Spotless and glowing skin is a desire of every human being. Few are gifted with flawless skin and require only basic efforts to maintain it; however, others need the utmost skin care and extra effort to maintain it.
Skin health largely depends on genetics, our eating habits, how we care for our skin, the weather and environment we live in, the medications we may take, the type of skin products we use, and other lifestyle factors.
Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, brown-grey patches on the face, most often on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip. Several conditions can trigger melasma, which include sun exposure, hormonal changes (particularly during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills), genetics, certain medical conditions, and skin issues.
While not harmful, melasma can cause emotional distress, and treatment involves sun protection, topical creams, and other medical procedures. Before jumping into home remedies for melasma, let’s have a look at the causes that trigger melasma.
Causes of melasma
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- Sun exposure –UV rays are a major trigger and can cause melasma to darken.
- Genetics –A predisposition to developing melasma can be inherited.
- Hormonal changes –Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can all lead to melasma. It’s sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy”.
- Hormonal imbalance –Some research suggests that increased levels of the hormone cortisol, which can be caused by stress, may play a role.
- Thyroid disease –In some cases, thyroid problems can be associated with melasma.
- Skin irritation –Certain cosmetics or other factors can cause skin irritation, which may trigger melasma.
Symptoms of melasma
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- Dark patches –These are typically brown or grayish-brown and appear on sun-exposed areas like the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose.
- Symmetrical pattern –The patches are often symmetrical on both sides of the face.
- No physical symptoms – Melasma itself does not cause pain, itching, or other physical discomfort.
How to get rid of melasma?
How do you get rid of melasma? It is a common question, especially among women, that they ask other women.
Treating melasma can be easy with natural remedies. Home remedies are usually considered safe for skin care. Home remedies rarely cause any side effects. Some powerful kitchen ingredients can help lighten pigmentation and soothe the skin. Melasma cure at home is easy and pocket-friendly.
Find below the best home products for melasma treatment at home:
Topical home remedies for melasma
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- Aloe vera – Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the affected areas for 20-30 minutes, then rinse. It has soothing and skin-lightening properties.
- Turmeric mask – Mix turmeric with yogurt or honey to create a mask. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and may help slow melanin production.
- Apple cider vinegar – Dilute ACV with water in a 1:1 ratio and apply as a toner. It contains acetic acid, which may help lighten dark spots.
- Milk – Soak a cotton ball in milk, buttermilk, or sour milk and rub it over the dark patches. Lactic acid in milk can have an exfoliating effect.
- Potato slices – Apply thin slices of potato directly to the skin to help lighten dark spots.
- Green tea extract – Use green tea extract, known for its antioxidant properties, to help improve skin tone and reduce pigmentation.
Lifestyle and prevention
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- Sun protection – Application of sunscreen is key. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ every day, even when indoors or on cloudy days. Wear wide-brimmed hats and seek shade during peak sun hours.
- Harsh products – Avoid using harsh products such as scrubs, as they can irritate the skin. Gently exfoliate only 1-2 times a week.
- Manage stress – Stress can affect your skin, so find ways to manage it.
- Balanced diet – Eat foods rich in folate, such as citrus fruits, green vegetables, and whole grains, as folate deficiency can be a factor in melasma.
Important considerations
Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin first to ensure you don’t have a negative reaction. Melasma tips that include home remedies can take weeks or months to show results, so consistency and patience are crucial. If you don’t see improvement or your condition worsens, consult a dermatologist for professional treatment options, such as chemical peels or prescription creams.
Melasma can be a long-term condition that may darken in the summer and lighten in the winter. This skin problem can affect a person’s self-esteem, and some people feel significant emotional distress because of it.
It is best to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, including melasma medicine. In some cases, melasma is challenging to treat and may require ongoing care and the use of a prescribed topical formulation to manage this skin problem.