Tips for melasma treatment at home

What is melasma?

Melasma, also known as chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy”, is a common skin condition characterized by discolored brown or grey patches that appear on areas of the face most exposed to the sun, including the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. It is a chronic disorder in which the skin becomes hyperpigmented in irregular, spotted patches, giving it a mottled, brownish appearance. Melasma is especially common in women, with over 90% of cases occurring in females.

It is often triggered by hormonal changes or imbalances, such as those that occur during pregnancy, while taking birth control pills, or during hormone replacement therapy. Melasma symptoms may also flare up or worsen with sun exposure, due to the increased production of melanin. While melasma has no definitive cure, the appearance of discolored skin patches can be treated and controlled with diligent use of sun protection and the right topical treatments, peels, and laser therapy over time. Consulting a dermatologist can help determine the best treatment options for minimizing the visible symptoms of this chronic skin condition.

Causes and Risk Factors

Melasma is caused by overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Several factors can trigger excess melanin production and cause melasma patches to appear:

• Hormonal changes – During pregnancy, taking birth control pills, or hormone therapy
• Sun exposure – UV exposure can exacerbate melasma
• Genetics – Having a family history of melasma increases risk
• Thyroid disease
• Certain medications

Preventions Tips to control melasma

Below are a few tips you can follow if you’re already infected with melasma:

• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before stepping out.
• Wear full sleeved tops and pants. Also, consider wearing a hat.
• You could try to apply two layers of SPF infused sunscreen. Apply a layer of SPF 15 and SPF 30 for double protection.
• If stress and hormonal imbalance are the reason behind melasma, try to make time for activities that help you relax, like walking or yoga.
• Use skin lightening lotions that contain Kojic acid or melaplex. These ingredients slow down the production of skin darkening and make it difficult for melasma to set in.
• Chemical peels are also a great way of lightening melasma. Thanks to the glycolic acid that’s available in a chemical peel, the first layer of skin that contains melasma will be peeled off.
• Another option is laser treatments. However, if you decide to opt for one, go for a restorative or fractional dual laser. These lasers only target pigmentation that’s on the surface of the skin.

Tips for melasma treatment at home

If you’re not okay with chemicals, then you can always go for natural treatment for melasma. Below are few common ways to remove melasma naturally.

• Turmeric Turmeric contains curcumin, a strong antioxidant that results in lighter skin. Using a 1:2 ratio, mix milk with turmeric powder and apply the mixture on the affected areas. Let the pack dry completely and then rinse it with lukewarm water. Repeat this procedure every day for best results.
• Lemon Lemon is one of the most popular natural remedies for skin related disorders. Lemon is also known as a natural bleaching agent. All you have to do is apply lemon juice on the affected areas and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this twice a day and you will see a noticeable difference in 3 weeks.
• Papaya Both raw and ripe papaya are used for curing various skin disorders. Papain, present in papayas, causes them to be the best home remedy for melasma. Mash a few pieces of papaya and mix it with honey. Apply the paste on affected areas and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash this pack off after 20 minutes. Do this once a week and for about 2-3 months.
• Aloe vera   Aloe vera is an ingredient used in many face related products. It’s always best to use fresh aloe vera. Apply the gel, fresh off the plant, twice a day and massage your face for roughly two minutes. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
• Onion There are a lot of home remedies for melisma, and onion juice is one of the best amongst them. Because onion contains sulfoxides and cepaenes, it helps in getting rid of melasma while also removing the blemishes. Mash the onion and mix it with apple cider vinegar, use a cotton ball and dab it all over the affected areas. After about 20 minutes, wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this twice a day for better results.
• Cucumber Cucumber is another home remedy that can be used for removal of pigmentation. Because cucumber is high in water content it lightens the pigmented skin. You simply have to grate the cucumber and apply it on affected areas. Wash it off with warm water after 20 minutes. Repeat this process once every day for best results.
• Apple cider vinegar – Has skin lightening abilities. Dab it on melasma patches and wash off after 20 minutes.

Proven Melasma Treatments

For more significant melasma improvement, medical treatments like creams, chemical peels and laser therapy are effective options.

• Pigmentation-reducing creams with ingredients like kojic acid and vitamin C work to lighten skin over time with regular use.
• Chemical peels exfoliate the top pigmented skin layer to reveal fresh skin underneath. Glycolic and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are commonly used.
• Laser treatments target pigment with concentrated beams of light. Q-switched lasers effectively eliminate melasma patches and spots on the face and body.

Frequently Asked Question About Melasma

Q1. How can I treat melasma on my face naturally?
A1. Natural treatments for melasma may include using ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric, or lemon juice. However, results may vary, and it’s essential to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Q2. How can I cure melasma from the inside?
A2. Melasma is primarily a skin condition influenced by factors like hormones and sun exposure. While there’s no direct “inside” cure, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing hormonal changes through consultation with a healthcare provider may indirectly help improve melasma’s appearance over time. Always consult a dermatologist for specific guidance on managing melasma effectively.