Melasma Creams That Don't Work
★★★★★
(Salem, OR)
02/10/2009
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.
(Sunnyvale, CA)
04/22/2009
Triluma is hydroquinone 4% plus tretinoin 0.5% (AKA Retinol or Retin_A) plus Fluocinolone Acetonide which is a corticosteroid primarily used in dermatology to reduce skin inflammation and relieve itching. Therefore if Triluma works then hydroquinone alone should do the trick and it should not cost more than 20$-30$
(New York)
01/25/2016
Hi, I have been suffering from melasma for 2 years now. I had a reallly really really dark patch in the upper lip area. In these two years, I have been trying lots of creams, I have been using hydroquinone 4% for more than a year, except in summer months, I have taken grapefruit seeds, MSM pills and two or three days per week I drink Apple cider vinegar with water and also put a little bit on my face for 5 - 10 minutes and then wash it off. I also use sunscreen every day (physical one). It has been a painful process, I was always afraid of being without makeup. I even stopped going swimmimg because I did not want people looked at me with that. I also have been praying a lot to God for this.
One week ago I finally started noticed that my melasma was fading and for the first time in the last 2 or 3 years I went out on saturday and I did not have to use makeup. I am very happy, I feel like I was born again. That is why I want to share my experience because I know how horrible is to live with melasma. I can't tell what is making my melasma disappear but just try everything..apple cider vinegar, MSM (2 PILLS OF 1000 X DAY), grapefruit seed pills, and some bleaching cream at night.
And always wear a hat with sps protection in the summer and use physical sunscreen. Also, I went off the pill a year ago because that was caused my melasma. Last but not least, if you believe in God, ask him to help you to deal with this, with him there is always hope that things are going to get better.
(Reno, Nevada)
12/12/2016
Hydroquinone and tretoin is only temporary and my mealasma came back worse....beware. Fix your hormones which is major cause.
(New York)
07/22/2018
Thanks so much for this. I have had melasma for only 4 months and it's destroyed my life.
Microdermabrasion Treatments
★★★★☆
I have had my melasma for about 7 years now and the only source of treatment that I can say that has improved it drastically is microdermabrassion facials. Now, I must tell you it's pricey and it hurts and it takes more then one to have it faded all the way. I do know that changing my diet has helped as well. I have read some of the remedies on this site and I am willing to try them to see if they help out as well
take care and stay strong.....
(Love Lane)
06/07/2016
MSM
| 5 star (2) | 20% | |
| 4 star (1) | 10% | |
| 3 star (2) | 20% | |
| 1 star (2) | 20% | |
 (3) |
30% |
★★★★★
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.
(Ohio, Usa)
02/13/2015
(Vestal, Ny)
04/30/2016
(Chantilly, Va)
10/19/2016
★★★★★
She likely means topically...as I did this and I saw a noticeable lightening after putting licorice extract on my dark areas after one night. First time I diluted it w coconut oil but 2nd night I just put it on straight and slept w it. It's sticky though and some got on my pillow case. I exfoliate first well to allow it to penetrate more. I also started taking it internally after a few days as it heals acne, stomach issues, and hormone imbalance including the afternoon slump (cortisol drop). It has really helped with all those areas. I'm so pleased with this unassuming bark.
(Maryland)
03/15/2017
(Canada)
05/29/2018
MSM
★★★☆☆
And with the melasma, I'm now reading that tinea causes hypopigmentation. Is it possible for me to have both melasma and tinea as I think I have both the hyper and hypo pigmentation on my face. I have been taking about 10,000 m? per day of MSM with about 3,000 vit C for about a month. I think I've seen some fading of my melasma, but my skin is still very blotchy. I don't think I've seen the success most see on that MSM protocol which makes me think the tinea and hypopigmentation is a big problem as well.
How can I truly treat both at the same time and be done with both issues for once and for all. The itchy feet wakes me up in the middle of the night when it's flaring and is so miserable. And the hyper/hypo pigmentation is such a nuisance. Thank you.
(Daytona Beach, Fl)
06/13/2016
Hello
I am a RN and acupuncturist. It sounds like you have more blood stasis causing blood deficiency ( itching) so the MSM would move blood but I don't think your defcient in sulfur as to why yr seeing some results with the MSM but now you need to tonify blood to see everlasting results
Would luv to see what your tongue looks like and feel your pulse.Good luck
MSM
★☆☆☆☆
(Us)
09/15/2015
MSM
★★★★☆
Today I've started taking 15 drops of Grapefruit extract in the morning. I'm hoping to see even more results - I will keep you posted!
MSM
★★★☆☆
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
(Winnipeg, Canada)
11/13/2012
MSM
EC: For more information about some of the common side effects from MSM, please click here.
(Columbia, SC)
08/12/2008
(Hillsboro, Oregon)
09/08/2008
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.
(India)
02/10/2015
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
★☆☆☆☆
(Wichita, KS)
07/23/2008
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.
(SF, CA)
10/09/2008
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!
MSM, Apple Cider Vinegar
I care
Alfred
MSM, Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
(Ann Arbor, Michigan)
05/22/2010
★☆☆☆☆
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.
MSM, Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
(Chicago, ILL)
02/09/2008
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.
(New York, NY)
01/28/2008
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.
(Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)
02/13/2008
MSM- Answering back to Grace and Debbie.
First of all, I'd like you to know, that I understand how you feel. For me, melasma on my face, makes me feel very unattractive and very insecure. I got to a point where nothing was working for me so I started researching it on my own. By all means, my knowledge on melasma is limited and I researched and read quite a bit before I started taking MSM.
MSM is available in capsule, powder or crystal form. Make sure it's a pure brand. I myself take the capsule form. I take 3 capsules of MSM (1000 mg) everyday. When you take the MSM, take it after you have eaten and don't take all 3 at once. Take them throughout the day. Make sure you consult your GP before taking the MSM, especially if you are on any prescribed medication. Be cautious and don't mix without consulting a doctor first. You do not want it to interfere with other medications, like aspirin or blood pressure meds.
I also take 1 to 2 chewable vitamin C tablets (500 mg) a day.
As for the apple cider vinegar, I apply it once a week (if that). Once you wash it off, your face feels very soft. I don't use it that often any more. I've also increased my antioxidant intake. I eat everything from blueberries, kale (green veggies), and green tea, pomegranate (my favourite), red wine, etc... Since MSM (Methyl-Sulphonyl-Methane) is a powerful antioxidant, I thought I'd start eating a lot more antioxidant foods. All in all, my face is looking better and better. I honestly can't believe it. Maybe this is a result of everything combined; I really don't know. What I do know is that adding more antioxidants to my diet, can only help me in the long run. As for the MSM, it appears to be safe and non-toxic. MSM is also a very good mineral for healthy hair, skin, nails and joints. Good luck and don't give up. I started all this on December 3rd /07 and 2 months later my melasma has slowly disappeared. I'm feeling and looking happier everyday. Just remember, for some of us it may take longer; don't give up.
I do hope I've answered some of your questions.
(Chicago, ILL)
02/16/2008
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.
(Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)
02/19/2008
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.
(Albuquerque, NM)
03/18/2008
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.
(Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)
04/01/2008
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.
(Los Angeles, USA)
05/17/2008
(Switzerland)
08/01/2016
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?
(Palmdale, CA)
07/01/2008
(Wichita, KS, USA)
07/12/2008
(Wolcottville, IN)
07/19/2008
(Uk)
07/08/2014
MSM, Gluthathione, Vit C, GSE
★★★★★
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.
(Los Angeles, Ca)
04/12/2011
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!
(Pittsburgh, Pa)
08/14/2012
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!
MSM, Grape Seed Extract
★★★★☆
MSM, Vitamin C
★★★★★
(Laurinburg, NC)
06/05/2008
(Phoenix, Arizona)
06/05/2008
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.
(Brooklyn , New York)
08/11/2008
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?
(Norway)
10/24/2014
