Melasma Remedies

I was trying a sea salt remedy which was working quite well until I substituted sea salt with excessive amounts of these over the counter salt pills which I now understand this type of salt just kills your cells causing you to look older. I tried MMS (miracle mineral supplement), which seemed to work but they only grow back and I have heard it is a pool cleaner or something and I don't recommend it any longer. Any use of drugs for the problem also had devastating side effects such as hair loss and worsening of the condition.

Before all this all of my life I was a heavy meat eater and always looked young for my age. I am a type O blood so I don't know if that really means I must eat meat to be healthy but that is what I read. But after coming down with several parasite infections, one from a restaurant and contamination from trying on a wig at a beauty store I come down with this horrible infection so I want to be vegetarian at least until I am fully cured if not for life.

However the worst thing that has come from vegetarianism has been the development of melasma over my lip and cheeks and blotchy skin. A couple years ago prior to becoming a vegetarian I had blotches on my face (not as bad as now or with it over my lip) and from your site and other research I found out it was from a copper overload because I was taking all this excess chlorophyll and green supplements. It all disappeared when I did Teds remedy for Candida where you take the stuff for chelating plus I was doing oil pulling at the time. My face cleared up beautifully but I had no idea it was melasma.

After becoming vegetarian in 4/09 not knowing what to eat or liking vegetables all that much I ate a lot of nuts and green stuff which contributed to skin blotchiness again due to the high copper but still not over my lip. Then, to make matters worse in Oct of 2009 I tried the mini beet program and about 2 weeks into it I noticed for the first time in my life a dark discoloration over the top of my lip which was horrifying and ugly.

After listening to the promoter talk about the mini beet program I heard him say that the beets release estrogen and I later read that the release of excess estrogen is usually what causes the melasma over the top of the lip. I don't blame the mini beet program but feel the vegetarianism had made it easier. So at least I understand it.

I am so devastated and feel very self- conscious and ugly now. I have had some terrible experiences because people have noticed the difference in my looks and can be so cruel and shallow.

I have had my melasma for about 7 years now and the only source of treatment that I can say that has improved it drastically is microdermabrassion facials. Now, I must tell you it's pricey and it hurts and it takes more then one to have it faded all the way. I do know that changing my diet has helped as well. I have read some of the remedies on this site and I am willing to try them to see if they help out as well

take care and stay strong.....

First - cleanse face with equal water and white vinegar. Apply to face and let set for 1-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water. Do this only once a day for two - three days in a row (note the face may become red and even slightly irritated from this treatment. If it does, discontinue this treatment).

Second - take raw potato juice and apply it to the skin. Let is set for 20 minutes then rinse with water.

Final - Massage a few drops of vitamin E over pigmented areas.

You will see results first day. Good luck. I look forward to hear your results!

i also use the derma roller on my skin for about 2 weeks now and it had not had this effect.
after i use the roller i apply castor oil and do a acupressure type massage and then apply msm lotion and then dmso on my face.

i am a raw vegan foodie and drink black coffee in the morning to get angry enuf to practice law in nyc. i am also a big fan of cacao (chocolaholic) not milk chocolate-the real stuff.

i am a long distance runner, am 51 and look 35 and spend loads of time in the sun.

no matter what i did i could not get rid of the dark spots that first started on my lip because of the waxing and then all of the other procedures to get rid of the hairs on my lip which i believe started because of minoxidol and then menopause which started at 49.

my hair started thinning at about 37 and now i have a full head of very long hair but it found its way to my eyebrows (which i like) and my lip which i do not like.

so i am now relegated to using that teeny tiny razor, uggh, very embarassing to admit, and thus the stain....have not used the minoxidol for about two days, since i learned that rubbing my nail beds together for 5 mins a day, stopped the hair loss when i use the flat iron.

whew, i know that is a lot of info but i am so happy i cannot stop writing.

Thank you for existing Earth Clinic. Thanx community of very beautiful givers on this site. If anybody needs anything from me reach me at [email protected].

BTW, i am olive skinned but with the yellow undertone, latina, brown hair and so very humbled and happy. i can't wait to go out, i had been staying home because of shame and thought everyone was looking at my lip.
lovlov,
reina

I'd like to ask E. Chou about how long and how often(morning,evening,etc.)uses this cream of hydroquinone.It's also very important to me to know if you go outside during the time of using the cream (which means a week, maybe more staying home).

***, another cream of hydroquinone, is my last hope for noticeble results. Everything I've been trying for 10 years failed, including expensive creams prescribed by doctors,going to beauticians. A month ago I started on my cream of hq but something went wrong. After the first peeling my face looked about 80% lighter, was so happy and kept on with it. Another succesfull peeling-things seemed to be perfect in only 2 weeks time(!) and then,I don't know why,my spots became brown again.I applyied this cream every night and always used sunscreen when going out.Trying to find why this reverse occured :(

I don't know if I have high level of copper, but what I am sure of is that my melasma started in a moment of extreme stress. I also have anemia and am prescribed folic acid. Trying lots of homemade masks-milk,lemon etc. No results for now. Thanks and good luck to all!

Re Melasma.. can you dilute the GSE and use it on your face? Will this have any effect on the melasma?

Thank you... I am desperate.

(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'm still scrubbing away at my face with the hydrogen peroxide and taking the supplements. I am looking at my face so much that its hard to tell if there is anymore fading since yesterday.

Thanks again for the tips

Best Wishes
Maz

I have melasma around my mouth. I've spent a ton of money trying to get rid of it. I finally found a solution that works for me and I gathered it all here on this website. In addition to my multiple vitamin I started taking 2 Vitamin E, 1 Pantothenic Acid, a Vitamin C and a Zinc. I also purchased a cream recommended ________ that has niacin in it. Since I cannot post the name brand you can email me at [email protected] and I'll give you the details.

Hi Everyone...a quick update on my treatment of melasma. This is day 3 and i can see some improvement -just enough to get a little excited!For me this is like a miracle after all the diasters of creams and lasers. I know there is some improvement as a lady at work told me today I looked 'glowy' today. No one has said that to me in years!

This is the regime I have followed for 3 days:

3000mg of pure MSM - bought at pharmacy
3000mg of vitamin c
2x 100g of GRAPE seed (capsule form) bought at pharmacy
Dab hydrogen peroxide on to affected areas - evening only
Apply Glycolic exfoliator - leave on for as long as can stand as burns like crazy after the HP

(The glycolic exfoliator is from Skin Doctors and is called Rapid Peel - I tried it before on its own and it didnt work)

By no means has my skin cleared up but I am going to keep going with this system and see how I look in a week.

A bonus has been I am full of energy from all the supplements!

Thank you and good luck to everyone with their treatments

Maz :)

I have tried all the creams, serums, 'beauty' treatments, microdermabrasion, lighteners, brightners, lotions, potions , peels and worst of all Laser and IPL - IPL made everything so much WORSE to the point that now make up doesnt cover it. It just looks like I have big dirty patches on my face.

Since reading all the natural remedies I have stocked up on Vitamin C, MSM, Grape Seed extract, Hydrogen Peroxide and have ordered a product called Meleston off the web.

I pray one or combination of these will give me some result - I will be happy if it just fades somewhat.

Reading about all of you who have been living with this too is such a relief (not that you are suffering but that I am not the only one)

Thank you all for your information and I will keep you posted on my progress

Maz

I have discovered that a website advertised on this site is a SCAM!!! Melseton.com is FAKE ...it does not cure melasma and is listed on multiple scam websites.

Unfortunately I found out too late - I am amazed that it is allowed to advertise on this site??

ok, I see that as a success story and want to share, but the problem is I cannot pin down what I did contributed to the success, it could be a combination as well. So I will give you all the details and you can decide, or try and see.

I had an IPL treatment hoping to take care of some sun spot, and it lifted a few big patches of dark on both cheeks and forehead. The IPL was done early September. It did remove some tiny sun spots, but wheh you have melasma it's a totally different game. Anyway, I just left it and hopefully it will go away but it did not. Some people said it's the post treatment healing which can take 3 months to 1 year. Anyway by end of Oct (which was 2 months after the treatment) that was no improvement whatsoever. Also in mid Oct I visited this site and started taking a whole bunch of supplements, Vitamin C, E, grapefruit seed extract, zinc etc, for either increase antioxident or balance the copper, which was said being the cause of melasma. Anyhow I still didn't see any improvement until in Novemebr I started a diet that cut out dairy, greatly reduce meat intake, lots of avocado, papaya, lemon, lime, some flexseed etc. One of the key is to reduce the acidity of the body. That seems to take effect pretty fast, I started seeing white patches breaking the dark patches. It goes on for 2 weeks and because I am impatient, I started to use a cream of hydroquinone 4% (tried 2% previously did not work for me), which does NOT require a prescription in Canada, but do in the US. I know the cream doesn't really fall into natural rememdy category, but it does almost totally clear up my patches. The original melasma spots at the corner of my eyes are almost all gone as well. SO whatever it is, it could be just that the IPL injury was healing, or it's the vitamins, or it's the diet, or it's the cream. I am just happy to have clearer skin again. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Can you please let me know if your aunt is still melasma free ? Is it completely gone or is it faded ? I have also started anulom vilom and kalpabhati regularly.

Cheers,
Gigi

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

I will keep you posted
Leah

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

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

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

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?

Leah

It scared me at first because I put it on 3 times for twenty minutes in a 36 hour period and it got so much darker and stayed that way, so I cursed my decision and fate. However, it peeled off within two weeks, similar to a sunburns peel (and close to what IPL does to freckles) and was lighter. Since then I experimented with the best way to administer it, and I know the goal is to just irritate the skin enough to get it to peel. For me with fair skin, I now cake it on the affected areas and leave it for an hour and fifteen minutes or so and then wait a week while it peels.

I recommend starting slowly by doing it once for fifteen minutes and then waiting a week or two to check the effect, Slowly increase either frequency or duration until you know what it takes to get a peel and then go with that. Although it burns fairly painfully to leave it on longer, I prefer one long dose because it's such a pain to put the stuff on and have it on your skin. Just go slow, and trust that it will work, for which I am so grateful to this site and other natural sites for turning me on to. Good luck.

A dermatologist diagnosed me with melasma and prescribed a cream to use for a month and he said it would only partially help. And that after a month of the cream I would need a chemical peel to lighten the spots. Well of course I did my own research. I found this site and tried the hydrogen peroxide. I just dabbed a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide on my spots. In 3 days they are 90% lighter. A day or two more I can tell they will be gone completly. Thank you for this site. It has saved me time, money, and prevented possible pain.