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.

You have too much testosterone hormone in your body. That is why your not getting your period. Drink spearmint tea twice a day. It will also get rid of your acne and probably melasma.

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.

Beatrice, thanks for your info! You're really giving me hope. Not only have you gone through very similar experiences as me including your remark about cosmelon, we are similar in age and in melasma age as well. I just started msm, vit c, gse combo one week ago. I believe msm is very safe to take and vit c is safe as long as your body needs it. I have a question- how long did you notice a major change or improvement? I cannot wait until I see mine. Also did you also have melasma in upper lip area. If so has it gone away?

Thank you!

Do you know if you will have to take MSM forever for the melasma to stay gone once it disappears? Or once it finally fades (or IF if ever fades), can you stop taking it? Just curious how long I should expect to take MSM.

Also, do you have to take a break from MSM from your body getting used to it (like take it for so long then stop then start again)? PLEASE HELP!

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.

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

Thank you
Sara

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.

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 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?

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.

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 read lots of research papers, reviews and undergone all treatments but no results. I just want to know regarding MSM, vit c and apple cider vinegar usage. Which brands of these to be used to get best and fast results. How to take MSM and vit c and MSM in powder form or capsules? Plz reply if any there now, I can't wait, lost all hopes.

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?

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.

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!

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! :)

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

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 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.

how many drops were you using on a daily basis 5 times a day on an empty stomach i am currently using 10 drops 2 times a day and am getting a rash on my body maybe too strong of a dose let me know please and for how long should i be on it to see a difference. thank you for your help

Hi Marea, I don't know if you are still active on this forum, I am too suffering from melasma since five years. Its not due to BC but my TSH level is elevated, progesterone level is low and I have been diagnosed with fibriods. My dermatologist says these conditions have nothing to do with melasma and put me on chemical peels and hydroquinone. It helped me in the begining but melasma reappared again. Now I have it on my upper lip and both cheeks. Reading posts I tried GSE in tab form MSM, vit C, Zn, aloe vera juice and acidophilus but nothing seems to be working for me. Its two months now and I feel very disappointed. Only people here on this forum could understand how much humiliation I have gone through because of melasma. Sometimes I feel like commiting suicide. Reading this forum I don't want to lose hope but nothing new seems to be coming my way. Please help me...

Tina, Please be patient with this. I suffered melasma for the first time when going thru some marital issues.... Age 39 at the time... It does get better... It's a constant battle, but I have seen pics of a couple of years ago, and now, and have marked improvements. I have also tried everything topical.. But it comes back... Obagi, chemicals peels, TriLuma, 8% bleaching, etc... I am so ready to try the grapfruit seed extract to see if it works. I used 100 percent sunblock and still have some patches which intensify... I usually have some light orange/red patches now but they used to be so dark and ashy looking.

Please continue to work with this... Do not give up. I used 2-3 coats of foundation and people can't even tell. I am a beautiful woman 42 yrs old, and melasma in my opinion is what is bothering me the most... But I have to put things into perspective. I am taking ACV internally and will start with the Aloe and all the other antioxidants recommended in these blogs.

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

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.

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?

Hello please tell me from where should I buy msm and vitamin c? Any website? Is it msm 1000 mg powder? Or tablets? Can a feed women take this? Waiting for your quick response? :)

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.

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??

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!

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: 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!

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.

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 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....

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?

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

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....

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.

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

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.

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 like this site. Now I know about copper toxicity syndrome after visiting this site. I have achieved lots of knowledge from this site. I have big brown spots on my cheeks and forehead, I think that is melasma. And I am suffering with acne roseacea. Now I will try some melasma treatments and I will tell if those work.

Hi there,

I've recently noticed (last few years) symmetrical patterns of dark patches on my forehead, nose bridge and cheeks and have done much research and quickly came to the conclusion it is melasma. I've now had it confirmed by three dermatologists in the town I live, two unable to help, one gave me meladerm, which has hydroquinone in along with two other products, retin A and something else I forget. Now in my 3rd month (and last as one can only use it for 2-3 months) it has hardly changed and is still noticeable. I was so hopeful it would work.....I'm depressed with it, fed up and terribly self conscious. I sympathise with everyone of you, it's a hard thing to deal with, although superficial and non life threatening, it still takes it toll on this appearance sensitive life we lead. In my case, being a male, it's not due to copper or BC and I hope GFSE will work. It seems tricky to get hold of, in my experience there are alot of knock offs on the internet and one can't be quite sure of the authenticity of any product these days, and pharmacies and health food stores don't seem to carry it in the UK, particularly locally. Still, I'm going to persevere and try it and post back with findings. Chin up all......

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?

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.

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.

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.....

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.

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...

As i mentioned i too have melasma... I did Kapalbhati pranayam for a month in october and stopped doing it....Now i have started doing it religiously since last two months and i can see results... My skin is improving.... I plan to continue it and the results of past two months has made me hopeful that Kapalbhati will help me get rid of this condition..... Thank you Sandy, If not for your post i would not have started doing it again, That was the only post i found relating yoga to cure of melasma.....will keep posting....Best wishes for Good health and healthy skin to you all!!

Dear Sandy from Bangalore, I am Sumita from US, I have melasma and I would like to know if your aunt is still continuing with pranayams and how is her skin now? Also can u give me ur mail address (if psbl), i just wanted to discuss a few pranayam techniques with u.

Dear Sumita from Ohio,

1. I have no personal experience of curing melasma, so I cannot answer about specific techniques to be used. But yes, my aunt was cured of melasma by doing pranayam (Kapalbhati, anulom-vilom)
2. If you want to learn how to do, use search terms like 'Kapalbhati, Baba Ramdev, yoga' in Google and you will get excellent videos on the same.
3. A fast track way of starting on pranayams will be to do the 'Art of Living Basic Course'. I believe they have an upcoming course session in Ohio too:
http://secure.artofliving.org/courses.aspx?state=ALL&city=All&type=1
Rush for it...definitely do the course, practice their pranayam for 3 months and I (almost) promise you will be very very happy with the outcome!! Try it. And please, when you get results, post feedback.

Thanks, I understand that u are not expert but u r certainly helpful... I do pranayams regularly (Both that u hv mentioned)... and i looking forward to the day i can post a feedback that my melasma is gone...

I want to know a few things from you and i will be grateful if u can answer them...

1. What was the reason for ur aunts melasma (BCP, Pregnancy, stress?
2. Is she still doing pranayams and is her face still completely clear?
3. Does she or did she avoid sun and take precautionary measures while in the sun? If yes what?
4. Any diet changes that she made?
5. Did she do anything else too like dietary supplements or something?
6. Were these two the only pranayams she was doing?

I know these are a lot of questions but i will be very grateful, if u answer them. Please answer whatever you can? Thank you for posting this to help others.

Hi Sumita,

Answers below:

1. What was the reason for ur aunts melasma (BCP, Pregnancy, stress?
Answer: menopause, stress

2. Is she still doing pranayams and is her face still completely clear?
HER FACE IS COMPLETELY CLEAR. SHE HAD MELASMA ON CHEEKS, NOW HER CHEEKS ARE CLEAR AND GLOWING.

Yes, she drinks 2 glasses water in the mornings on an empty stomach and does pranayam and yoga. she does this for atleast 30-40 mins first thing in the morning. When she started benefiting from all this, she got really enthusiatic and would often repeat the pranayam and yoga in the evenings...always on an empty stomach (3-4 hours since last food intake)

3. Does she or did she avoid sun and take precautionary measures while in the sun? If yes what?

Answer: She doesnt particularly avoid sun, nor does she spend substantial time in the sun.
She uses Lacto calamine as a suncreen {it has natural ingredients, forms a physical barrier against the sun (not a chemical barrier), and is a good treatment for scarring and pigmentation)

4. Any diet changes that she made?
Answer: She always had a very clean diet. She is vegetarian, eats loads of fruits. She is quite diet and health conscious.

5. Did she do anything else too like dietary supplements or something?
Answer: She eats chyawanprash daily. She underwent some treatment for managing menopause and related discomfort such as hot flashes.

6. Were these two the only pranayams she was doing?
Answer: Like I mentioned above, pranayam and yoga as taught by Baba Ramdev. Ramdev teaches a set of 5 pranayams (google search will show the 5 pranayams), that he says will cure any condition in 9 months. She did all these 5 pranayams, plus yoga. I mentioned only kapalbhati and anulom-vilom as Ramdev says these 2 are the master pranayams and if you cant do all 5, then do these 2.

There are good yoga CDs by Ramdev available online. You can find them by doing a google search.
Good Luck!
I highly recommend the Art of Living basic course, for a fab detox for the body and mind. This will really prepare your body and mind for quick healing.

Thanks sandhya, this is very helpful. I will definitely post if this helps me and I am hoping it will.

All of Baba Ramdev's DVDs are available to watch for free on youtube.com. Just type 'Baba Ramdev' on you tube and you will see everything.

hi this is sam from melbourne. I learnt pranayam when i was in Nepal watching Aastha channel. Its not only good for your skin but good for your entire body and eliminates every complications. It is the last thing on earth that has the ability to eliminate every diseases. I do kapal bhati and anulom bilom and it has helped me lot for my freckles. cheers!

Hi Sandy,

Can you please let me know if your aunt is still melasma free ? Is it completely gone or is it faded ? I have also started anulom vilom and kalpabhati regularly.

Hi,

Re Melasma.. can you dilute the GSE and use it on your face? Will this have any effect on the melasma?

Thank you... I am desperate.

I read Carries review of using the apple cider vinegar and MSM, in 4 short weeks I already see an improvment. Its odd because I just never thought it was something INTERNAL. Once I grasped that concept, it became less expensive, less invasive and I can FINALLY start to see improvement.

I began using apple cider vinegar to help diminish the dark spots caused by melasma. I was not pleased with the results that I received. The current spots that I did have seemed to become darker then they have ever been, and a rapid increase of spots, some of which appeared on areas of my face that have never had them such as my chin. I continued using it for approx. 3 weeks then decided it was only making the problem worse. Since I discontinued using apple cider vinegar the spots have not increased and have begun to lighten. Currently I started taking msm 1000mg once a day, it is day 4 so I am patiently awaiting.

to Carrie from Mississauga, Canada: I also suffer from melasma for about 5 years, and try everything too, and nothing works, I would like to know about how much of msm and vitamin c you take and how many times a day? and when you start seen results? I really appreciate if you answer me back. Thanks.

To Carrie from Missassagua, Canada: How much MSM are you using? The crystals mixed in water? How many teaspoons per day? How much Vitamin C per day? Is it that you are applying Apple Cider Vinegar only at night? Sorry for all the questions! I'm so curious. I was recently in the Hospital for an infection and the nurse attending infiltrated an IV into my arm, and as a result I have some dark spots on both arms which really, really bother me. I've tried Dermadoctor's Immaculate Correction, Peter Thomas Roth's Potent Botanical cream and now Meladerm with little results. I just want these gone as soon as possible because the Hospital was traumatic enough... to look at hyperpigmented skin on both arms just makes me so sad.

to Carrie from Mississauga, Canada. I would like to thank you so much for writing me back, it's a great help! God Bless You!! I'm taking MSM & Vitamin C since 01/25/08 and haven't seen any results yet. I also try to apply ACV but my skin got red end I got scared so I didn't apply it anymore. I believe it's because my skin is very sensitive for all the lotion that I have used in the past. Didn't your skin react to it since you have done the same thing? How did you apply it in the bigining and how many times anyways? Did You used creme and sun block after applying ACV? thanks again.Sorry about all this question. If you can contact me I'll appreciate it.

re: MSM/ ACV- Melasma Cure-Follow Up Answer to Grace. I'm glad you found the information helpful. I've only applied the ACV 4-5 times. I left it on my face for 15 minutes and then washed it off. If your skin reacted to it, don't use it anymore. When I used it, I found that by the next day, my face was not as red. As for sunblock, I wear it all the time; I don't go out without it anymore. Once you've taken the MSM for 3 months, let me know if you've noticed any changes. Just to let you know, other people noticed the subtle changes of my melasma before I did. Be patient and don't give up. Remember, try and include more antioxidants to your diet.

Carrie from Mississauga, Canada, How has the apple cider been working for you? I hope well, I've also been tring the apple cider but no results yet I know I want a miracle overnight which will never happen. Is it still lighting your melasma? Was your melasma dark? Sorry so many questions but I've tried almost everything you can thing of. Some day I feel like an ugly duckling with this dirt looking stuff on my face. Hope to hear from you.

Answering Deborah from Albuquerque: I have stopped using the AC vinegar. I'm taking just the MSM and the Vitamin C. The process is going a little slower now but I'm going to keep taking it. It's gradual but effective and I'm looking at the bigger picture. In a year from now, my face will be better than it was. I realize it's hard because that's the way I feel at times-like I have a stained dirty face. Try MSM! Hope this helps.

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

Hi Veronique, I was also prescribed Azelaic acid - my dermatologist preferred this to hydroquinone-based creams because he felt these were potentially more damaging in the long term / irritating to the skin, especially in summer. It is a natural substance (naturally present in the skin, and occurs in cereals, among other things). I have only been using the AAcid for two weeks approximately and I can't see any real change pigmentation-wise, although my skin has really improved in texture. I have not found it to be irritating either, so that's a good thing. I suppose I'll be able to say more in a month or so. I have also started MSM, am applying sunscreen and trying to keep inflammation to a minimum as I have found that in my case inflammation + sun = trouble... (so apart from the AA, no peels or strong depigmenting creams / serums until autumn for me). Have you had any results so far?

What is MSM?

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

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!!

Do any of you suffer from hormonal imbalances like PCOS? Carrie - would you say you are cured? Can you go in the sun now? Thanks xx

I read about hydrogen peroxide. Actually it blocks blood supply to the area of treatment that's why the area appears to be faded. I don't think it's permanent lightening!!

You should be careful since you can damage deeper skin tissue with this approach.

Better would be use a combination therapy I.e. triluma plus monthly peels. that would eventually work for you, if not in six months then in 2 years. But if you absolutely protect your face from heat and light and don't cause any irritation eventually all pigment will deplete from the dermis and your melasma can disappear. It takes patience. Just because creams have not worked doesn't mean they won't work. If only you keep using and keep protecting, eventually melasma will go.

re: Melasma -- I have tried Triluma cream which did not work and it cost 100.00 dollars.of which my money was returned. It also depends on the color of your malasma. Is it gray or brown. I tried Asalax cream and Flora roberts for hypermentation at Carson Pirie Scott a department store in Chicago. Producta by Avon for hyperpementation and nothing worked. I wish someone could help fade this away. Some of the remedies you suggest are worth trying but where do you get them. You never say. Please write back.

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.

What sort of hydrogen peroxide do I need to use ? Where can I get it and do I need to mix it with anything?

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