Melasma Remedies

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I started using MSM about 3 weeks ago because I have had melasma for over and year and was desperate to find a cure. I heard that MSM can help with melasma so I tried it. So far I love the way my skin feels...it is soooo soft and my skin looks clearer. (acne is getting better and my melasma is slowly fading) I THINK!!....BUT I monitor my monthly cycle and this month I did not ovulate. So I have been trying to research what could be happening to my cycle. I can't find a whole lot. Please tell me if you know why this could be happening. I am going to continue using it and see if I ovulate next month. Otherwise,,,NO side effects at all....Love it.

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

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,

BLESS YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE TO LET ME KNOW OF YOUR SUCCESS WITH GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT FOR YOUR MELASMA! I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUCCESS AND THE REMEDY IS WORKING FOR YOU.

It was almost by accident that I saw your letter. I have been traveling extensively over the last few months as we are seeking relocation to land in the mountains (for pristine soil to grow our own crops, fresh air and sunshine), so my daughter is able to keep up with the reading of the posts much more than I am able to. A few of my friends have now tried the GSE. It did not work for some who gave up too soon, but those who stuck with it and took it as directed in spite of its very bitter taste, were able to see results.

Continue doing what you are already doing - it takes WILLPOWER and RESOLVE. You are on the right track. Taking Acidophilus at separate times and also psyllium and bentonite will all lead to internal cleansing and detoxifying over time. As I had mentioned in my original thread, internal cleansing to flush out the colon, liver and bloodstream will greatly enhance any healing protocol and will benefit overall health. Everything we consume will work that much more effectively if our internal organs are clean and able to absorb; so yes, internal cleansing is of paramount importance, and that is where one should always start if long lasting, permanent results are desired (otherwise, conditions will always eventually recur, when we stop treatment before we address the root or cause of many problems - sluggish, inflamed, clogged or overburdened organs with candida, fungus, bacteria, parasites, etc.)

There are many herbal cleansers on the market. Over the last couple of years, I have used Dr. Richard Schultze's and Dr. Christopher's herbal preparations - they are excellent, and natural. I have heard that Dr. Hulda Clark's herbal preparations are also good. I have followed the _____'s internal cleansing protocol by fasting on distilled water (distilled water is the best solvent of inorganic minerals - I use it for cleansing over the short term) once a week, and three days out of every month by drinking about ten 8-oz glasses of water (in three out of ten glasses of distilled water, I add two teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and a dash of cayenne). For me, short periodic fasts are an excellent way to give the digestive system a rest, and time to fully use energy for regeneration and restoration of cellular function. Once a year (I have now done it two consecutive years), I have done the Stanley Burroughs Master Lemonade cleanse for ten days. His lemonade/maple syrup/cayenne drink (I also add a dash of cinnamon) is surprisingly sustaining.

After the short fasts, I follow with a healthy diet of lots of raw fruits and vegetables and their freshly extracted or blended live green juices. As far as my eating habits go, I eat a variety of foods in moderation (at least half raw or more, the rest cooked). I alternate between organic goat's cheese, free-range organic eggs, wild salmon and free-range organic chicken or freshly made chicken soup in small amounts about two or three times a week. Also, the best way to get your probiotics is through raw, cultured (fermented) vegetables if you can spare about one or two hours once a week (I do it on a Saturday or Sunday). That way I can have a couple of tablespoons of the cultured vegetables with my meals throughout the week (cabbage rejuvelac is surprisingly easy to prepare). I must say that I started following this diet after the success with GSE. I was so thrilled with my new face, that I wanted to make sure I would never again get those spots on my face! It was a great motivation to keeping my internal terrain clean after the herbal cleanse and GSE. By the way, I strongly believe that if you do periodic cleanses to keep your internal system working optimally, and your immune system strong and alkalized by the consumption of plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, you will not have to keep taking any treatments indefinitely (I don't need to continually take remedial herbs, nor take any medications, prescribed or over the counter). I no longer need the GSE. I was thankful that it did a fabulous job, because the cleanse alone was not taking care of the condition fast enough, BUT in conjunction with the cleanse, the GSE accelerated the process along in just a few short weeks, not months. By the way, your internal terrain also includes your emotions. Minimize, or better yet, eliminate continued negative thoughts and emotions such as stress, anxiety, worries, fear, anger, resentments, etc. - they are highly acidifying and conducive to ill health. Yes, in varying degrees, they are part of life, but don't let them control you.

If you have access to a trampoline (I use my children's old outdoor trampoline), soft rebounding is also excellent for the lymphatic system. It works by stimulating circulation of body fluids to nourish the body and bringing vital life and energy to every organ in the body. I have seen a difference in my muscles and skin tone, including facial skin tone since I started using it. At my age, I am limber, in perfect weight and with the body, life and energy of my 20's - I attribute it to the internal cleanses, the diet and the trampoline combined. Once you get into a routine, it really does not take a lot of time, and it is not hard to follow. Once you experience the benefits, the energy and the feeling of well-being, you will never want to go back to old habits. Above all, a positive frame of mind, love and laughter and the power of prayer are great medicine for the body and soul!

Many blessings to you, too, Misha. I hope you get my response to your questions, and my best wishes for your continued success. Many blessings, too, to the beautiful staff at Earthclinic for keeping up this wonderful site, and to those who contribute with their caring responses to the questions aked. Marea from Dallas, Texas

Grapefruit Seed Extract
This is for:
Marea from Dallas, Texas

Marea, I have had melasma since I was 14. At 29 it has grown to a disturbing extent. I have tried every medical and herbal/alternative doctor I could find and used every remedy anyone and everyone has advised. (The funniest was when a woman once came up to me at an airport and said to use the inside of a mango seed)

All I have ever noticed is slight lightening of the marks and eventually (due to stress, sun, etc etc) they darken again and grow larger and thicker.

The last medical doctor I saw told me they can ONLY lighten and I have to live with th fungus family and they will get worse if/when I have children,so I should be prepared (life just gets better!). The last herbal doctor I went to told me to be patient. I spent 2 years on her medicine and saw a little peeling after a few months and eventually it all returned...

And then around the end of 2008, I read your thread...
Marea, YOUR GSE remedy is the first time I have SEEN results.

Bless You Marea, I cannot thank you enough. I ordered Grapefruit Seed Extract from America and started with a few drops and as you said, it did play havoc on my stomach. So I was on and off it trying to control the nausea and bloating, and simulaneously I did see breaking up and peeling within the first week. When I increased it to 15 drops in 5oz of water Three times a day, the results have been phenomenal! My back now has huge clear spots where the fungus family had been squatting for years! In other areas I can see dramatic breaking up and watch with amazement every morning as the clear spots get bigger and bigger. (it is on 70% of my back and 30% of my front and sides of my face and scalp..eyuu)

I do get bloated and feel nausea (I wont even get into the ITCHING stories). I have had sleep issues as well. I am thinking it must be the need for an internal cleanse as you had stated. I started taking acidophillus tablets alongside the GSE (but at a separate time of day from the GSE) I now started taking physillum husk in a glass of water (internal cleanse attempt). I could not find bentonite (for a colon cleanse) yet so I have ordered that from America.

After starting the fibre, I felt more nauseous, but the next day my sleep had improved, skin is generally looking fresher (even my under eye bags). Yesterday I felt a strange euphoria. From what I have read, I believe the dead bacteria that was left in my system must have been removed or reduced by the fibre leading to these positive effects.

Do you think you can give some more guidance on the internal cleanse and diet you followed? What kind of acidophillus and how many tablets daily? Can you be more specific on the type of internal cleanse you did and what diet you followed?

Marea, I honestly send you so many blessings everytime I see progress. And whoever founded this forum, thank you!

Clear skin by my 30th birthday..., everytime I think about it feels surreal.
(I must sound like a commercial:))

This is the only place where I found a sincere remedy. Many many thanks :)

I am sorry to hear that Triluma did not work for you. I guess the effects vary from person to person, because my dermatologist prescribed it to me, I am suppose to use it for eight weeks,but I'm only in thesecond week of using it twice a day, and it is almost completely vanished. I am very amazed with the results. Before this, I tryed every other type of different creams including hydroquinone 4%, and civant wich includes all natural ingrdients,I also started taking MSM 1000 mg, vitamin C, Grapefruitseed extract, as well a liver and body detox system, and none of this worked for me, but since every person is different, you should still try any of this, they might just work right for you.
Good luck.

Preet, Thank you so much for the info on Pitta. I've never heard of it but will start researching. Thanks so much! Laura

I feel a bit bad for complaining but it's just a suggestion so... When posts or feedback is as long as this post is, perhaps EC can provide a link for those interested.

This is response to Laura from Wichita, KS

Hi Laura:
Thanks for replying and sorry that my response is so delayed..I'm struck in my prelims for my PhD. I hope that you are improving each and everyday with Mama lotion. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I've been studying Ayurveda out of interest and it says that if you are heat sensitive, you've excess of Pitta (I'm writing it in few lines but I've studied about three books and several papers); so if you think that you feel hot compared to others at a given temperature and have pigmentation problems, you've excess of Pitta..and what you are supposed to do is eat cooling foods (search for Pitta diet on the web and you'll get a list). Also, your liver might be congested (I think there are 95% chances that your is)..mine is for sure..but conventional enzyme tests wouldn't confirm it. just search "excess Pitta" and see if your symptoms are similar. (I've also started using mama lotion on a small spot..will increase slowly :)
Take Care,
Preet

Hi thank you for posting this wounderful tips. I had melasma for over two years, since my last pregnancy.
I starded taking MSM, vitamin C, GSE, and at the same time I am doing a liver detox, I have noticed that the spots around my cheeks are not as dark but, still have not dissapered completely. How are you using the H202, and how often?

I just turned 44 and I have had Melasma since I was 30. It started on my upper lip and progressed to my cheeks, nose and chin. It has been pretty severe over the years. I have tried everything from hydroquinone (which made it darker) to lasers (which made it go nearly black and it took forever to lighten to the original shade of brown) and everything in between. Cosmelan had given me the best results, but it does adversely affect my skin texture and it eventually darkens again anyway.

I have been taking MSM, Glutathione, Vitamin C and GSE [grapefruit seed extract] for about two months now. I went through a detox period which included headaches, fatigue and a little bit of breakout. This was pretty bad for about the first month, but because my skin was lightening so much I kept on. I have been able to gradually increase my dose of MSM to 12,000 mg a day, 6,000 in the A.M. and 6,000 at night. I take 10,000 mg of vitamin c spread out in three doses, 2,000 mg of Glutathione mid-day and 15-20 drops of GSE (in a little bit of grapefruit juice to hide the taste) two to three times a day. My spots faded pretty rapidly at first and I have to say, I am thrilled! They are about 70% gone now. I seem to have hit a plateau but I am reticent to increase my doses as I already feel that they are quite high. I just started using MSM topically to see if that will help. I put 1 teaspoon of the powder into my face cream and my skin is peeling but not at all sore or red. Does anyone know if this is a normal reaction? I'm going to keep trying this and I will keep you posted on my progress.

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.

Hello Everyone - I have not written in a while. After added the GSE to my routine. I did not notice that my melasma was going away completely, and like others it would get darker closer to my cycle. I was trying some oil of olay cream at the same time so I don't know which one was lightning it. I had seen some information about liver cleansing and alternative medicine. I went to an alternative medicine doctor and we worked on getting rid of Candida. I have been on a number of cleanses and now take a multi vitamin called Intramax. My melasma is not completely gone, but I don't notice it at all anymore, and can go with out make up. Which is something that I have not been able to do for years. I feel wonderful!! I still take 1,000 mg of Vit C. Wanted to write in and let everyone know they need to find an alterative medicine doctor and they will help you come up with the right plan to make you look and feel better. Good luck to everyone. I am back to my oldself, and hope everyone finds their path. I would not be on my road to complete healing if it was not for this site. Thank you everyone for posting your stories. Treating yourself from the inside out is what works.

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!

Response to Preet:

I am 28 yr old female. I was reading through your posts and I've also never taken BCPs, nor have I been pregnant. As far as I think, my melasma appeared due to stress. I bought Mama lotion last year and did not use it. Is it still working for you? I'm trying to write a grant for more research on melasma especially for women who have no pregnancy or BCP link. I'm a PhD student in Genetics. I'll appreciate if you'll write back to me about your progress. I also have similar heat response for my skin..it gets darker after hot showers. Right now, I'm trying Prayanama (breathing exercises) and they have helped me with regulation of my periods and few other problems but skin is still same. Regards, Preet"

Preet, sorry for the delay. I'm so happy you have taken this on in your studies. We need more people out there like you. Yes, I am still using mama lotion and my melasma is improving a bit each day. However, I have noticed a day or two before my period, it does get a little darker and my face feels flushed/hot. I will probably be using this lotion for the rest of my life. Although the patch on my forehead seems a bit more stubborn about lightening than my cheeks, nose and upperlip. Just in-case you are wondering, I am half German & half american indian.

Hi Preet, thanks for your reply. My periods are very regular, i.e. 29 days cycle. The dark area that i am concerned about is my upperlips. It looks darker after i go out i the sun. Rest though my skin is a little darker in my forehead and side of cheeks, thankgod theres no other sign of melasma..... Thats why i came to conclusion that waxing that area was the poblem and the same thing was said by the people at my skin clinic. I visited a skin doctor here and he told me that this was hyperpigmentation and had no cures and by the time i am 30 i will be patchy and black all over, i was so depressed that i locked myself in my room for next three days.....Thats when i started taking glycolic peels......I had no idea abt prayanams then.... So listening to everything do you have any ideas what might have caused this problem?? Do u avoid sun a lot, or go out comfortably wearing sunscreens?? Have you made any diet changes?? Any other suggestions for me?? I have added my email ID and i would love to share mails with you....

i have just found out that i have something that is based on this, it is called "wilson's disease" it is something that you inhert from both sides of your family and that have to share that some gene numbers, if you go to that site it would tell you more, and this sounds close to it. this is something you have your whole life and don't realize it until you are in your later years, and it is no fun. i have to be on special diets and have blood taken about every three months, just to make sure you don't have too much copper stored in your liver and other places. i have have to change my life and the way i eat much more healthier and there are things that surprised me too that i should stay away from, mushroom, nuts( they contain about 15% copper), dried fruits, and shellfish and this is just for starters.

i have to watch everything that goes in to my mouth to check out how much copper is in it, or it could mean my life.

i was greatfull to this site for other reason too and have change over to more of the home remedies because it is better and i do enjoy it.. thank for all everyone has done. lois

Well, it's been almost a month since I've been using the Grapefruit Seed Extract, and so far I do not see any noticeable improvement in my melasma.

I have been mixing 25 drops/2 times a day mixed in with juice. This stuff tastes truly awful mixed with water, so I had to mix it with juice to be able to drink it.

Anyway, I will continue using the Grapefruit Seed Extract until I have finished the bottle that I bought. I will write back again in another month or so to let you all know if I have any lightening.

Hi Vedica, Yes, I'm Indian :). I think that waxing can never cause melasma. I've read numerous scientific papers on various skin conditions. It is either hormonal imbalance or something messed up in your gut.

So, for me, I'm first addressing my hormonal issues. My periods used to be after every 37 or 38 days (generally)..which I thought was regular :) but it isn't.

I started doing Prayanama in July. Now, my periods are regular (every 29 days :) and I feel very stress free) but you've to do it
regularly. My melasma has lightened but it hasn't gone away but I feel so good doing yoga that I'm gonna do it everyday for rest of my life :)

Okay, now I'm addressing my gut issues, trying a candida diet..like the grapefruit juice extract (read earlier posts from people trying GSE), because I've taken many strong antibiotics in the past and never thought of taking any probiotics.

I'm writing a grant with a doctor and lets see what happens. We'll submit it next year because right now I'm overwhelmed with my research work..:)

Good Luck and if you want we can exchange emails and try things together?

Thank you Sandy. I am really grateful. I am doing both the prayanams since one week and i will keep posting if i see any changes..... My melasma is on the upperlips and not extremely prominent but it is in such a place that it really makes me feel bad. Also, i do not have any other medical problems. So, i hope its might work sooner on me......

Actually after starting these prayanams i am feeling a lot better mentally and despite the melasma, my face is glowing .. i am very hopeful about the results...

Vedika,

You are lucky you are in India as you can view Aastha channel for indepth information on yoga and pranayam (see Ramdev Baba's yoga programs).

To answer your questions....
1. My aunt had melasma on her cheeks (I dont know where else she had).She had melasma for almost 2 years, and it was quite prominent. I think it took her around 6-8 months of Pranayam to completely rid herself of melasma.

2. I suggest you do 10 minutes of Anulom-vilom pranayam after doing Kapalbhati.
Ramdev Baba says that when you do Kapalbhati and Anulom-Vilom pranayams (the master pranayams) daily, it will regenerate the entire body in 9 months, and rid you of all diseases.

Good Luck, and please update on what helped you finally, onto this website, as it will help many others.

I wrote about my MSM experience on 7/21/08. I had to cut down to 2000mg/day, after days of very bad insomnia. I was taking 2x my normal dose of Ambien to sleep, and still was not sleeping well. While taking 4000 mg of MSM, I noticed my hands were incredibly dry, and the veins (in my hands) were much more pronounced than usual. I already drink 1 gal. + of water per day, but while taking the 4000 mg of MSM, I found myself dehydrated even when drinking up to 2 gallons of water a day. The dehydration than led to a bladder infection!

So, taking 2000 mg of MSM for a few months now. Recently began using MSM in a topical vitamin C serum I make, and found insomnia has worsened again! Didn't even occur to me that it could be the topical MSM, but the onset of worsened isomnia corresponds with the addition of MSM to the serum! It's what led me back to this board. Also increased dehydration. Has anybody found topical MSM to have side effects?

BTW: Have not noticed any improvement of melasma (my reason for taking the MSM), nor have I noticed any other benefits. My hair and nails are no stronger or healthier, and I've had no decrease in joint pain. Not sure if I should even continue with the MSM!

Hi Preet, r u an Indian? Please Don't mind my asking this (I am not racist or someting) but i have heard Melasma is more common in Indian skin types, so i just wanted to compare our skin textures.....When did u start doing Pranayams and how worse was your melasma?? I am taking glycolic peels but its not very helpful, it has just made it a little lighter but left scars on my cheeks....Do u see any improvements from Pranayam now....I am 25 yr old unmarried girl and have melasma on my upperlip that looks like a moustache.....I guess it occured due to waxing that area.... Any suggestions?? I ask u since u mentioned u r doing some kinds of researches....

Dear Sandy from Bangalore,

I started doing Kapalbhatti Pranayaam 4 days back. Yesterday, i found this post on net and was really happy about it as it increased my hopes. You must be knowing that Melasma is a very depressing condition.

I would like to know how long did your aunt have Melasma and where all? Was it in the superficial layer of the skin or had it moved to inner layer too?

Please answer whatever you can, i will be very grateful... I will also keep posting if i see any improvements.....

Hi, this message is for Laura from Wichita, KS:

06/09/2008: Laura from Wichita, KS replies: "Sandra,
Thank you so much for that information about melasma being a fungus caused by coper toxicity. I eat a lot of copper rich foods although I'm not a vegetarian. I have been struggling with this stuff for 10 years. I'm now 40 and have not been on any B/C or HRT, nor had/have I been pregnant. I've been to several dr's and nothing has helped. I've even used the fungal cream on my face and took several weeks worth of internal fungal medication to no avail. When my body heats up the darker my patches get. It doesn't matter if I'm taking a warm shower or blow drying my hair. I always get darker when my body warms up. I've bought most of the supplements and am hoping I finally get some kind of relief from this ugly stuff that covers my forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and now spreading to my chin. I've used every acid, lightening cream, etc. to no avail. My dr. suggested Fraxel, but I've heard that the results are only temporary and it's extremely expensive. It's just not for me. I did do the micro derm abrasion for 7 wks in a row with much success, but as soon as I quit going, it was back just as dark within 3 weeks. I couldn't afford to go once a week. But, your article has given me hope. I've researched this stuff sooo much, I'm blue in the face and I was ready to give up and quit trying until I read what you had posted. Thank you! If you can give me some idea of the dosages from your referances on the supplements, that would be wonderful. Currently I'm taking 1,000mg of msm, 1,000mg of C asorbic acid, 50mg of zinc, I'm also taking probiotics and digestive enzymes. All once a day. Thank you again! Laura in KS."

I am 28 yr old female. I was reading through your posts and I've also never taken BCPs, nor have I been pregnant. As far as I think, my melasma appeared due to stress. I bought Mama lotion last year and did not use it. Is it still working for you? I'm trying to write a grant for more research on melasma especially for women who have no pregnancy or BCP link. I'm a PhD student in Genetics. I'll appreciate if you'll write back to me about your progress. I also have similar heat response for my skin..it gets darker after hot showers. Right now, I'm trying Prayanama (breathing exercises) and they have helped me with regulation of my periods and few other problems but skin is still same. Regards, Preet

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.

Update on my regimine. After being on all the supplements for almost 3 months, I did not notice any difference in my melasma. Three weeks ago today, I started using the Mama lotion which is a mixture of mandelic and malic acids. Wow!!! I cannot tell you how happy I am with these acids! They have lightened my melasma up considerably!!! I'm so excited after all these years, I have finally found something that actually works! Today is the 3rd week of using it, I think in another month or two, my melasma might just be completely lightened. So, those of you trying everything on the face of the earth as I did. You might consider it.

I'm curious about MSM, but got scared of the side effects. Anxiety/panic attacts. I suffer from melasma too. Took the hepaclenz but had headaches and anxiety effect. I'm trying GSE for now and use vit.c cleanser and serum. Hope it works..spend lots of money for cures externally, I too believed that nothing works even the most expensive creams, laser, microdermabrasion.. etc.

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

To Marea, Thank you so much I am taking the msm and the grapefruitseed extract in pills because I am unable to find liquid. I think I am going to try the GSE alone to see if I get these wonderful results that you have obtained. I am very curious about this liver herbal cleanse can you tell me more and how to do this. My daughter is getting married in June/2009 and my dream is to go to her wedding with a clear face, I know this sounds vain but anyone who suffers from this dreadful condition knows how bad it can make you feel. Looking forward to hearing from you, thanks for the info.

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT FOR MELASMA

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

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

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

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

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

To Sandy from Bangalore: Thank you very much Sandy for your information. I really appreciate it. I have been doing Kapalbhati for just a few minutes per day and I am going to increase doing it. I will write my feedback after a few weeks.

To Laurence from Granger, Indiana:

Yes Laurence, I and my aunt (my mom too, and a whole lot of other family members) do kapalbhati regularly.
(Swami Ramdev's yoga is currently a big craze in India, and he has millions of followers).

When we started doing, we did it for 2 minutes at a time, and three-two times per day. So you can do it multiple times, but always on an empty stomach (about 3-4 hours after you last ate). As we got more accustomed to doing it, we increased the period gradually...eg. now we are able to do kapalbhati for 20 minutes each time, twice a day. However, doing 20 minutes per day once (or 10 minutes twice a day hence 20 minutes totally per day) is also enough.

Please take care to do kapalbhati (forceful exhalation) with medium force--it should be more forceful than normal breathing, but not so forceful that it makes you feel giddy.

Good luck! When you get results, please post back on earthclinic about the success. Kapalbhati is a Master Pranayam that cures multiple problems...so if it helped you in any other way, other than melasma, please write feedback on that also.

I started using MSM 100mg twice a day, Vitamin C 1000 mg twice a day and GSE [GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT] 15 drops twice daily, along with Hydrogen Peroxide (similar to using astringent). I am more than pleased with the results. I have Melasma on the side of my cheek & down along the jawline, upper lip, forehead and chest. I have started to see a significant change in my skin. Some areas are breaking up and others are fading. I have had Melasma since my early 20's, but only a few spots, which increased drastically in my subsequent 3 pregnancies. Thanks for the suggestions - I wore virtually no make up to Church on Sunday, which is a first. In fact I don't really like make-up and would rather not wear it. My chest which is sun damaged as well, is looking smoother and lighter. I looked into this site, with hopes of heading towards my 40th birthday (which is in September) looking and feeling better and I am well on my way.

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.

If you are having adverse side effects you should stop taking it. I have been taking 2,000 mg, and GSC and don't have this problem. Your health is much more important.

To Sandy from Bangalore: I have started doing Kapalbhati as you recommend. I watched the link you gave and I would like to know if you or your aunt do kapalbhati every day? once or several times a day? and how long 5, 10, 15 mn?

Okay so I am feeling a litlle better about this MSM thing and will continue to take it now that I know it has no serious side effects. I have been taking the 1000mg with vitamin c for about a week and I am ready to up the dosage begining today I will increase the MSM by 1000mg. Oh and I am taking GSE 3 times a day in caplet but to my dismay it is grape seed not grapefruit. However I know it is an antioxidant as well and will continue to take till I find the grapefruit.

Can someone tell me how long it takes to see some results? I am also using a topical cream by the body shop called the moisture white it contains licorice extract dont know how much it lightning the mealsma but it definitely gives a smoother appearance, I have been suffering with this for over 10 years and it is really holding me back I feel ugly and insecure due to it.

I would like to say I am so happy with this site so informative and I dont feel so alone. Hey has anyone tried yogurt or lemon?? What about Cosmelan anyone had sucssesful results with it?

I just started taking 1000mg of msm with 1000 mg of vitamin c and GSE to treat my melasma but today my third day I am feeling kind of strange, anxious, restless and nauseos I dont know much about this supplement and am a little concerned. As much as i want to get rid of the melasma my health is first does anyone know if this passes I already suffer from insomnia and this is making it worse. Would the vitamin c and GSE work on its own?

To: Sandra from Pensacola, FL. Thank you for the list of supplements. I will keep taking them. I am taking 50 mg zinc. 250 mg magnesium. along with 1000 mg of c. It's got to work at some point. Hopefully. Thank you!

I posted a link about Copper and wanted to reply to Laura in Wichata. Laura, I take:

50mg Zinc w/ full range amino acid chelate
1,000 mg MSM
400 mg Magnesium w/ hydroxy acid orotates
Prenatal vitamin w/ no copper -
Sometimes an extra 500 mg vitamin C.

I read that some OB/GYNs tell their patients who get Melasma to take ZINC supplements - never take more than 50mg a day.
Pregant women's bodies start to store excessive amounts of copper in their bodies during their last trimester to prepare to give birth - this is when they get the "mask of pregnancey" melasma - excessive copper is what causes it.

Ciao

To Kristin from Wichita KS. Hi Kristin. I see is Azure, she's Dr. Tana Goering's PA. She's pretty well versed in the bio identical hormone therapy. Good luck! I haven't noticed the GSE has helped my melasma either. I'm just hoping this hormone therapy will give me some results for a change. Living with this for 10 yrs now is about to drive me crazy. All I want to do is let the sun shine on my face! Even if it's just for 10 minutes! Good luck to you and sorry it took so long to respond. I've been extremely busy.

To Lisa from SF, CA. So that's why I've not been sleepy! For 5 days in a row I was waking up at 3 & 4am. Wide eyed and didn't even want to think about lying down. I've been taking 4000mg of msm for about 3 weeks now. I haven't noticed any difference in my melasma or my skin. I also don't really have an appetite. I think I've lost about 5 lbs. But needed to. that was my 5lbs lingering from Christmas. I'm still on the 2000 mg vit c a day as well. I'm not sure if I should continue with the msm and give it another month or not. I thought I would notice a small difference. But nothing yet.

Mona, I would like to know how long it took you get your melasma to disappear after you start taking MSM andVitamin C ? Thanks!
Jessica

Marea, Laura, others - Any feedback on GSE as of 7/21/08 and how working on your hormone levels might help work against melasma??

MSM sort of a warning... I started taking MSM a few weeks ago, in the hopes of getting rid of, or at least fading, the melasma I have. I started with 2000mg capsules in the a.m. Then increased to 3000mg, and last week to 4000 mg., a combo of tablets and powder (just because I had both, so mixed 'em up). I have not noticed a difference in the melasma, (I am applying topically, too) but have experienced sleeplessness. I already have a problem with insomnia, so this is not good. I noticed the sleeplessness got really bad after increasing to 4000mg., so I've cut down to 3000mg. I really noticed the increase in energy when I started taking the MSM, despite a lack of sleep. About 2 months ago, I began taking SAM-E for mood, and it seems to have helped, but that is also a sulphur compound, so perhaps that with the MSM is too much?

I have been taking MSM and various suppliments such as zinc and Vitamin E for 6 months. However when i started using the Hydrogen Peroxide twice daily along with White Daisy Extract creams (Aloette or Garden Of Wisdom which is 1/4 of the price) it made a dramatic dirfference. Thanks for your wonderful advice. Unbelieveable that something so common could work!!! Eva

A message for: Carrie from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada --Thank you so much for the information you have posted. It has helped me a lot and I hope you continue to post. I have really enjoyed reading the info on this site!!

Laura,

I am also from Wichita, KS. What Dr. are you seeing that has provided you with your hormone level check?

I have lived with Melasma since 1999 when I was pregnant with my first child. The only medication I have used is Triluma. It did have little results but left my skin flaky and dry. I am interested in finding out more about Melasma.

A very good friend of mine found this website and I am certainly thankful for her passing along the information as I have found many interesting facts and remedies to try. Please let me know how you are progressing and what Dr. you have been seeing here in Wichita.

Thank you so much for your information, and I wish you the best of luck.

Kristin

Lupe, In the above written e-mails from Carrie, she states that MSM stands for Methyl-Sulphonyl-Methane.

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.

Hello Michelle - I am really glad you are getting good results. I to have tried many, many different things from chemical peels and creams nothing worked, and gave me results like all of the suggestions on this site.

As for the Cranberry I was taking it for other reasons, and it is an Antioxidant so I did not do the Vitamin C for a while. I am back on the Vitamin C instead. I am taking MSM - 2,000 mg, - Vitamin C 500mg twice a day and GSE 15 drops 4 times a day.

My Melasma was on my cheeks, forehead, bridge of my nose, and I had a spot on my chin. My cheeks are clear, except a little on each temple. My chin is clear. And my forehead and bridge of my nose are still where it is dominate. My forehead is almost completely covered, however it is all really, really light where it remains. I have a very fair complexion, and mine was about 3 shades darker than the rest of my skin. Now it is only one shade darker. Mine was brown, not black.

I too am looking forward to the day when it is completely gone as well.

I've been trying a few of the suggestions and I've noticed a huge improvement using the Grapefruit Seed Extract drops (15 drops in juice and water -because it tastes awful- 5x daily) for about three weeks now. My spots haven't lightened but they've broken up and there are far fewer. I have had melasma on my forehead, cheeks, and a bit in other places and this is the first time I've seen real, I'm-not-imagining-it results. I'm also taking MSM 1000mg 3x a day and Vitamin C. Before this I had tried Cosmelan, IPL, everything! Thanks so much for the great advice, I'm looking forward to when it is completely gone, finally! :)

Marea, Thank you for your feedback. I will keep that liquid in mind. I appreciate your input!

What is MSM?

Hello Everyone - I have decided to give the Grapefruit Seed Extract/GSE a try also, and have been doing so for 3 days now. It is really too early for me to report on how I think it is doing, but I feel like it is working.

I have been out in the sun, and wear hats/sunscreen and it has not gotten any darker. Last summer mine would get darker no matter how much sun protection I used, I was pregnant then. I have had it for going on 5 years now, prior to my pregnancies.

I wanted to write in about the GSE liquid. The lady at the health food store suggested some Empty Gelatin Capsule's and they are the ticket. The GSE is bitter, and does not taste good at all, so the capsules really make the whole experience much better. I am still taking the MSM -2,000mg once a day, and 2 -Cranberry pills 475 mg twice a day pills instead of Vitamin C. And the GSE 20 drops 3 times a day, and plan to increase as everyone recommends.

I will report back on my results in a week or so, but wanted to let everyone know about the Gelatin Capsule's. Keep posting this wonderful information! I want to thank everyone! It has helped so many people including me.

Mine is so much better than before, not gone, but much, much less noticeable and ALMOST gone!

This is a great article on copper. I take chlorophyllin, a copper based form of chlorophyll. I have only felt great and never felt bad since starting this two years ago. As a side comment. Chlorohphyll is identicle to hemoglobin. The only difference is a magnesium atom in the center of this ringed structure instead of iron,(for hemoglobin.) Chlorophyllin has copper in the middle and this pigment is hemoglobin for all mollusks and shellfish. I get sunburned pretty easily, (German and English genes.) If I am taking chlorophyllin I can golf or ski all day and it was as if I wore spf 15 sun screen. I haven't peeled in two years. Also, the next day. I have so much energy!

Marea - How long did you have melasma, and the GSE actually worked? I've had it for a few years and nothing has worked and can't believe one extract would work and others don't know about it. Does it seem as if it's permanent. Can you give us an update on your status as of 6/30/08?? Sorry about unsuredness, but if you've had it a long time, you know how stubborn it is. I'm taking 19 pills a day to get rid of it right now and am adding GSE!

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.

Melasma - regarding the GSE - is that Grapefruit seed extract or Grape Seed Extract?? I have Grape Seed Extract and if I take one pill 3x/day, it will only equal 90 mg, which would require 10 - 20 pills to equal the amount of liquid GSE taken by one successful user. Is this possible??

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.

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.

Marea, What mg of GSE were you using? I bought the 250mg (the highest potency I could find) and just started taking it yesterday. The directions are to take one 3x's a day with food. Do you think that would be adequate? I'm also taking 1,000mg of MSM twice a day. Been doing this for a week. Any more info you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Sandra,
Thank you so much for that information about melasma being a fungus caused by coper toxicity. I eat a lot of copper rich foods although I'm not a vegetarian. I have been struggling with this stuff for 10 years. I'm now 40 and have not been on any B/C or HRT, nor had/have I been pregnant. I've been to several dr's and nothing has helped. I've even used the fungal cream on my face and took several weeks worth of internal fungal medication to no avail. When my body heats up the darker my patches get. It doesn't matter if I'm taking a warm shower or blow drying my hair. I always get darker when my body warms up. I've bought most of the supplements and am hoping I finally get some kind of relief from this ugly stuff that covers my forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and now spreading to my chin. I've used every acid, lightening cream, etc. to no avail. My dr. suggested Fraxel, but I've heard that the results are only temporary and it's extremely expensive. It's just not for me. I did do the micro derm abrasion for 7 wks in a row with much success, but as soon as I quit going, it was back just as dark within 3 weeks. I couldn't afford to go once a week. But, your article has given me hope. I've researched this stuff sooo much, I'm blue in the face and I was ready to give up and quit trying until I read what you had posted. Thank you! If you can give me some idea of the dosages from your referances on the supplements, that would be wonderful. Currently I'm taking 1,000mg of msm, 1,000mg of C asorbic acid, 50mg of zinc, I'm also taking probiotics and digestive enzymes. All once a day. Thank you again! Laura in KS.

With all the research coming out suggesting infectious process are causing autoimmune diseases the MSM and Vitamin C equation is interesting.

Question, what is the cheapest form of MSM. Answer,...DMSO,...$6.00 per month.

PhD Biochemist Dr. David Gregg explains that DMSO actually breaks down into oxygen salts. MSM readily attaches to oxygen. The two salts then maintain exact equilibrium to one another so as oxygen is stripped off the sulphur portion it is passed to the MSM solute, and vise versa. This action works like an oxygen pump. To see the exact chemical reaction, go to Dr. Gregg's website at Krysalis.net.

Also, vitamin c, donates electrons to the mitochondria creating electrical potential that drives oxidative phosphorylation. (oxygen based metabolism.). Furthermore, vitamin c, in higher doses attaches to Rna strands of viruses and stops replication in its tracks. This does not kill viruses but it does cause brief dormancy. Vitamin c dosing should start at a minimum of 5,000 mg. per day.

WHY? Your body will absorb 200 mg and hour without spillage into urine. This comes to nearly 5,000 mg in 24 hours.

To get DMSO, any feed store will have it. It comes in a gel or liquid. It can be applied directly to lesions. Side affect is an oyster or garlic taste in the mouth. I had a bad toothe ache once, caused by anaerobic bacteria. I was taking garlic to keep the tooth from abcessing. I did find some MSM on sale for clearance at Walgreens so I bought it.

When taking MSM with garlic I only needed to take half the garlic I was using. Why? Sulphur in garlic is found usually in sulfate form SO4, Just like with DMSO, the MSM stripped off the oxyen from the sulfate and donated it to the cell, (theoretically.) No other chemical explanation could I find.

Since then other people with toothaches were given these substances. They all reported similar findings, and they felt that the msm made the garlic work better. Oxygen is important in this instance as anaerobic organisms whether it be Staph. or Mycobacteria, or viruses, all hate oxygen.

i would like to ask anyone if msm & vitamin c will work on melasma if it is a combination of epidermis & dermal melasma. please post question thanks, mary

Melasma- Is Azelaic acid considered natural?-- my dermatologist prescribed it for melasma -- my condition appears to be from copper excess and I am concerned about the yeast being a component/dervative in azelaic acid. Woud you consider it natural? Thanks

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