★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
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.
Multiple 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
★★★★☆
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.
Copper Connection to Melasma
★★★★★
A) Quit smoking cigarettes 3 months ago. For those of you with melasma who smoke, I believe it can only help to quit. I quit with hypnosis, it was a cakewalk - I feel great and life is VASTLY improved - never goin' back.
B)I quit drinking alcohol also about 3 months ago - candida/copper/hormone connection. No good for melasma. Also quit via hypnosis, also a BREEZE.
C) Currently taking the following supplements daily:
10000mg MSM
1000mg vitamin C
50mg zinc
10 to 15 drops GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)
When I started the GSE a few days ago was when I started to see the big patches of healed skin appear literally overnight. Let me be accurate and clear here: I had a solid splotch on my forehead, a solid splotch down my nose, and shading on my upper lip. When I say "big patches of healed skin" I mean, the splotch of light brown pigment on my forehead is about 1. 5"x2" big. Now, splotches of regular healed skin appearing are varied sizes, a couple approx 4mmx3xmm, several 2mmx2mm, and several more measuring 1mmx1mm. This happened on my nose several months ago, making the whole solid mark down my nose disappear leaving only two small faint spots. Upper lip is somewhat faded. Also noticed today the white yeast on tongue vastly decreased. I'm sure I had inbalance of yeast. See the melasma magically appeared a few years ago, at a time when I was rather depressed and drinking alcohol almost every day, and smoking cigarettes. I cut down, but it was too late. Anyway, MSM and GSE are key. The healed skin becomes normal and no sunscreen is needed - the melasma doesn't come back on those areas when you get rid of them with MSM. I know, as my healed nose area melasma never returned even when I was in the sun without sunscreen this summer regularly. The skin that returns to normal remains normal. I will report back on progress but please be patient as I will wait until I have what to report. I do truly believe it is an internal issue and have not bothered with external treatments as I've heard horror stories about it worsening the melasma and I won't dare take any chances with that. I can say I've seen progress. Now lets see how much more progress comes. Hang in there people, sooner or later someone'll find a real cure for this. Staying positive also does help. I will try the cilantro again, but what happened was, I realized it was rather foolish to do the cilantro metal cleanse while continously re-introducing copper & heavy metals into my body with my nasty chainsmoking cigarette habit and several bottles of white wine per week. So I quit the junk completely, continued with the supplements, added GSE and NOW will try the cilantro cleanse again. Whatever works will likely be a combination. Healthy lifestyle, spirit, and mind are a huge plus. ES
Grape Seed Extract, Vitamins
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EC: Please note: Leah is using grapeseed extract, not grapefruit seed extract.
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Grapefruit Seed Extract
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BLESS YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE TO LET ME KNOW OF YOUR SUCCESS WITH GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT FOR YOUR MELASMA! I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUCCESS AND THE REMEDY IS WORKING FOR YOU.
It was almost by accident that I saw your letter. I have been traveling extensively over the last few months as we are seeking relocation to land in the mountains (for pristine soil to grow our own crops, fresh air and sunshine), so my daughter is able to keep up with the reading of the posts much more than I am able to. A few of my friends have now tried the GSE. It did not work for some who gave up too soon, but those who stuck with it and took it as directed in spite of its very bitter taste, were able to see results.
Continue doing what you are already doing - it takes WILLPOWER and RESOLVE. You are on the right track. Taking Acidophilus at separate times and also psyllium and bentonite will all lead to internal cleansing and detoxifying over time. As I had mentioned in my original thread, internal cleansing to flush out the colon, liver and bloodstream will greatly enhance any healing protocol and will benefit overall health. Everything we consume will work that much more effectively if our internal organs are clean and able to absorb; so yes, internal cleansing is of paramount importance, and that is where one should always start if long lasting, permanent results are desired (otherwise, conditions will always eventually recur, when we stop treatment before we address the root or cause of many problems - sluggish, inflamed, clogged or overburdened organs with candida, fungus, bacteria, parasites, etc.)
There are many herbal cleansers on the market. Over the last couple of years, I have used Dr. Richard Schultze's and Dr. Christopher's herbal preparations - they are excellent, and natural. I have heard that Dr. Hulda Clark's herbal preparations are also good. I have followed the _____'s internal cleansing protocol by fasting on distilled water (distilled water is the best solvent of inorganic minerals - I use it for cleansing over the short term) once a week, and three days out of every month by drinking about ten 8-oz glasses of water (in three out of ten glasses of distilled water, I add two teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and a dash of cayenne). For me, short periodic fasts are an excellent way to give the digestive system a rest, and time to fully use energy for regeneration and restoration of cellular function. Once a year (I have now done it two consecutive years), I have done the Stanley Burroughs Master Lemonade cleanse for ten days. His lemonade/maple syrup/cayenne drink (I also add a dash of cinnamon) is surprisingly sustaining.
After the short fasts, I follow with a healthy diet of lots of raw fruits and vegetables and their freshly extracted or blended live green juices. As far as my eating habits go, I eat a variety of foods in moderation (at least half raw or more, the rest cooked). I alternate between organic goat's cheese, free-range organic eggs, wild salmon and free-range organic chicken or freshly made chicken soup in small amounts about two or three times a week. Also, the best way to get your probiotics is through raw, cultured (fermented) vegetables if you can spare about one or two hours once a week (I do it on a Saturday or Sunday). That way I can have a couple of tablespoons of the cultured vegetables with my meals throughout the week (cabbage rejuvelac is surprisingly easy to prepare). I must say that I started following this diet after the success with GSE. I was so thrilled with my new face, that I wanted to make sure I would never again get those spots on my face! It was a great motivation to keeping my internal terrain clean after the herbal cleanse and GSE. By the way, I strongly believe that if you do periodic cleanses to keep your internal system working optimally, and your immune system strong and alkalized by the consumption of plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, you will not have to keep taking any treatments indefinitely (I don't need to continually take remedial herbs, nor take any medications, prescribed or over the counter). I no longer need the GSE. I was thankful that it did a fabulous job, because the cleanse alone was not taking care of the condition fast enough, BUT in conjunction with the cleanse, the GSE accelerated the process along in just a few short weeks, not months. By the way, your internal terrain also includes your emotions. Minimize, or better yet, eliminate continued negative thoughts and emotions such as stress, anxiety, worries, fear, anger, resentments, etc. - they are highly acidifying and conducive to ill health. Yes, in varying degrees, they are part of life, but don't let them control you.
If you have access to a trampoline (I use my children's old outdoor trampoline), soft rebounding is also excellent for the lymphatic system. It works by stimulating circulation of body fluids to nourish the body and bringing vital life and energy to every organ in the body. I have seen a difference in my muscles and skin tone, including facial skin tone since I started using it. At my age, I am limber, in perfect weight and with the body, life and energy of my 20's - I attribute it to the internal cleanses, the diet and the trampoline combined. Once you get into a routine, it really does not take a lot of time, and it is not hard to follow. Once you experience the benefits, the energy and the feeling of well-being, you will never want to go back to old habits. Above all, a positive frame of mind, love and laughter and the power of prayer are great medicine for the body and soul!
Many blessings to you, too, Misha. I hope you get my response to your questions, and my best wishes for your continued success. Many blessings, too, to the beautiful staff at Earthclinic for keeping up this wonderful site, and to those who contribute with their caring responses to the questions aked. Marea from Dallas, Texas
Horseradish
★★★★★
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.
Cod Liver Oil
★★★★★
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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
Baking Soda
★★★★★
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!