face, I later learnt that the mynocycline I was taking for acne could have been the culprit but I was also on another medication for anxiety, that I found out 7 months ago can also cause hyperpigmentation, but I stopped that 7 months ago and instead of fading my melasma is spreading :( not fun , I'm now at a loss. Never been on BC pills , had my hormones checked recently and everything was normal. I've tried everything you can think of, spent thousands of dollars, it would be great to keep in touch since we both live in Australia, I feel like the only person on this planet with this disfiguring mask:(

Replied by Barbara
(Kansas)
10/12/2015

I too have Melasma and am tapering off of an anti-anxiety drug. I had hoped that discontinuing it would improve the skin condition. Can you tell which drug (or class of) that you took?

Thank you.


Silymarin Topical

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Art (California ) on 06/22/2015 1664 posts
5 out of 5 stars

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


Skin Lightening Remedies

Posted by Sanjna (India) on 05/31/2013

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.

Replied by Joy
(Battleground, Wash)
05/31/2013

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.

Replied by Kim
(Newyork)
03/12/2016

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.



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