Melasma Remedies

Just a little update for you. I am still taking Grapeseed extract, aloe vera juice along with my vitamins. Yes it did make a BIG differnce. The melasma that I did have, broke up and slowly faded, the melasma that I do have is now so faint no one notices! I have even gotten complements on how my skin looks!!

Leah

Leah,

Can you give us another update? You're taking 1,000 mg or 100 mg a day of grape seed extract. The pills I have are only 100 mg and I've been taking them 3 times a day for about four weeks. I've noticed nochange. After reading your post, I'm wondering if I should increase the dose and if I should try the juice. Where do you buy the juice. and what
brand of GSE did you buy? Are you still taking it?

This message is For Leah from Sardis, Bc

Hey Leah,

Could you please tell us what brand of grapeseed extract are you using? I know that we are not supposed to report product names here but I'm bit confused as the Grapeseed extract products that are available come in 100mg caps and are quite expensive as well. Did you take 100mg per day or 1000mg/day. Please let me know!!

Thanks,
Preet

Hello ladies!
I am glad to give you another update! yes my melasma has gotten better, in fact its so faded that even I have a hard time seeing where the out lines of the melasma are!! I was taking 1000mg of grapeseed extract. I buy it at my local health food store (you wont find that dose at the drug stores). It is in capsules and found in a white bottle with purple and black writing. Each capsule is 500mg and I take 2 pills at the same time once a day.
I have just recently stopped taking grapeseed extract only because my skin is so much better. I have been off of the grapeseed for about 3 weeks now. It has not gotten worse, although where I am the sun isnt out too much right now it is raining alot and if not raining then its cloudy. I will have to wait untill spring and summer to see if it comes back. I was also told, that if you start taking grapeseed extract a month before all the nice weather starts it could prevent the melasma from comming back. I will have to test that in a few months, but right now I feel great about the way my skin looks. One of the other benifits to taking the grapeseed extract as well as aloe vera juice I have noticed my acne hasnt been as bad. Although it did get a little worse before it got better (the acne) I think it may have something to do with all the cleansing of the body that both grapeseed and aloe do (so Ive heard)..

I will keep you posted
Leah

Hi Gigi,

A heartfelt thanks for sharing this with me. I really do think that grapefruit seed extract can make a difference. When I read Marea's post about Grapefruit seed extract, I purchased it (Nutribiotic) and started using it but it gave me a very bad die off reaction. I know that I used 10 drops/3 times for few days and seeing that it it not doing anything, I think I did 20 drops/5 times a day which gave me a very bad die off (I did not know at that point that it was a die off, only realized later) but your post has definitely given me hope and I'll try that again. I think supporting liver at the same time'll make a huge difference.

I've some specific questions if you don't mind answering!

1)Did you start the liver detox formula at the same time? (I'm sure it has milk thistle in it but can you mention some ingredients?)

2) Did you start on GSE slowly? If you remember could you tell me the details?

3) Did you ever get a die off reaction like flu like symptoms or muscle ache while using GSE?

4) Did you have constipation problems? I'm asking this because I've read so many times that if you try to kill candida with antifungals like GSE and your bowels are not moving 2-3x a day, that may release more toxins in the blood.

5) Did you change your diet like no caffeine, sugar etc?
I'm also taking MSM and vitamic C and liver support formula (just started 3 days ago). I'll really appreciate your answers to these particular questions I've and hopefully I can start on GSE as I've it sitting in my kitchen.

Take Care,
Preet

Gigi, how did you get your melasma? Was it after pregnancy?

Hi Preet,

I am more than happy to answer your questions:

1) I took the liver detox (which does have milk thistle),in liquid form, about an hour before sleep, but not with other meds

2) GSE -- I take 20 drops 3 to 5 times a day, don't eat anything for about an hour afterwards

3) Yes, I did get flu like symptoms sometimes, but I think that was from the MSM, not GSE (I am fine now) I think my body was getting rid of a lot of toxins when first started taking the MSM, but now I am fine

4) I did not have any constipation problems. I think this is due to the fact that I take acidopolis (powder form), 1/4 teaspoon, in a glass of water once a day, at separate times than the GSE. The acidopolis puts back the good bacteria, which the GSE may kill (although, it is only a small amount of good bacteria which GSE kills).

5) I am originally from the South Pacific of Indian background, so giving up tea or any sort of caffeine is not plausible (LOL).

I hope this helps you. I know how debilitating this condition can be but believe me, hon, there is hope, don't give up! You have to keep at it, it could take anywhere from three to six months to see visible results (although, some people have seen results before than). You can lessen the effects of the GSE die off, by taking the acidoplis at separate times. You may get some flu like symptoms, but once your body gets used to it, you will be fine. On another note, just make sure you are not allergic to any citrus because if you are DO NOT TAKE the GSE.

Take care,
and keep me posted as to your results.
Warmest Regards,
Gigi

Hi Laughriot,

I developed melasma after a blue light peel. I had a small amount about a dime size on my forehead and was told by plastic surgeon (huh?) to get the blue light peel to lessen the melasma on my forehead. Being young, and naive, I agreed. The procedure involved putting a blue die all over face, and standing in a tube like structure where they shine a light of rays (UV?) on your face for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Now when I think about it, doesn't heat make melasma worse? Why would he prescribe this treatment for me? Also, if the melasma was on my forehead why put blue die all over the face? I truly believe I was dupped.

Anyhow, the melasma was supposed to get darker, then disappear. But that didn't happen, the melasma spread all over my face. To my cheeks, nose, and more on my forehead. When I went to complain (in tears) about the results, they told me that they results were not guaranteed for everyone (huh?) But they had not told me this at the beginning. I think they were using me as a test case because of my skin tone.

I wanted to sue them, but in Canada the rules for taking someone to court, and suing them are quite strict. Anyhow, the damage was already done. I then went to see a derm (who put me on HQ and RA). This combo worked well, but once I finished the course of treatment, the melasma came back with a vengeance. I then tried a series of peels, Fractional laser treatments, etc, etc...

Nothing has helped me like the GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT...
Sorry for the novel, but I wanted to give you a complete picture as to my struggle.

Warmest Regards,
Gigi

Hi Gigi,

Thanks for replying. You can see how desperate I'm for a cure. I keep checking this site every few hours to see if anyone has replied or not (I hope this'll be over soon). I've started GSE yesterday (liquid, nutribiotic)..I'm starting with 15 drops twice a day and 'll slowly build it up to 5 times a day (hopefully by next week).

I've taken MSM previously but never had a die off with it but with GSE it was wholw another story. I've also started a liver detox thing. I hope this helps. I'll take it for few months to see if this helps.

I'm from India and know how difficult it is leave chai tea :-) and again, I cannot express in words how grateful I'm to you for taking your time in order to help others like me.

One more question: DId you change your diet? (avoid sugar, flour, wheat etc.)
Thanks,
Preet

Gigi,

I have melasma also. I do have grapefruit seed extract. How much did you take, how long did it take to work and how did you take it? I've tried drinking it mixed in water or juice and had a difficult time getting past the taste.

To Preet from Ithaca, NY: I am so happy that you are starting from the inside out, you will find a difference in your appearance soon. Your skin will become softer, brighter and the melasma will break up, keep at it!
I DID NOT change my diet. I do not eat a lot of sugar, probably only once a week. As for flour, I love chappati's, but I only eat chappati's made of stone ground flour, not refined or processed flour.
Also take MSM with Vitamin C as it is more effective.
Let me know after 10 days how you are coming along.

To Crazydogjack from New Castle, PA, U.S.A: With the GSE (Grapefruit seed extract) take 20 drops 3 to 5 times a day (in glass of water). If you find the taste too bitter, holding your nose and chugging the mixture is the best way to do it. This may sound funny, but it works. Also take Acidopilis (I take the pwdr for 1/4 teaspoon), once a day in water (separate time than GSE), which will replace any good bacteria which may be lost by GSE.

I hope this helps you!

Take care,
Warmest Regards to all,
Gigi

To Crazydogjack fron New Castle, NY: Sorry, I forgot to answer your question about how long it takes to notice results. I noticed results after 10 days, but it may take longer. Everyone is different, but if you follow my regime, I am sure you will find a difference in your skin. The key is to keep at it, don't give up! Let me know if you decide to follow this regime, and the results you have achieved.

Cheers,
Gigi

Hi, I find the taste too bitter too, it is easily solved by adding the GSE to a little orangejuice!

Hi Vijaya,

The lady who originally posted GSE for melasma mentioned taking larger doses (20 drops/ 5 times a day) so may be you should try longer and larger doses. I took it for few days but my die off reaction was so bad that I had to stop it altogether. If you think you have a candida or some other infection, I think this'll help! Just try larger doses and also change your diet. No Sugar including fruits, no Refined products etc. Start a Candida diet! This is all I can suggest but don't lose hope!

Grapefruit Seed Extract vs. Grape Seed Extract:

Commenters are exhibiting a great deal of confusion about these supplements.

According to Ray Sahelian, M.D., the correct supplement to use for melasma is

******Grape Seed Extract******

NOT Grapefruit Seed Extract.

I suggest that somebody try to clear this up. Maybe it would then help people to clear up their melasma.

Yes, could someone share their expertise on grapefruit seed extract and grapeseed extract. The postings are clear that some people are using one vs the other.
Does anyone know what the differences are between the two and how they work in the body or on skin? Thanks.

I just started looking into this to-day and from what I can gather (in laymans terms) Grapefruit seed extract is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic. Grape seed extract is good for cleaning and strenghtening all blood vessels (veins and capillaries). It's late here in Ireland so tomorrow I will try to look up the sites I got my information from and post them.

I would be interested in knowing the difference between grape seed oil extract bought in the 1 oz bottles in health shops and grapeseed oil which is situated next to the olive oil for cooking.

Hey Raquel, Thats so good to hear that you also have success with melasma treatment. Can I ask you if you did something else besides the GSE, any supplements etc. or any colon cleansing? Also, was your melasma related to BCPs or being pregnant. I'll really appreciate if you can provide the feedback also how long have you had melasma and where on your face?

Thanks a lot!
Preet

Preet, I haven't been taking any prescriptions for four years now. I was on BC pills for almost 10 years. I also had taken Prozac for about three years. Both of the prescriptions mess with your hormones. I have not done any internal cleansing but have in the past and believe it could be beneficial. I did a candida cleansing and it helped my flatten my stomach and helped me lose weight and look less bloated.

In addition to the GSE I have also been doing the horseradish mask about three times a week. I was really tired of my spots so I wanted to try both at the same time. My melasma was mostly spots over my lips and two circles, one on each side of my cheeks. Good Luck

Hello Michelle - I am really glad you are getting good results. I to have tried many, many different things from chemical peels and creams nothing worked, and gave me results like all of the suggestions on this site.

As for the Cranberry I was taking it for other reasons, and it is an Antioxidant so I did not do the Vitamin C for a while. I am back on the Vitamin C instead. I am taking MSM - 2,000 mg, - Vitamin C 500mg twice a day and GSE 15 drops 4 times a day.

My Melasma was on my cheeks, forehead, bridge of my nose, and I had a spot on my chin. My cheeks are clear, except a little on each temple. My chin is clear. And my forehead and bridge of my nose are still where it is dominate. My forehead is almost completely covered, however it is all really, really light where it remains. I have a very fair complexion, and mine was about 3 shades darker than the rest of my skin. Now it is only one shade darker. Mine was brown, not black.

I too am looking forward to the day when it is completely gone as well.

Hello Everyone - I have not written in a while. After added the GSE to my routine. I did not notice that my melasma was going away completely, and like others it would get darker closer to my cycle. I was trying some oil of olay cream at the same time so I don't know which one was lightning it. I had seen some information about liver cleansing and alternative medicine. I went to an alternative medicine doctor and we worked on getting rid of Candida. I have been on a number of cleanses and now take a multi vitamin called Intramax. My melasma is not completely gone, but I don't notice it at all anymore, and can go with out make up. Which is something that I have not been able to do for years. I feel wonderful!! I still take 1,000 mg of Vit C. Wanted to write in and let everyone know they need to find an alterative medicine doctor and they will help you come up with the right plan to make you look and feel better. Good luck to everyone. I am back to my oldself, and hope everyone finds their path. I would not be on my road to complete healing if it was not for this site. Thank you everyone for posting your stories. Treating yourself from the inside out is what works.

Marea, What mg of GSE were you using? I bought the 250mg (the highest potency I could find) and just started taking it yesterday. The directions are to take one 3x's a day with food. Do you think that would be adequate? I'm also taking 1,000mg of MSM twice a day. Been doing this for a week. Any more info you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

To Laura from Wichita: Laura, I was using 15-20 drops of liquid GSE extract (the natural citricidal kind) five times a day on an empty stomach (10 drops =100mg for a total of 750mg-1,000mg daily). I started with 20 drops three times a day, for a few days, increased to 20 drops five times a day for a few weeks, then tapered off to 15 drops five times a day. I prefer the liquid GSE because, in my opinion, it is more easily absorbed and perhaps faster acting. If taken on an empty stomach, you do have to increase gradually because otherwise you might experience some mild stomach acidity. I don't know if you will get the same results with tablets or capsules. Just try it and if it doesn't work then switch to liquid and see if it works better for you. Do be aware, though, that the liquid extract tastes very bitter. If you do an internet search on the benefits of GSE you will see that it states it does not affect beneficial intestinal flora; however, I took probiotics at separate times, just as a precautionary measure. I have never tried the MSM. Joyce from Joelton and Ted highly recommend it, and they are both very knowledgeable, so I am sure that would help, too. I wish you the best at resolving your skin condition. I hope it works for you as well as it did for me.

TO DEBORAH FROM ALBUQUERQUE, NM and TO DEBBIE FROM NEW YORK,NY

I don't know if I can mention brands, but I was taking the NutriBiotic original GSE liquid concentrate unfiltered formula (10 drops contain 100mg) which I purchased at a Whole Foods supermarket, to be taken 5-15 drops in 5oz. or more of water or juice 1-3 times daily, with or without meals.

My melasma was on the sides of my forehead, very pronounced on my nose, some on my upper cheek bones and somewhat around my mouth. And, yes, it is all gone, except for one tiny spot on my nose where it was the most pronounced. I had gone on vacation for three weeks and had stopped using the GSE. The Melasma has not returned, but I have started up again on GSE to get that one spot left on my nose. No, I don't use sunscreen. I don't like to use chemicals anywhere on my skin. I use hats during the sun's peak hours. If you decide to try it, I hope it works for you, as well as it did for me. Do remember though, that you would also have to address your internal terrain. Going on an internal cleanse to flush out your colon and liver would greatly benefit your overall health. My best to you.

TO LAURA FROM WICHITA,KS

Laura, I was using 15-20 drops of liquid GSE extract (the natural citricidal kind)five times a day on an empty stomach (10 drops100mg for a total of 750mg-1000mg daily). I started with 20 drops three times a day, for a few days, increased to 20 drops five times a day for a few weeks, then tapered off to 15 drops five times a day. I prefer the liquid GSE because, in my opinion, it is more easily absorbed and perhaps faster acting. If taken on an empty stomach, you do have to increase gradually because otherwise you might experience some mild stomach acidity. I don't know if you will get the same results with tablets or capsules. Just try it and if it doesn't work then switch to liquid and see if it works better for you. Do be aware, though, that the liquid extract tastes bitter. If you do an internet search on the benefits of GSE, you will see that it states it does not affect beneficial intestinal flora; however, I took probiotics at separate times, just as a precautionary measure.

I have never tried the MSM. Joyce from Joelton and Ted highly recommend it, and they are very knowledgeable, so I am sure that would help, too. I wish you the best at resolving your skin condition. I hope it works for you as well as it did for me.

Marea - How long did you have melasma, and the GSE actually worked? I've had it for a few years and nothing has worked and can't believe one extract would work and others don't know about it. Does it seem as if it's permanent. Can you give us an update on your status as of 6/30/08?? Sorry about unsuredness, but if you've had it a long time, you know how stubborn it is. I'm taking 19 pills a day to get rid of it right now and am adding GSE!

Marea, Thank you for your feedback. I will keep that liquid in mind. I appreciate your input!

Melasma: For those of you reading the posts. I just wanted to update you all on my condition. I had my hormones checked and my progesterone was pretty low. I started the bio identical hormone therapy last night. They put me on 125mg of progesterone dissolve tabs. Part of the month, I will only be taking half that dose. Also, I started yesterday upping my intake of MSM to 2,000mg twice a day along with 1000mg vit C twice a day. I'm also taking the 500mg grapefruit seed extract twice a day. I'm continuing with 50mg of zinc a day to help with any copper overload caused by the estrogen dominance. We'll just see how this goes after a few weeks! I will keep you posted.

Laura,

I am also from Wichita, KS. What Dr. are you seeing that has provided you with your hormone level check?

I have lived with Melasma since 1999 when I was pregnant with my first child. The only medication I have used is Triluma. It did have little results but left my skin flaky and dry. I am interested in finding out more about Melasma.

A very good friend of mine found this website and I am certainly thankful for her passing along the information as I have found many interesting facts and remedies to try. Please let me know how you are progressing and what Dr. you have been seeing here in Wichita.

Thank you so much for your information, and I wish you the best of luck.

Kristin

Marea, Laura, others - Any feedback on GSE as of 7/21/08 and how working on your hormone levels might help work against melasma??

To Kristin from Wichita KS. Hi Kristin. I see is Azure, she's Dr. Tana Goering's PA. She's pretty well versed in the bio identical hormone therapy. Good luck! I haven't noticed the GSE has helped my melasma either. I'm just hoping this hormone therapy will give me some results for a change. Living with this for 10 yrs now is about to drive me crazy. All I want to do is let the sun shine on my face! Even if it's just for 10 minutes! Good luck to you and sorry it took so long to respond. I've been extremely busy.

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT FOR MELASMA

TO LAURA FROM WICHITA,KS: Laura, I have been traveling this summer, so I am now catching up on my reading, and noticed your comment on the CURES section for Melasma. You said you "haven't noticed the GSE has helped my melasma either". I would like to encourage you to persevere just a little longer, don't give up too soon. I treated my melasma successfully with GSE, and gave the GSE extract to a friend who also treated hers successfully, but took her a little longer to see results. I can only deduce that the longer you have had the melasma, the longer it will take to see results. I had my melasma for about five years and it took four weeks to see results. My friend had hers for about 12 years and it took her about nine to ten weeks to begin to see results.

Also, I noticed that you were taking several things such as MSM, Vitamin C, Zinc for copper overload, hormone therapy in addition to GSE capsules. I am wondering if perhaps too many things for the same condition are causing system overload. Not only that, but also you were using GSE capsules (or tablets?) which in my opinion, may not be as effective as the GSE liquid extract itself. I had started with an herbal liver cleanse prior to the GSE which addressed my internal terrain, which I believe helped to get things started, but I KEPT IT SIMPLE and used no additional supplements. I used the GSE liquid extract on an empty stomach mixed with plain filtered water, NOT mixed with any juice so it would not interfere with digestion or assimilation. I learned to tolerate the taste.

If your condition is hormone related, perhaps the hormone therapy is what will work for you. Everyone's body chemistry is different, so what may work for some, may not work for others. But we should all be willing to try different avenues until we find what works for us. In many cases, it is also a matter of giving a remedy sufficient time to work. Let me know of your progress. I wish you well in your quest for a solution to you condition. Marea

TO LEAH FROM SUFFOLK,VA: Leah, I had my melasma for about five years, and yes the GSE (GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT, NOT Grapeseed) worked for me. It took only a few weeks, but it might take longer for those who have had melasma for a longer period of time. So far, I would consider it permanent resolution as my melasma has NOT returned.

TO DENISE FROM BROOKLYN,NY: Denise, you said you were experiencing side effects from the MSM and wondered if Vitamin C and GSE worked on their own to treat melasma. In my personal case, I took NOTHING ELSE BUT GSE. The GSE worked for me all by itself. I had started taking GSE for an unrelated condition after I had finished doing an herbal liver cleanse to address my internal terrain, when I realized to my delight that it was breaking up my melasma faster than the liver cleanse! It cleared it completely, and to this date, it has not returned. I wish you well in successfully treating yours.

To Marea, Thank you so much I am taking the msm and the grapefruitseed extract in pills because I am unable to find liquid. I think I am going to try the GSE alone to see if I get these wonderful results that you have obtained. I am very curious about this liver herbal cleanse can you tell me more and how to do this. My daughter is getting married in June/2009 and my dream is to go to her wedding with a clear face, I know this sounds vain but anyone who suffers from this dreadful condition knows how bad it can make you feel. Looking forward to hearing from you, thanks for the info.

Grapefruit Seed Extract
This is for:
Marea from Dallas, Texas

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 :)

DEAR MISHA,

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

Wow, both wisdom and thought provoking ideas in your mail. Thank you for the detailed response Marea. I am going to try to incorporate what I can from your regime and give you periodic updates on my progress as well.

Good luck in your new home search. May it bring you all you wish and desire :)

Dear Misha, Thank you very much for your good wishes. Just keep in mind, as I am sure you know, that chances of success are higher when changes are not overwhelming, but incorporated one or two at a time. Yes, please keep me updated on your progress. May your efforts be rewarded with beautiful, glowing skin! :) Marea, from Dallas, Texas

how many drops were you using on a daily basis 5 times a day on an empty stomach i am currently using 10 drops 2 times a day and am getting a rash on my body maybe too strong of a dose let me know please and for how long should i be on it to see a difference. thank you for your help

Hi Marea, I don't know if you are still active on this forum, I am too suffering from melasma since five years. Its not due to BC but my TSH level is elevated, progesterone level is low and I have been diagnosed with fibriods. My dermatologist says these conditions have nothing to do with melasma and put me on chemical peels and hydroquinone. It helped me in the begining but melasma reappared again. Now I have it on my upper lip and both cheeks. Reading posts I tried GSE in tab form MSM, vit C, Zn, aloe vera juice and acidophilus but nothing seems to be working for me. Its two months now and I feel very disappointed. Only people here on this forum could understand how much humiliation I have gone through because of melasma. Sometimes I feel like commiting suicide. Reading this forum I don't want to lose hope but nothing new seems to be coming my way. Please help me...

Tina, Please be patient with this. I suffered melasma for the first time when going thru some marital issues.... Age 39 at the time... It does get better... It's a constant battle, but I have seen pics of a couple of years ago, and now, and have marked improvements. I have also tried everything topical.. But it comes back... Obagi, chemicals peels, TriLuma, 8% bleaching, etc... I am so ready to try the grapfruit seed extract to see if it works. I used 100 percent sunblock and still have some patches which intensify... I usually have some light orange/red patches now but they used to be so dark and ashy looking.

Please continue to work with this... Do not give up. I used 2-3 coats of foundation and people can't even tell. I am a beautiful woman 42 yrs old, and melasma in my opinion is what is bothering me the most... But I have to put things into perspective. I am taking ACV internally and will start with the Aloe and all the other antioxidants recommended in these blogs.

Tina,

I have had melasma all over my face for about 5 years. I have tried all of the expensive topical treatments and peels with only temporary success. I discovered this website back in May and have since tried many of the remedies recommended here. I have also started seeing a Naturopathic Doctor, which has been very helpful (although quite pricey$$). She discovered I have a hormone inbalance and she thinks this is the reason I have the melasma (as well as some pretty bad PMS symptoms). I am taking vitex along with other supplements to correct my hormone inbalance (I am estrogen dominant). I am also taking Vitamin C, MSM, a multi-vitamin, Pycnogenol, Zinc, Copper, Probiotics, Fish Oil, and using ACV topically. I have tried the GSE, horseradish, hydrogen peroxide masks and Kefir, but that didn't do anything for me.

For me the fish oil and probiotics have been key to helping my skin. My melasma has lightened quite a bit, but I think this is also due to shifting my diet. I did a 2 week liver detox and have tried to stay away from sugar, wheat, dairy, red meats, alcohol and caffeine since then. I know that sounds like a lot and no fun, but it has made me feel a whole lot better and I think my skin is getting better. I have been eating mostly veggies, beans, fruits, grains and beans. I am not completely strict on this, and I still like to go out and have pizza and beer on the weekends, but I do notice that my brown spots look darker the next day when I do.

Another thing I have done is to shift my beuty products to all natural ones -ACV, coconut oil and natural makeups and SPF (look up EWG.org to find out if your products have irritating chemicals in them). I recently heard about topical niacinamide (vitamin B3), which is supposed to act much in the same way as Retin A by curing acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, but it is completely natural and is very inexpensive. Just google the natural spray form. I am definitely going to give it a try and I will report on my progress. Good luck to everyone else -this is a difficult battle! (I do have to put things in perspective sometimes and think -things could be a lot worse ;)

you are using 1000 mg of msm total in a day or 1000 mg of msm 3-4 times daily totaling to 3000-4000 mg of msm please clarify for me as for the grapefruit seed extract i used the liquid for over a month and no results so i'm doing msm and vitamin c 2000 mg currently any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thanks so much

I take a total of 3000-4000 mg of MSM per day. I just added vitamin C yesterday (2000-3000 mg per day). I hope you find something that works for you!