Melasma Remedies

Pure aloe vera gel applied 3 - 4 times a day to the face and supplements of MSM, Zinc, Calcium, iodine,liquid from kelp and vitamin C will purge the body of excess copper and your melasma will dissapear. Avoid all foods high in copper. After it is gone - Highly recommend taking an excellent Multi Vitamin w/o copper, but with all of the anti copper supplements in the vitamin and probiotics and digestive enzymes daily.

Copper Toxicity Syndrome

Other Contributing Causes of Copper Toxicity
The following factors are also major contributing factors to copper toxicity: use of birth control pills, copper intrauterine devices, antibiotic therapy, stress, strict vegetarian diets and refined food diets which are deficient in zinc.

Excerpt

Do you know anyone who suffers from headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, spaciness, learning disorders or premenstrual syndrome? These can be symptoms of a copper imbalance.

Copper, an essential trace mineral, is vitally important for both physical and mental health. It has been studied for years, including at government laboratories. However, its importance for health is still largely unappreciated. The following is but an introduction. The author is deeply indebted to Dr. Paul C. Eck, an avid copper researcher.

COPPER'S ROLE IN THE BODY

Copper is critical for energy production in the cells. It is also involved in nerve conduction, connective tissue, the cardiovascular system and the immune system. Copper is closely related to estrogen metabolism, and is required for women's fertility and to maintain pregnancy. Copper stimulates production of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. It is also required for monoamine oxidase, an enzyme related to serotonin production.

It is possible to become copper-toxic or copper-deficient, and there is a condition called biounavailable copper. In the latter, copper is present, but cannot be utilized. Toxicity and biounavailability are seen most often. This article uses the words copper imbalance when more than one situation is possible.

Physical conditions associated with copper imbalance include arthritis, fatigue, adrenal burnout, insomnia, scoliosis, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, migraine headaches, seizures, fungal and bacterial infections including yeast infection, gum disease, tooth decay, skin and hair problems and female organ conditions including uterine fibroids, endometriosis and others.

Mental and emotional disorders related to copper imbalance include spaciness, depression, mood swings, fears, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, violence, autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorder. Copper deficiency is associated with aneurysms, gout, anemia and osteoporosis.

Interestingly, the symptoms of premenstrual tension are identical to the symptoms of copper imbalance.

SOURCES OF COPPER

Today, many children are born with excessive tissue copper. It is passed from high-copper mothers to their children through the placenta.

Stress from any cause contributes to copper imbalance. Stress depletes the adrenal glands and lowers the zinc level in the body. Whenever zinc becomes deficient, copper tends to accumulate. Our soil is low in zinc. Refined sugar, white rice and white flour have been stripped of their zinc. The trend toward vegetarianism reduces zinc in the diet, since red meat is the best dietary source of zinc.

Copper is found in many foods, particularly vegetarian proteins such as nuts, beans, seeds and grains. Meats contain copper, but it is balanced by zinc which competes for its absorption. Chocolate is high in copper. A desire for copper may help explain chocolate cravings.

Another source of copper is drinking water that remained in copper water pipes, or copper added to your water supply. During a recent dry summer, several Oregon cities added copper sulfate to their reservoirs to reduce algae growth. Accident and disease rates increased.

Other sources of copper are copper cookware, dental materials, vitamin pills, fungicides and pesticides residues on food, copper intra-uterine devices and birth control pills. Mrs. Robinson and her 6-month-old, breast-fed baby both began to experience hair loss. The cause was a daily prenatal vitamin containing 4 milligrams of copper, far too much for this high-copper mother.

Deficiencies of manganese, iron, B-vitamins and vitamin C can cause copper to accumulate. Adrenal hormones cause the liver to produce ceruloplasmin, the main copper binding protein in the body. Therefore, sluggish liver or weak adrenal glands may cause copper to build up in the tissues.

THE COPPER PERSONALITY

There is a high copper personality. Positive traits include a warm, caring, sensitive, emotional nature, often with artistic orientation and a child-like quality. Often high-copper people are young-looking. Many traditional feminine traits are associated with copper such as softness, gentleness and intuitiveness.

When the personality is not fully integrated or the copper becomes too high, negative traits show up. These include spaciness, racing thoughts, living in a dream world, naiveté, childishness, excessive emotions, sentimentality, a tendency to depression, fearfulness, hidden anger and resentments, phobias, psychosis and violence. Artists, inventors and other high-copper types often "live on the edge", in part due to their high copper level.

The copper personality tends to accumulate copper easily. Copper functions as a psychological defense mechanism. It causes one to detach slightly from reality. This provides relief from stress for the sensitive individual. It works well as long as the copper does not become too high. Very high copper can cause a psychotic break from reality, a type of schizophrenia.

An 18-year old schizophrenic patient had a hair copper level of 40 mg% (normal is 2.5 mg %). She hallucinated and attempted suicide twice while in the Scottsdale Camelback Mental Hospital. When her copper decreased to normal through a diet and supplement program, her symptoms disappeared and she has remained well.

COPPER AND SOCIETY

Is it possible that our mineral balance affects our attitudes? Copper is called the 'psychic' mineral, the 'intuitive' mineral, and a 'feminine' mineral because it is so important for the female reproductive system. Its level generally parallels that of estrogen. While many factors influence our attitudes and values, the rise in tissue copper levels in both men and women in the past twenty years parallels renewed interest in feminism, in psychic and intuitive knowledge, and 'nurturing' movements such as environmentalism.

COPPER AND SEXUALITY

Women tend to have higher levels of copper than men. Women also have more symptoms related to copper imbalance. These include yeast infections, migraine headaches, adult acne, various menstrual symptoms and depression.

Copper-toxic women are often estrogen dominant. They may benefit from progesterone therapy to help balance their hormones. Women with biounavailable copper are often low in estrogen. Their bodies are often more linear in shape. Of course, copper is not the only factor affecting hormones. Some pesticides, for example, mimic the effects of estrogen and can affect the hormone balance.

Men, by contrast, should be zinc-dominant. Zinc, a 'masculine' element, balances copper in the body, and is essential for male reproductive activity. Today, however, many men have symptoms of copper toxicity including depression, anxiety and other symptoms. Homosexuality may be related to copper levels.

COPPER AND CHILDREN

Children are often born with high copper levels. Young children are very sensitive and intuitive. They often lose some of their sensitivity and 'psychic abilities' as their copper levels diminish around age four.

Persistent elevated copper levels in children are common today. The problem often begins during gestation, when high-copper mothers pass on excessive copper (and often low zinc) to the fetus through the placenta. This is called congenital, rather than genetic high copper. It can be prevented by correcting one's copper metabolism before becoming pregnant. After birth, poor nutrition, stress in the home, and overuse of prescription drugs can aggravate a child's copper imbalance.

Copper imbalance in children is associated with delayed development, attention deficit disorder, anti-social and hyperactive behavior, autism, learning difficulties and infections such as ear infections.

VEGETARIAN DIETS

Excess copper interferes with zinc, a mineral needed to make digestive enzymes. Too much copper also impairs thyroid activity and the functioning of the liver. If severe enough, a person will become an obligatory vegetarian. This means they are no longer able to digest meat very well. Conversely, if one becomes a vegetarian for other reasons, most likely one's copper level will increase. Vegetarian proteins are higher in copper, and lower in zinc.

At times, the vegetarian orientation is health-producing. In many people, however, restricted diets do not work well. Fatigue, spaciness and other symptoms begin to appear. Many people, including the author, felt they were becoming more spiritual on a vegetarian diet, when in fact it was just copper poisoning! The taste for meat often returns when copper is brought into better balance.

Some people with high copper dislike all protein. They crave high-carbohydrate diets. Protein feels heavy or causes other symptoms. Eating protein stimulates glandular activity. This releases stored copper which causes the symptoms. However, these individuals usually need to eat protein. The symptoms will eventually disappear.

Copper-toxic individuals may also be drawn to sweets or salty foods due to adrenal insufficiency. Some sea salt is often beneficial. Sweets, including fruit juices, provide a temporary lift but may worsen the condition.

ADRENAL BURNOUT

Adrenal burnout, characterized by chronic fatigue and other symptoms, is often related to fear and copper imbalance. Although correcting emotional and other factors are necessary, improving the copper imbalance, supporting the adrenals and releasing fearful thoughts go hand in hand to restore optimum health.

COPPER AND ADDICTION

Compulsive behavior may be related to copper and the adrenals. Exercise, for example, stimulates the adrenals. This helps keep copper available and makes one feel better. If one stops exercising, unbound copper builds up and one may feel fatigue, mood swings and depression. In some people, this can create a compulsive need to exercise. Other ways to temporarily control copper toxicity include the use of caffeine or other stimulants.

Part of the appeal of cocaine, Ritalin and amphetamines may be their ability to help lower copper temporarily by stimulating the adrenals. Cadmium found in marijuana and cigarettes drives copper back into storage. These drugs may make one feel better by affecting the copper balance.

COPPER AND YEAST INFECTION

Our bodies use copper to help control the growth of yeast. This may be because copper favors aerobic metabolism. Copper is required for the electron transport system, where most of our cellular energy is produced. Yeast organisms use anaerobic metabolism.

Copper sulfate is often sprayed on crops to kill yeast and fungus. Copper is also used in some swimming pools and hot tubs to control yeast and bacterial growth.

When copper is out of balance, our bodies cannot control yeast overgrowth. This often led to chronic Candida albicans infections that are resistant to treatment.

DETECTING COPPER IMBALANCE

Blood, urine and even hair analysis may not reveal copper toxicity directly. Copper is stored mainly in the brain, liver and other organs, not in the blood or urine.

Challenge tests with a chelating agent such as EDTA may be used to detect excess copper. Several indirect indicators on a hair mineral test are also excellent to detect copper imbalance. These include a hair calcium level greater than about 100 mg%, a potassium level less than about 3 mg%, a sodium/potassium ratio less than 2.5:1, a zinc/copper ratio less than 6:1, an elevated mercury level or a copper level less than 1.0 mg%.

BALANCING COPPER

The author dealt with severe copper imbalance in himself and with many others for the past 18 years. Six methods are used to reduce copper in the tissues:

1) Reduce exposure to sources of copper.

2) Antagonists such as zinc, manganese and iron compete with copper for absorption and utilization. Vitamins B6 and folic acid may also be helpful. Selenium and cysteine may be helpful. Research indicates copper may be excreted by binding with glutathione and metallothionine which require these nutrients.

3) Chelators of copper include vitamin C, molybdenum and sulfur-containing amino acids. These bind and remove copper. More powerful chelators may be used, but can have side effects.

4) Enhance the eliminative organs, such as the liver, skin and colon.

5) Balance body chemistry, enhance energy production and improve adrenal gland activity. To support the adrenal glands, avoid sweets, eat protein with each meal, and supplement your diet with vitamins A, C and E, manganese, zinc and B-complex vitamins. Animal protein is very helpful due to its higher content of zinc, B-vitamins and sulfur amino acids including cysteine and taurine. Adrenal glandular substance is also frequently helpful.

6) Reduce fear and stress. Methods range from a change in location or work to meditation, therapy, more rest and other changes.

COPPER DETOXIFICATION SYMPTOMS

One of the difficulties in reducing excess copper are symptoms that arise during the process of elimination. As the body begins to mobilize excess copper from tissue storage sites, it enters the bloodstream on its way to the liver and kidneys for elimination. While in the bloodstream, the copper can cause headaches, skin rashes, racing thoughts, strange odors, digestive upset, mood swings and energy fluctuations. In men, testicular pain is not uncommon. Women's periods may be affected. If one knows what is occurring, it is possible to take measures to minimize these temporary elimination symptoms. Enemas, sweating, and drinking more water can help promote copper elimination. Reducing the nutrition program for a few days may also help slow the reactions and reduce symptoms if they are severe. Supplements particularly molybdenum, bile acids, laxative herbs and vitamin B6 may also mitigate elimination symptoms.

ATTITUDES TO HELP BALANCE COPPER

Adequate rest and sleep are important. Any technique to help handle stress is also helpful. A simple but powerful technique for handling all negative emotions is given in an excellent book, Emissary of Light, by James Twyman. He suggests feeling our negative emotions purely, dissociating them from thoughts. Feel them in the body. Then move the feeling to the heart area, visualize a small door just in front of you, open the door and release the emotion. Realize that all feelings are just energies. They can be transmuted, sent forth and used for good.

High copper people are often sensitive, must acknowledge this and 'live their own truth'. At the same time, a careful look at one's attitudes, especially hidden fears, angers and resentments, is very important. Overcoming copper imbalance often involves overcoming deep fears.

Life is not always easy for the copper-toxic person. There is a temptation to become resentful or depressed at times. With understanding, nutritional help and endless compassion for oneself, these obstacles can be overcome. Then the creative, intuitive and loving qualities of the high-copper individual can shine through to the world.

RESOURCES

1. Eck, P. and Wilson, L., Toxic Metals in Human Health and Disease, Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd., Phoenix, AZ, 1989.

2. Gittleman, A.L., Why Am I Always So Tired? Harper San Francisco, 1999.

3. Nolan, K., "Copper Toxicity Syndrome", J. Orthomolecular Psychiatry, 12:4, p.270-282.

4. Pfeiffer, Carl, MD, PhD, Mental and Elemental Nutrients, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT., 1975.

4. Twyman, James F., Emissary of Light, Warner Books, New York, 1996.

Most health problems are related to nutritional deficiencies.

Marea, I have had melasma since I was 14. At 29 it has grown to a disturbing extent. I have tried every medical and herbal/alternative doctor I could find and used every remedy anyone and everyone has advised. (The funniest was when a woman once came up to me at an airport and said to use the inside of a mango seed)

All I have ever noticed is slight lightening of the marks and eventually (due to stress, sun, etc etc) they darken again and grow larger and thicker.

The last medical doctor I saw told me they can ONLY lighten and I have to live with th fungus family and they will get worse if/when I have children,so I should be prepared (life just gets better!). The last herbal doctor I went to told me to be patient. I spent 2 years on her medicine and saw a little peeling after a few months and eventually it all returned...

And then around the end of 2008, I read your thread...
Marea, YOUR GSE remedy is the first time I have SEEN results.

Bless You Marea, I cannot thank you enough. I ordered Grapefruit Seed Extract from America and started with a few drops and as you said, it did play havoc on my stomach. So I was on and off it trying to control the nausea and bloating, and simulaneously I did see breaking up and peeling within the first week. When I increased it to 15 drops in 5oz of water Three times a day, the results have been phenomenal! My back now has huge clear spots where the fungus family had been squatting for years! In other areas I can see dramatic breaking up and watch with amazement every morning as the clear spots get bigger and bigger. (it is on 70% of my back and 30% of my front and sides of my face and scalp..eyuu)

I do get bloated and feel nausea (I wont even get into the ITCHING stories). I have had sleep issues as well. I am thinking it must be the need for an internal cleanse as you had stated. I started taking acidophillus tablets alongside the GSE (but at a separate time of day from the GSE) I now started taking physillum husk in a glass of water (internal cleanse attempt). I could not find bentonite (for a colon cleanse) yet so I have ordered that from America.

After starting the fibre, I felt more nauseous, but the next day my sleep had improved, skin is generally looking fresher (even my under eye bags). Yesterday I felt a strange euphoria. From what I have read, I believe the dead bacteria that was left in my system must have been removed or reduced by the fibre leading to these positive effects.

Do you think you can give some more guidance on the internal cleanse and diet you followed? What kind of acidophillus and how many tablets daily? Can you be more specific on the type of internal cleanse you did and what diet you followed?

Marea, I honestly send you so many blessings everytime I see progress. And whoever founded this forum, thank you!

Clear skin by my 30th birthday..., everytime I think about it feels surreal.
(I must sound like a commercial:))

This is the only place where I found a sincere remedy. Many many thanks :)

Well my melasma is just a year old and its not very dark also but I dont see it going away. I will be continuing this mixture and lets hope for the best... Can anyone help me.... can I use Apple Cider Vinegar mixture during daytime? and what else can I do to treat my melasma asap.

I really hope that everyone who has melasma is able to find a treatment that works for them. Good Luck!

Lisa B from Bermuda

PS: I truly believe that melasma should be treated from the INSIDE OUT because external treatments tend to be a temporary fix and fade creams can cause melasma to return darker.

(In case the link doesn't work, here the info:Association of Melasma with Thyroid Autoimmunity and Other Thyroidal Abnormalities and Their Relationship to the Origin of the Melasma*

RUB?N J. LUTFI, MIGUEL FRIDMANIS, ALEJANDRO L. MISIUNAS, OSCAR PAFUME, ENRIQUE A. GONZALEZ, JORGE A. VILLEMUR, MIGUEL A. MAZZINI and HUGO NIEPOMNISZCZE)

I should add that I also take fish oil, evening primrose oil and a B vitamin, but the melasma didn't go away until I started with the selenium. HOWEVER, selenium can be toxic at high doses (400mcg)--PLEASE consult with your doctor to find if you are deficient or have other thyroid problems. This probably won't help everyone unfortunately, but those few of you with undiagnosed thyroid issues it may help. And since selenium is quite inexpensive, that's nice too. :)

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.

I've tried just about everything for pregnancy induced melasma. It was embarassing and was getting to the point that even makeup couldn't cover it. I was reserved to just use sunblock and dermablend concealer for the rest of my life, but then I happen chanced on something that worked.

I had previously tried EVERYTHING, even that nasty skin bleaching cream, but nothing worked. I started making my own beauty products and purchased a couple of oils to make a natural anti-aging cream for my eyes. However, I was lazy and just mixed the two oil 50/50 and put it around my eyes, accidentally getting some on my temples (where the worst of my melasma is)... A few hours later I looked in the mirror and was FLOORED at what I saw. The melasma was significantly lighter. I begin putting it on my entire face and in just two days it is 75% gone. I am NOT exaggerating. I didn't need concealer today and just used a light BB cream and it blended in nicely. I imagine after a few more weeks, it should be all but gone. I am going to add a few more EO's and carrier oils to a serum too and test those out. If you want it to fade, while smoothing your complexion out, use RoseHIP seed oil (not rose oil) and squalene oil (derived from olive oil). Mix the two 50/50 in a bottle and apply liberally on your skin. It is also helping with the thin and dry skin on my hands and I'm testing it on scars and stretchmarks too.

I am also olive skinned, and have used all the lotions, and potions under the sun, and the only thing that worked for me is GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT, not GRAPESEED EXTRACT. I used (and am still using) the liquid, 20 drops from 3-5 times a day, in a glass of water, and don't eat anything for about an hour. At a separate time I take acidopilis, which is "good" bacteria. I also take MSM caps (1000mg) with VITAMIN C (1000mg), 3 times a day (I take these together with meals). Also before bed I take a herbal liver cleanse liquid (which I purchased at Health food store), one large tablespoon. Actually, all these products can be purchased at the local health food store. I am not sure if I can mention that Nutribiotic was the brand for the GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT. My melasma broke up initially after about 10 days of everyday use, and it has been about 3 plus weeks, and my melasma has almost disappeared. I do use sunsreen everyday, SPF 30, as over this amount is only a marketing ploy,and is not anymore effective, just costs more $$$$. I also use NIVEA cream as it has Magnesium sulfate in the mixture, during the day. At night I use Retin A 0.05% cream, as it turns over the cells at a faster rate. I know Marea did not apply any type of topical, and found that worked for her the best. Everyone's skin is different, but this is the regime which worked for me.

Also on another note, HQ over long term use makes the complexion ashy, and some users have found that the melasma returns worse after you discontinue use. Also, more hair growth on area where used was observed. I was a user of HQ for years, and it did not work wonders, only got darker after use discontinued. Has been banned in countries such as Japan, and Europe, found to be a carcinogenic. FDA wanted to ban it in U.S.A. but pressure from MD's and Derms who make a whole lot of business from seeing patients who demand HQ. To everyone reading this post, please do not use HQ!

I hope this helps you! Let me know.
Warm Regards,
Gigi

Before leaving on a trip, I bought a new bottle of peroxide (3%). I know it is photosensitive (that's why they put it in a opaque bottle) and susceptible to losing potency. That is why I bought a new bottle. I used it a few days and within a couple of days I got results. I didn't use it for the 4 or 5 days I was gone but I noticed my skin got MUCH better. While I was on my trip, the dark dead skin sort of peeled off in the shower. Now, I have clearer skin that appears to be getting better.

I should note that I tried Obagi and was somewhat pleased with the results but it took some time and noticed that the darkness would return. I don't know yet what the permanent results of peroxide will be. I have found some people recommend a stronger solution but I don't know how that will work. The 3% solution made my skin feel itchy for about 2 minutes but it felt as though it was stimulating cell growth (that may just be my perception).

I am a male between 30-40 years old.

Thanks for the information and the website.

Leah

Thank you EC and everyone.........

My melasma is fading fast. I make sure to put sunscreen on every morning before going outside so I do not lose any of my progress. I am also planning on buying vitamins to fix it from the inside out. I will report back if it completely disappears. I want to add that I truly hope anyone who suffers with melasma tries apple cider vinegar and water. The Apple Cider Vinegar costs less than three dollars at your local grocery store, and is well worth it. Compared to the prescription creams and doctors visits it pales in comparison. Also, if it doesn't work on your melasma it can be used for other cures or you can eat it with salads etc. So it would not be a waste of money. :) Good luck to all.

- Went OFF the pill!
- Took 1000 mg of vitamin C daily
- Took 1000mg of ZINC daily
- Used bleeching serum nighly on face (as perscribed by Dermatologist).
- Spread HORSERADISH (yes, that's right!!) from my local grocer as you would find in a jar. I've been rubbing a small amount on my melasma and leaving it to dry for around 20 mins. I've done this 3 times so far and I honestly believe this has been the key ingredient to the fading of my melasma.
- USED 30+ SUNSCREEN DAILY!!!! ever since beginning this process. I was not doing this before. I will now be using sunscreen on my face every day. This is also a crucial step in the process. Don't use bleech etc.. and then go out in the sun as it will only get worse.

I was in tears a week ago. I felt like I had these permanent tattoos on my face. I've woken up this morning actually 'looking' for the melasma because i can't see it the moment i look in the mirror. Before it was all i could see when i looked in the mirror.

I hope this worked for you too! AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS POSTED THEIR ADVICE!! A combination of a few solutions has truly been a miracle for me.
x

I HAVE BEEN PUTTING IT ON AT NIGHT AND LET IT DRY WHILE I READ OR WATCH TV. I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE IT ON ALL NIGHT BUT AFTER IT DRIES IT WILL FLAKE OFF AND GET ALL OVER YOUR PILLOW/BED. SO WHAT I DO IS KINDA GROSS, BUT IT WORKS...I STAND OVER MY SINK AND GENTLY WIPE IT OFF WITH A DRY WASHCLOTH. I DO NOT WASH MY FACE ...I WANT TO LEAVE WHATS LEFT ON MY FACE ON ALL NITE LONG, ONLY WIPING AWAY THE EXCESS DRIED HORSERADISH. DO NOT RUB, ONLY WIPE GENTLY. I TRIED DOING THIS TWICE A DAY BUT IT WAS TOO MUCH...AND I BURNED MY SKIN A LITTLE....SO ONCE A DAY IS SUFFICENT.

I STARTED USING THIS ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO AND ITS ALMOST GONE...AND I HAD IT ALL OVER MY FACE.IT WAS REALLY REALLY DARK TOO. I HAVE ALSO HAD ACNE MY WHOLE LIFE IT SEEMS, AND HAVE NEVER FOUND ANYTHING THAT HELPS. I HAVE CYSTIC, AND REGULAR ACNE.I WAS SO SURPRISED TO NOT HAVE A BREAK OUT WHEN I GOT MY PERIOD. SO I HAVE BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH IT ON PIMPLES AND CAN BELIEVE WHAT IT DOES. THIS STUFF DRIES IT UP IMMEDIATELY !

I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH MY RESULTS I AM NOW PUTTING IT ON MY ARMS WHERE I HAVE LOTS OF SUN DAMAGE AND A FEW SPOTS THAT I AM WORRIED MAY BECOME CANCEROUS. WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW HOW THAT GOES. I HAD A SIMILAR AGE SPOT THAT LOOKED CANCEROUS ABOVE MY EYEBROW. I HAD ONLY BEEN USING IT FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS WHEN THE WHOLE THING JUST CAME OFF, LIKE A SCAB ON A WOUND. WOW !!! THIS STUFF BURNS AND STINKS BUT IS SOOOO WORTH IT ! A MIRACLE PRODUCT SITTING ON YOUR GROCERS SHELF FOR ONLY A FEW BUCKS. TRY IT U WILL BE AMAZED TOO. BE DILIGENT AND DO IT EVERY NITE UNLESS U HAVE BROKEN SKIN...THEN U SHOULD WAIT TILL IT HEALS. I USE REGULAR CREAMY STYLE...NOT THE EXTRA HOT.

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.

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.