★★★★★
Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalene Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice
The Apple Cider Vinegar can be used externally and internally. Use raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar from the health food store. (Some larger grocery stores may have it also.) Mix 1/2 vinegar with 1/2 water in a jar and apply with a cottonball a couple of times a day. If it irritates your skin, dilute it with more water.
Start with 1 teaspoon of the apple cider vinegar in an 8 ounce glass of water once a day. If that agrees with you, you can increase to 2 teaspoons and then to 3 teaspoons. You can drink this twice a day even, if you like. I prefer my vinegar water to plain water after using it a lot.
Birth control pills (and probably other hormonal birth control methods) can cause this or aggravate this condition.
Please keep us posted. If this doesn't work, there are other things you can try.
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice
Rosehip Seed Oil, Squalene Oil
★★★★★
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.
There is also MSM which is great for many things, everyone should be taking that. Also, B3 which can be taken orally and applied topically. Pond's cream has a B3 cream that is affordable and works better than any department store product. Easy to find online, it's in a pink container, plus it doesn't stink that bad. There is also some stinky stuff for a couple of dollars that defiantly works wonders but it stinks and you must stay out of the sun, it's called La Campana (The Bell) you can buy it online, as well.
Vitamin A or Retinol/Retin-A works wonders, too, but must be bought from a doctor's prescription and it's around $70 bucks for a little tube but you only use a pea-size. You must use sunblock and stay out of the sun, as well, like the bell cream. It may have little effect on the dark stuff but it makes your skin look so fresh and glowy, like getting a microderm or other facial treatment without the astronomical costs associated with it.
Maintaining beauty does not have to cost a fortune. Actually, the best treatments for the skin are usually the cheaper ones, like ACV. I hope this helped out.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Skin Lightening Remedies
★★★★★
Besides my diet, my daily oral supplements include MSM, GSE, ACV, Matcha-green tea. MSM and GSE are very bitter if not taken correctly. The trick to taking those two with the bitter taste is to have the MSM powder in a spoon, squeeze some GSE drops on top of the powder and place the whole thing in your mouth then immediately wash it down with OJ or Grapefruit juice. OJ or grapefruit juice is packed with Vitamin C and vitamin C helps absorb MSM better.
Topically, I cleanse and exfoliate my face twice a day with regular facewash and a toothbrush. I am using O--y regenerist and an old, soft bristle toothbrush. First, I wet my face with warm water to open up pores and then apply face was to the toobrush and work in circular motion on my face for a good 5 minutes and rinse, pat dry and apply vitamin E oil. I don't put alot of vitamin E oil since it is heavy and oily. I am only using 1-2 drops, rub it in my hands and apply to both my face and neck.
For daytime, I am also using physical suncreen after vitamin e oil. There are 2 types of suncreen, chemical and physical. Make sure it is physical, which contains Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium. These are the ingredients that can prevent melasma from getting darker when exposed to sun.
For nightime, I exfoliate then apply a cream for melasma and vitamin E oil. One thing I forgot to mention. I also drink 1 teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil a day. This is excellent for hair and skin. I hope someone can benefit from my remedies and good luck! :)
Multiple Remedies
I think it got worse b/c I used hydroquinone 4% over the summer months b/c I thought it would undo the daily dose of sun even nthough I alwasy use sunblock... Oops not a good idea. So I will try that just over the next 3 weeks during the winter even though it isn't necessarily supposed to be a healthy option these days.
I plan to do a chemical peel as well. From the inside, I will begin GSE and MSM and zinc. I want to apply ACV and anti-fungal cream too in my daily routine somehow.
I had a fungal infection years ago and that may be a source for my melasma.. Who knows?
I learned recently that I have a cyst on my ovary and that could be creating the imblance in my hormone levels. But I am definitely not going on the pill to deal with the cyst. I think having it removed will help eliminate that imbalance, not to mention the pain.
I am also considering the progesterone cream after I get a better understanding of my ovary issue. I am curious if that will help with the copper issue and estrogen? Like I said, I am still researching and learning. I am a mess and all I care about is the ugly brown mustache on my lip... how funny! It really is that much of a kick to your self-esteem.
I will keep you posted :) Take Care
Glycolic Acid
★★★★★
Thank God I saw these comments on treatment of melasma... and I really feel blessed to help u out of this stigma on face...
leave everything else aside n go to a medical shop n get 15% glycolic acid and a sunscreen with spf more than 40... N apply over the whole face daily for 2 weeks... n then come back n reply my comment...
ok bye c ya.. Ol d best
Baking Soda
★★★★★
MSM
Supplements
Multiple Remedies
I started an HQ cream 10 months ago, didn't feel it did anything so stopped and now believe my melasma has darkened. I decided I really have to do something as it is affecting my self-esteem, I had my hormones checked via blood test, hoping that would come back abnormal and give me the answer, but hormones are all in check. So I've been advised to have skin needling and chemical peels ( expensive ) and invasive procedures I've never been a fan of either. I was thinking of going ahead but now reading all these posts I'm back to where I was a while back believing this is an internal problem.
For those that are reading this, I know I haven't told you of any remedies or glimmers of hope but the above gives me the opportunity to express my problems and history with melasma and I can come back to this site with what I experiment with and learn.
I plan on using the GSE, MSN, B-12, cod liver oil, aloe vera, ACV and tumeric. Will update with how it goes.
This site gives hope and support, and know that beauty really does come from the inside.
★★★★☆
My melasma began about 10 years ago. After reading the many posts on this site, most helpful was by Maria of Dallas in regards to an inside/outside approach. My melasma is 50-60% lighter today. The only diet change I made was to STOP drinking black tea (advised in reducing melasma). I switched to non-caffeniated to help get the grapefruit seed extract down.
Here's the treatment I designed for myself with YOUR help, and today has been exactly one week.
-1 ____ Multi Vitamin
-1000 mg of Vitamin C
-3x per day of 15 drops: Grapefruit Seed Extract (liquid). I use mint or chamomile tea to get this down as it's very bitter and I'm unable to take with water.
-Before shower, on a cotton pad, mix apple cider vinegar (50/50, diluted with water) with liquid grapefruit seed extract and rub on off - DO NOT scrub or you'll burn your face causing extra stress which darkens the skin. Just rub on very generously and let it dry - like a toner of sorts. Your melasma turns darker at first when you apply the apple cider vinegar, and then lightens upon drying. I leave on until I feel a slight stinging feeling, and then immediately rinse off in shower. After shower, I reapply ONLY the apple cider vinegar and let dry. Then I use Castor Mineral Oil an massage into face. Afterwards, apply your daily lotions, make-up (Bare Minerals make-up is great as it includes sunblock in all products: concealer, foundation, veil so you get multi-layer sun protection) etc as usual. I also apply extra sunblock throughout day and use a hat when outdoors.
-Before bed, wash face to remove make-up. I use cleanser. Then apply apple cider vinegar (50/50 diluted with water), again followed by Castor Mineral Oil massaged into my face.
This has been my daily routine for 7 days now, and I've seen 50% improvement.
Ingredients you will need: Grapefruit Seed Extract in liquid form, Multi-vitamin, Vitamin C, Apple Cider Vinegar, Castor Mineral Oil, cotton pads, sunblock, hat,
I really hope this is helpful to someone as you all were extremely helpful to me.
Dermal Melasma
Researching MSM, a lot of people had limited success according to a thread by author Vanessa Wild, who wrote a book on msm for melasma. I am still hopeful. Msm has helped me the most because my skin is sensative so i'm staying away from acids. It has helped my melasma quite a bit and I still have more to go. I still see improvement and as long as thats the case, you never know!!!! I did email with one person who has had full success with MSM and dermal mustache. I used to use msm internally but I took a break as it is recommended for your body and still see improvements so i'll wait a little while before going back on because I was on a high dose, like 10,000 mg. I use msm topically. First, I wash my face and dry it really good. Then I just mix it with some water, put it on a tissue and lay it on top of 'mel' for a minute.
Also, i'm on a cleanse, cutting out a lot of sugar for my candida, especially processed. Candida is linked to melasma. Depending on what website you look at some people recommend cleansing and then adding some low-sugar fruit on an empty stomach to your diet so it's your call. Also, antifungals and probiotics. Also linked to melasma is high copper in the body. Hormone levels. Sun. I think it is important to rebalance your body and it helps to fight the melasma, otherwise the melasma will keep coming back.
Anyhooie. Blessings and prayers. Will check back. It's good to have some persons respond who are on the current journey/struggle. Let's help one another. Believe you me, I am praying for us.
MSM, Gluthathione, Vit C, GSE
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!
Multiple Remedies
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
I feel guilty in a way for being so obsessed about this; vain even. But like every woman, I want to look my best and realize that your face is what people see first.
So after studying all of these posts I purchased the following: Grapefruit Seed Extract (2 a day; 15 drops), Acidophilus (1 at lunch), Zinc (1 at lunch), Milk Thistle (2 before bed). I also use Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner (diluted) in the morning and before bed.
After two weeks, I am heartened at the changes I am seeing. My children confirm that not only is the melasma noticeably lighter but that it is breaking up on my cheeks and chin. You can actually see my normal skin colour coming through. The remaining spots on my forehead are stubborn but I will see this through.
Cheers!
Dermal Melasma
Dermal Melasma
I also have it on the entire center of my forehead which goes down in between my eyebrows. That's where it started about 6 1/2 yrs ago, my youngest were 8 yrs old, so not pregnancy and haven't been on pill since before they were conceived, I was 38, so not postmenopausal. It began as a small diamond shape between brows and then grew! I used to think that was unattractive, but once it appeared on my upper lip, I realized how much worse it was to have it there! I've read that it is a different hyperpigmentation above the lip, apparently the skin is different, anyway it's the hardest to treat, of course, the most embarassing place to have it is the hardest to get rid of.
The only thing I've read about that works sometimes is MSM. I tried triluma a few years ago, but it did nothing, also recently a new dermatologist put me on tretinoin & a 4% hydriquinone, but I stopped using it as summer began, I was told by a makeup artist that it's not a good idea to use the bleaching during the more intense sun. In addition, the hydriquinone is known to be unsafe as well as many online have said that it makes the patches darker, as well as laser. So, I'm not sure that I will continue with it even after summer.
I'm also afraid of the tretinoin as the dermatologist said that skin is more sensitive to the sun while using it, it's crazy so many of the treatments make even "regular skin" more sun sensitive, so why would we want to put our melasma that's already sensitive to the sun, at risk for becoming even darker!!
I figured I'd save up for laser, but after everything I've read, it doesn't sound worth the money I don't have, it either doesn't have an effect or makes it worse. I believe that it is definitely a (hormonal) internal problem, so it should be treated internally. Most seem to have luck with the MSM, so I think I will try that, I'm just trying figure the right combo of supplements, the most popular seem to take it with gse, but many use other supplements with it as well. It's all so overwhelming. I would really love all suggestions and any information that any of you have to offer.
Overall, I know that I'm very fortunate that this is only cosmetic, in fact I feel shallow thinking about it too much, when there are so many others that have problems much worse than this. I try to keep things in perspective, thinking of others and remembering how lucky I am, really does give you a better attitude about dealing with melasma. Luckily, I have great friends, that helps too, and a wonderful family that I am so grateful for, they also keep me busy not giving me too much time to worry:)
I'm so happy to finally have people to talk to about this! Looking forward to hearing from all of you!! Khava
Dermal Melasma
Grapefruit Seed Extract
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar
★★★☆☆
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.
Copper Connection to Melasma
I found this site about a week ago and started on the supplements. I have added a few vitamins each time I read. For about three days I am doing the following. Daily Vitamin, MSM, Vitamin C, Cod Liver Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Grapeseed Extract, MACA, and using ACV topically. I am praying that this will going away. If it does I am going to tell everyone I see so that I may help others. It's so good to hear success stories; it gives me a glimmer of hope. Can anyone tell me how long it should be before all this starts working?
Kefir
Copper Connection to Melasma
Oregano Oil
Copper Connection to Melasma
But seriously, I think what happened was, I stopped caring. I stopped obsessing over it. I started loving myself more. I believed my body could just heal itself and that paying attention to it was only making it worse. Anyway, it was there for, oh, maybe 5 years? I tried everything, almost. Seriously I write this to give hope to other people that it can really just go away. I realized it was going away a few months ago, but wasn't sure what would happen when warmer weather came. But I know now. I have been in the sun plenty of times without sunscreen. Also with sunscreen. I mean like daily hour long hikes on sunny days. I don't fear it anymore. It's just gone. I assume the last little spot on my forehead, maybe half an inch by half an inch will be gone soon enough - it's way shrunken down from what it was before - it's literally vanishing. Anyway, it just started going away by itself as far as I can tell. My body is just healing itself. Please don't obsess over it, tell yourself daily you love yourself anyway, ignore it. I am pretty healthy, I eat well, but I'm no fanatic. I think the more we worry the worse it gets. I think when we let go, and believe it can heal but don't mind anymore... it will just go away.
Good luck! ES
Apple Cider Vinegar, Onion Juice
★★★★★
I have finally found something that works: A one part to one part solution of onion juice and ACV. I found the recipe on the internet: just put some onion in the blender (I used a garlic press) to get some juice going. Add an equal amount of ACV to the onion juice.
Every evening, I've been pouring about 1 - 2 teaspoons into a little dish and applied it to affected areas with a cotton swab repeatedly until the juice is used up. This takes 10 - 20 minutes. After several days, I used the vinegary onion pulp as a facial mask - left it on for about 20 minutes.
It's been maybe 4 weeks and most stubborn brown spots have faded really nicely. The onion juice apparently helps lift the darkened areas off - and it has vitamin C in it - which seems like an overall healthy thing to be putting on your skin. I bought my second onion a couple of days ago and am looking forward to even an even clearer complexion!
