★☆☆☆☆
Probiotics
Treat for Fungal Infection
Castor Oil
Treat for Fungal Infection
This post has not been active since February so there is less chance that the poster will answer.
There are multiple antifungal creams available with multiple active antifungal ingredients. I think the active ingredient you are looking for is Clotrimazole as that is the active component in antifungal creams that also inhibits melanogenesis.
Here is a link to typical otc Clotrimazole products :
Good luck and please let us know how this works for your melasma.
Art
Treat for Fungal Infection
Fish Oil
★★★★★
I asked her how many milligrams of FO she was taking. She mentioned that she was taking a 1000 milligrams a day of combined DHA/EPA. I mentioned that that might not be the optimal dose for her based on effective dosages used in studies of FO in humans and suggested she consider upping her dose to study levels of EPA/DHA of 3 to 4 grams per day in order to optimize the benefit to her skin and heart. This would be 3 to 4 times the amount she was already taking. It is the total amount of EPA/DHA in a given FO soft gel that is important, not the total amount of different oils. So even though a FO soft gel may say 1200 mg, the actual EPA/DHA level may only be half that amount. It is important to read the label carefully to know what you are really getting.
Obviously the heart benefit will not be readily apparent other than through testing, but I told her that any additional benefit to her skin should be readily apparent within two months or so. I also reminded her that FO at therapeutic dosing such as she was now taking can absolutely have blood thinning effects and as such she should notify her doctor and have him/her add that information to her medical records for safety. I further told her that the high dose FO, because of its anti inflammatory effects should be additionally beneficial to her anti hyperpigmentation regimen as localized inflammation is a contributing factor to skin hyperpigmentation.
This past week, my friend texted me to update me on how she was doing as it was approaching the 2 month mark at her new increased FO dosing level. She said the following, it appears to be additive to her anti hyperpigmentation regimen as she could see increased fading of dark spots which she said had previously slowed to a crawl and she felt that if the current rate of lightening continued she might be "clear" in 3 months or so. She further said that the increased FO dosing schedule had eliminated "all of her dry skin" issues which she said had been a major problem for her for years. She went on to say that "stretch marks, keratosis and scars" that she has had for years had either faded, significantly diminished or both.
Overall she was very happy and looking forward to continued improvements and she said the improvements are helping her to diligently stick to her current regimen with no slacking. I told her that was good that she is applying her regimen consistently because that is needed in order to obtain the results she is getting and wants.
She told me she would update me later and when she does I will update this thread to update on her progress.
I know this is not of very much importance to many people, but it does offer a significant boost to her self esteem which, imo, is very important in trying to improve your overall quality of life, plus the added health benefit that the therapeutic FO dose is having to her heart is great, especially as we age! It is important to highlight the benefits of FO at useful dosing levels as many studies spotlight a multitude of health effects associated with sufficient intake of EPA/DHA, even for the brain!
Art
Glycolic Acid
In darker skin tones in some people, glycolic acid can sometimes worsen the pigmentation issue because it can create an inflammatory response which can result in post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Art
Glycolic Acid
Treat for Fungal Infection
The Copper Link
Gave me some insight and understanding about myself and cleared up lots of "unexplained and unsolved mysteries" about my personality.
Thank you so much for the time, energy and detail you expended to create it.
God Bless You.
Treat for Fungal Infection
★★★★★
I began taking MSM, Vitamin C, glutathione, Niacinamide is B-3, zinc, folic acid, and licorice extract and used a niacinamide based cream on my face which is deadly to fungus! I went on the anti-candida diet and took a natural anti-fungal, used a yeast arrest suppository that had probiotics in it for one month. I think for me it was both hormones and fungal. Happy to say I'm cured of Melasma.
Melasma Creams That Don't Work
Probiotics
Grapefruit Seed Extract
As for the people using GSE, this is important the one that is for external use is the ORIGINAL FORMULA GSE is that people used internally. There was some rule that made them change the labeling. The new internal GSE lacks the vital ingredient that the external one has. Do your research before you buy it.
MSM
Melasma Creams That Don't Work
petty surge, milk weed; radium weed, wart weed.
I have used this many times you only need to squeeze a drop or two from the stem of the plant then simply rub it on to the area you want to treat do not use more and do not get it near your eyes, if you put some on in the morning you can you can wash yourself that night without it making any difference to what you have treated. all ways try in a small spot first, as it is possible that too much could burn a little, don't let that bother you, it will take up to a week to start to see the result.you than can use more if need be. its magic no more blemishes no more skin cancer.recently I had black patches on my arms caused by listing to doctors and taking asprin, I started using ozone an found that if I applied ozone to a black patch within about a week I would simply rub the spot and it it gradually dissapear never to return. I have not tried it on cancer spots as yet; as dont have any. (as yet). good luck, john.
Melasma Creams That Don't Work
BCSO contains the fallowing profile of natural antibiotics:
thymoquinone (TQ) 2-Isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1,4-quinone, thymohydroquinone (THQ) and thymol. A teaspoon of BCSO plus a spoon of Milled Flax Seed would be major beneficial to clearing bad bugs and debris from both small & large intestines.
Melasma Creams That Don't Work
Yes, do not use hydroquinone.
my melasma faded to the point where I do not need make up anymore simply by ditching grains, sugar and dairy (3 months).I simply eat meat, veggies and fruits. I use mandelic acid 25% which is made of almonds during winter, and it helps, and 50SPF sunblock.
You need to address your gut and kidney-glucose, heal inflammation.
Good luck!
Melasma Creams That Don't Work
Probiotics
MSM
Treat for Fungal Infection
★★★★★
★☆☆☆☆
Vitamins, Prescription Cream
Melasma Creams That Don't Work
Again thank you so much!
MSM
Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalene Oil
★★★★★
With my last visit to the determologist with yet another set of medications. That did nothing except burn my skin. I started to research different oils that have helped people. I have to say they've been such a great help. From the rose hip oil to the one I think works the best frankincense and even sandalwood. The have faded my melasma a ton and worked way better than tri Luna. It's worth a try I promise.
Melasma Creams That Don't Work
Probiotics
★★★★★
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.
★★★☆☆
MSM
★★★★★
Vitamins, Prescription Cream
Another great anti-fungal so is coconut oil if kills the biofilm and kills the fungus. A friend came back third world country with some skin fungus so the doctor told her to use Selsun Blue and leave it on the skin for like an hour a day then rinse it off and I think she did this for few days I can't recall the number of days. Selsun blue is selenium sulfide it kills fungus Selsun blue is very strong smelling I put it in zip lock plastic bag but it works. Be sure to avoid around your eyes.
Vitamins, Prescription Cream
Vitamins, Prescription Cream
Just wanted to clarify, Hydroquinone is not banned in Australia. You can get it over the counter at the chemist/pharmacy or high dosages of it with a prescription.
I'm currently on it myself. I have seen results but then it comes back again. And yes, there are risks associated with it too.
My dermatologist says that UV light is the main culprit, - I've found if I miss putting on sunscreen once (eg. putting it on in the morning on a cloudy Melbourne day then forgetting to put it on in the afternoon) my melasma gets worse. However, there is a question as to whether light in general (eg. from lightglobes) is also a culprit. Which would be pretty frustrating if true! 'Coz wandering around in a balaclava is not something I can really get away with most days.....
As already mentioned here, the dermatologist said that friction is also a cause of it, elsewhere mentioned here. So DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE! I touch my face all the time so I'm sure this has contributed.
And when using HQ it makes my skin peel so I'm not even supposed to touch my face to get it off so that's just as unsightly as the melasma. So I'm pretty much still a melasma mess. : (
Thanks for all the advice, I think that HQ is not a long term solution so will give the supplements another go. And that fungal infection cream, as there's a browny grey patch around my mouth and chin that looks horrid and makeup seems to just draw attention to it. Just hard to figure out what works and what doesn't.
Good luck everybody!
MSM, Apple Cider Vinegar
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip Seed 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.
Hi.. don't give up hope.. I got rid of melasma on bridge of my nose.. I would soak the apple cidar vinegar in cotton ball and apply .. then I would apply hydrogen peroxide on and off for days and days.. sometimes I taped the cotton ball to my nose soaked in ACV.. well it did take awhile. Maybe a few months but finally the skin started to peel and peel off into new skin.. most of it is gone but now I have a freckle there but the peeled skin came off and now the melisma is gone.
The Copper Link
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......
MSM
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
Microdermabrasion Treatments
MSM
Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalene Oil
★★★★★
Skin Lightening Remedies
Hydrogen Peroxide
Melasma Creams That Don't Work
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.
Multiple Remedies
Hydrogen Peroxide
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.
Selenium
Thank you.
MSM
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Thank you EC and everyone.........
Multiple Remedies
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
Silymarin Topical
★★★★★
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
Copper Connection to Melasma
Best regards to you all!
Cod Liver Oil
I used to take green pasture fclo years ago, but not for any specific condition. The melasma started after a bad episode on BC pills, so it is hormonal for me.....above my lip. :( It comes and goes over the past 3 years but never really fully gone.
Cod Liver Oil
★★★★★
MSM
MSM
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
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 :)
Multiple Remedies
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.
MSM, Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★★★
