Melasma

Most Recent Posts

Horseradish for Melasma

RB (Somewhere in Europe) on 12/27/2023
1 out of 5 stars

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

Loll (Madrid) on 06/16/2017
5 out of 5 stars

I developed upperlip melasma 3 years ago and it's now fading using athlete's foot cream on my foot!! I had tried everything and I can't believe it's been a simple fungal infection on my lip! My body was storing too much copper which was causing hyper pigmentation! Any bodily infection can cause melasma so you need to find out what it is and cure it. Remember guys melasma is an internal problem showing on the outside and putting these harsh creams on the area only damages the skin.You have to tackle the problem from within to see results.I'm so excited
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Side Effects from Melasma Medication

Alisa (Reno, Nevada) on 12/20/2016
0 out of 5 stars

Do not use Hydroquinone...it fades everything away...puts you on top of the world ....then comes back darker and more...Devastated me into depression....now trying msm, vit c, zinc, magnesium, potassium and aloe juice...Hopefully works as I'm at wits end...also going to start grapefruit seed extract...we will see...I have nothing to lose at this point.
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Probiotics Helping Melasma

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.

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Cilantro for Melasma

Newbee (Wisconsin) on 11/28/2016
3 out of 5 stars

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 ..
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Rosehip Seed Oil for Melasma

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.

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Apple Cider Vinegar Helping Melasma

Bee (New York) on 08/19/2015
5 out of 5 stars

I had some melasma on my nose for a very long time so for awhile now I have been soaking the ACV or peroxide on cotton and leaving it on as long as I can............well I am so happy to report that the dead skin keeps peeling off and off .. It looks like it really had deep layers of skin to get off. (hard to explain) but the skin is getting lighter and lighter. It actually reminded me of a chemical peel.. Still have a way to go so will continue..

Thank you EC and everyone.........

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Re: Melasma Treatment

Katie (New Brunswick) on 07/01/2015
5 out of 5 stars

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.
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Re: Struggling with Melasma

Art (California ) on 06/22/2015
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

REPLY   1      

Cod Liver Oil for Melasma

Heather (Nj, Us) on 05/20/2015
5 out of 5 stars

If u have melasma pls try Fermented Cod Liver Oil. U order it online. I tried tons of stuff and spend tons of $$$. Hid in the house..but Horrible melasma mustache went away immediately after taking the FCLO and physillium husks capsules.
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Try MSM for Melasma

Melzyinoz (Melbourne, Australia) on 02/10/2015
5 out of 5 stars

Hi guys, how are you all going? I had tried alot of topical products including Obagi NU DERM to lighten my very dark melasma/sunspots and acne scarring and received good results only to have my melasma return even twice as bad.

I do not recommend anyone of colour using the Obagi system as it will offer only temporary results and increase melanocyte sensitivity..AVOID hydroquinone like the plague if are seeking long term results and health of your overalll skin as it is not natural to totally avoid the sun, and long term avoidance of the sun is not natural or healthy and is just insane if you even try to avoid the sun for your rest of your life!!!

After many topical creams and potions lol..i then turned towards healthy food-derived alternatives, and found giga-white or 'biowhite' a good option for stabilising my sensitivity to the sun. It did not visibly change my melasma but it did reverse the senstivity my skin had to sunlight, meaning my melasma did not worsen and my skin became a lot stronger. MSM and licorice should show results the very next day, as you commence usage as it will indicate you have either a sulphur deficiency or hormonal imbalance..

I noticed the very next day of treatment with MSM and licorice that my melasma was breaking up..and underneath was my original complexion.. I then added ONION JUICE and a greek yoghurt face mask every second day to normalise the skin and have recieved great results. Adding more natural sulphur into my diet has sped up the process of healing my skin.

It is SO IMPORTANT to address the possible causes of your melasma, they can be a long going internal issue..a dietary problem, hormonal or even food allergy reaction. Hydroquionone is a 'quick-fix' that can actually age skin down the track..and it is only masking your internal issues which are the real cause of your illness.

One more thing..I have added in a wild yam supplement and gone on a bio-identical wild yam derived Progesterone cream..adding reishi and licorice and also spearmint supplements to balance my hormones, and not only have I seen an improvement in my skin but even weight loss.

Definitely try MSM as it has been the only thing that has actually faded and broken up my melasma, and I had very black melasma and the typical 'butterfly' discolourations. If you don't see results early on, or experience side effects..discontinue use as it is highly unlikely you have a sulphur problem.

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Eliminating Wheat and Taking Vitamins Cured My Melasma

Lynnbenn (Raleigh, Nc) on 11/16/2014
5 out of 5 stars

I don't know what brought my Melasma on three years ago. I tried everything, I was so discouraged. I couldn't put anymore energy into it. I had already been eating very healthy for years (organic veg and fruits, grass fed beef, free range chicken....) I just by chance cured my Melasma on accident. I read the book Wheat Belly, stopped eating wheat right away. I also started taking vitamin D3 supplements. Actually it is a combination of Vit D, Calcium and magnesium (Trader Joes brand to be exact). I was dreading summer, because that's when it got the darkest. BTW, I had been using sunscreen for 2 years.

Looking back, I know it didn't help, just getting hot would bring it out! This is the first summer I noticed it Was diminishing. It HAS to be the diet change. I am convinced it was my gut health. If you've read anything on how unhealthy wheat is, you know it blocks nutrition absorption. The minute I stopped the wheat and took vitamins, my skin transformed. It can't be a coincidence. I don't even wear sunscreen under my makeup anymore. My friends and family noticed right away. FYI, I only use coconut oil on my face every night. I don't even wash it off. I rub all over, wipe with a tissue. I also use it to take off my mascara. I don't think the coconut oil cured my melasma though, I think I was missing vitamins and minerals that my skin desperately needed! Just had to share, possibly to help someone else :)

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Treatment for Melasma

Milla (South Africa) on 08/31/2014

I first started to develop melasma after very short exposure to birth control pills. I had a few patches on my forehead and some on my upper lip (so awful.) But amazingly, I got rid of it 100%. When I went on the contraceptive injection for 6 months shortly before getting married, it started again, and it is now on most of my face, a huge patch in the middle of my forehead, on the sides of my temples, above my eyebrows, on my cheeks and upper lip. Many people comment on it, I hate it. So I'm saving up the money to do what I did before.

This is what cured it the first time: I used a product range made in South Africa called RegimA. These are powerful plant based products with no colourants, perfumes, mica, titanium, animal extracts or mineral oils, and they are not tested on animals. They do contain the lowest possible dose of paraben preservatives though, to protect users from harmful bacteria which love to grow in all that yummy plant-goodness.

I got their AHA peel done at a salon. I think I did it 3 times over the course of 3 weeks. It's not like a chemical peel that literally pulls off a layer of skin, it is quite a gentle, gradual peel that just encourages the dermis to let go of old epidermal cells faster than usual. In addition I used their home care products to repair my skin: a night cream which also contains the AHA acids, the wash which neutralises the night cream in the morning before going out in sunny South Africa (very important), a repairing day cream with natural spf 15, and twice a day I used their vitamin C serum underneath the moisturizers, which lightens pigmentation. I also used their natural sunscreen which has NO titanium or other physical blockers, it contains laminaria algae from the South Sea Islands which helps the coral there to stay alive and colourful even in shallow sunny water. It also has LOADS of skin repairing and protecting plant extracts. Very light, no pore-blocking effect, very effective, non-carcinogenic.

It worked like a charm. My melasma was literally GONE for years. My skin was perfectly clear and smooth.

So now that it's back with a vengeance, after the stupid contraceptive injections (which I have since learned are formulated for dogs, not humans, eek! ) I think I will try it again.

To be honest I am a bit strapped for cash at the moment, so I might first try making my own serums instead. I'm going to try a combination of 3 things: Topical vitamin C serum, Hyaluronic acid serum and MSM serum, and see what happens. If anyone wants to try this with me, here are the recipes.

DIY vitamin C serum:

2 teaspoons of distilled water

1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin

half a teaspoon of L-ascorbic acid crystals

Shake vigorously and store in a dark glass bottle in the fridge for up to 10 days. Apply morning and night (a little bit of redness or flaking is normal, if this happens, reduce to once daily, or stop for a few days, and moisturise your skin well to prevent any scabbing, those will become dark as well and that is working backwards!) PLEASE DON'T USE ASCORBIC ACID POWDER, MUST BE L-ASCORBIC ACID CRYSTALS.

DIY Hyaluronic acid serum:

100ml of very cold distilled water

1 gram of Hyaluronic acid powder

Put into a dark glass bottle and shake vigorously, put in the fridge for 12 hours (it will be a goopy gel when it is disolved.)

Apply morning and night, or add it to your favorite moisturiser.

DIY MSM lotion:

3 heaped teaspoons of pure MSM crystals

half a cup of pure aloe gel

Mix it up and store in dark glass in the fridge. Apply any time.

NOTE: these serums are best made up in small quantities and kept in the fridge. Throw the unused portion out after 7-10 days and make it up new, especially the vitC serum! If it starts to get a little orange it has oxidised and is useless, toss it out. Store bought serums have a TON of preservatives in them, which is better than putting harmful rotten bacteria-infested products on your face, but the best is making it up fresh in small batches.

About the peeling thing: I absolutely do not recommend chemical peels or glycolic peels. They are synthetic and so strong that they need to be buffered with other chemicals to prevent injury, and they peel A LOT of skin off at once, which often causes more pigmentation. Alpha Hydroxy Acids from fruit, milk or other plants are better, but be very careful with this, NEVER use a product with AHA's while you are in the sun, I can't BELIEVE there are day creams with AHA's in them!!! Only use at night, and they must be NEUTRALISED off in the morning, not just rinsed off with water. Get a good quality product which respects these logical principles.

Also avoid mineral based make-up which contains sulphur dioxide as this causes a whole other kind of pigmentation as well.

I really hope this post helps someone, good luck and please let me know if you try any of these remedies and what happens. I will post again when I have tried this for a little while. And remember, beauty is not a mark in the face, it is a light in the heart. Much love to you all.

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Re: Apple Cider Vinegar and Turmeric for Melasma

Ezzly (Dublin) on 06/01/2014
5 out of 5 stars

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!
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Remedies Helping Melasma

Newtrend (Denver, Co) on 01/23/2014
5 out of 5 stars

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.
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Rosehip Seed Oil and Squalene Oil Clearing Melasma

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.

REPLY   6      

Apple Cider Vinegar for Melasma

Esmesan23 (Watsonville, Ca, Usa) on 06/20/2013
0 out of 5 stars

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!
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Skin Lightening Remedies Needed

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.
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Multiple Remedies for Melasma

K8 (Kissimmee) on 04/12/2013
5 out of 5 stars

Hello, for nearly 10 years I suffered melasma and in addition to my freckles, my skin was horrible looking. People have asked if I was a man. Others have asked if I had sharpie marks on my face. Some called me black sesame face. Anyway, that was the past. About 5 years ago I did the whole body detox and changed my diet, eating mainly fish, chicken, raw greens, fruits and lots of water and staying away from beef, tofu, sugar and salt.

Besides my diet, my daily oral supplements include MSM, GSE, ACV, Matcha-green tea. MSM and GSE are very bitter if not taken correctly. The trick to taking those two with the bitter taste is to have the MSM powder in a spoon, squeeze some GSE drops on top of the powder and place the whole thing in your mouth then immediately wash it down with OJ or Grapefruit juice. OJ or grapefruit juice is packed with Vitamin C and vitamin C helps absorb MSM better.

Topically, I cleanse and exfoliate my face twice a day with regular facewash and a toothbrush. I am using O--y regenerist and an old, soft bristle toothbrush. First, I wet my face with warm water to open up pores and then apply face was to the toobrush and work in circular motion on my face for a good 5 minutes and rinse, pat dry and apply vitamin E oil. I don't put alot of vitamin E oil since it is heavy and oily. I am only using 1-2 drops, rub it in my hands and apply to both my face and neck.

For daytime, I am also using physical suncreen after vitamin e oil. There are 2 types of suncreen, chemical and physical. Make sure it is physical, which contains Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium. These are the ingredients that can prevent melasma from getting darker when exposed to sun.

For nightime, I exfoliate then apply a cream for melasma and vitamin E oil. One thing I forgot to mention. I also drink 1 teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil a day. This is excellent for hair and skin. I hope someone can benefit from my remedies and good luck! :)

REPLY   4      

Glycolic Acid for Melasma

Aufia (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) on 01/13/2013
5 out of 5 stars

hello everyone... I'm Dr. Aufia

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

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

ok bye c ya.. Ol d best

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