Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that causes brown or gray patches to appear on the skin, primarily on the face. The most common areas for melasma to appear on the face includes the bridge of the nose, the forehead, and the cheeks. Melasma may also appear on other areas of the body, especially those exposed to a lot of sunlight. These areas may include the forearms, the neck, and the shoulders. There are also other things that contribute to this, as well. These factors can include hormonal changes in the body, toxins within the body, excessive stress, thyroid issues and using birth control pills. Melasma is most common in women in 20-50 years of age.
The main reason for this is an increased production of melanin in your skin cells. Melasma can often be mistaken for freckles or age spots on the skin. There are over-the-counter medication and treatment options available. But keep in mind that they may have negative side effects as well. There are some easily available natural home ingredients which can be used to treat melasma without any side effects. Here are the top ten home remedies for melasma.
1. Lemon Juice
It is a natural skin lightener with astringent properties. The acidic nature of freshly extracted lemon juice peels off the outer hyper-pigmented layer of the skin. Extract fresh lemon juice from a lemon. Apply it on the affected areas well and gently rub it around for 1-2 minutes. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy twice a day for 3 weeks for best results.
2. Almonds
A nourishing and exfoliating scrub made of almonds and honey is undoubtedly the best treatment for melasma. The high protein content in almonds has the capacity to lighten skin complexion. Almonds also contain vitamin E that not only corrects skin discoloration but also nourishes the skin. Grind 8 to 10 almonds to make a coarse paste and add enough honey to make a thick paste. Apply this mixture on the affected skin, massage for 5 minutes and leave it on for another 20 minutes. Wash off the pack with lukewarm water. Follow this cure 3 to 4 times a week till the melasma is gone completely.
3. Turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric has antioxidant and skin-lightening properties that reduces skin’s melanin and combats Melasma. Paste of turmeric and whole milk with a little gram flour serves as an excellent exfoliator. Turmeric, along with coconut milk, rose water and lemon juice is also an effective face pack.
Recipe:
- Mix 5 tablespoons of turmeric powder with 10 tablespoons of milk to make a thick paste. It is better to use whole milk for this process.
- Apply this evenly on the affected area.
- After it dries up, you can wash your face with lukewarm water.
- This treatment can give you best results if you do it regularly.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic acid that is present in the apple cider vinegar makes it a powerful bleaching agent, which thereby helps in removing spots and makes the skin more radiant and glowing. Apple cider vinegar also contains polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and may protect skin cells. Mix together equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water well. Apply this solution on the affected area and let it dry completely. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy twice daily for few weeks.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel can also help hyperpigmentation and bring your skin back to its natural color. This is because aloe vera contains mucilaginous and polysaccharides. Aloe vera can remove any damaged or dead skin cells and helps your body to make new skin. Extract fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf. Apply the gel thoroughly on the affected area and rub on the hyper pigmented skin for 2-3 minutes. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing off with warm water to remove dead skin cells. Use this method twice daily for several weeks in order to restore your natural skin color.
6. Onion Juice
Another simple and an effective home remedy to restore your natural skin tone is onion juice. Onion juice has a wide range of sulfur-containing compounds like sulfoxides and cepaenes that can fade away the dark patches on the skin. Also, onion juice provides nourishment to the skin cells which in turn brightens your skin.
Recipe:
- Mix equal amounts of onion juice and apple cider vinegar.
- Apply this mixture on the affected areas well by using cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Then rinse it off with warm water.
- Repeat this remedy twice daily for several weeks for best results.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an effective way to get rid of melasma naturally. Oatmeal scrub acts as a natural exfoliator that removes dead skin and brown spots, revealing a healthy, bright glow to your skin.
Steps for making oatmeal exfoliant are:
- Mix together 2 tablespoons of oatmeal powder, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Apply this mixture on the affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and then use water to rub off the mixture.
- Repeat this method for 2-3 times a week for 1 month for best results.
8. Horseradish
Horseradish is widely used for natural skin care because of its capacity to reduce all types of skin discolorations, blemishes, and scars, and it is one of the most effective melasma home remedies also. This remedy works by bleaching the skin and lightening undesired discoloration and hyper pigmentation of the skin. Horseradish helps in peeling off the damaged skin and revealing the healthy skin that is present underneath the top layer.
Method:
- Cut horseradish into slices and rub it directly on the affected area.
- Allow the juice of the horseradish to dry on its own.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Repeat this treatment once per week until the discoloration and brown patches fade away.
Another method:
- Add 2 tablespoons of horseradish powder to 1 cup of sour curd.
- Mix well and apply to affected areas.
- Wait for 30 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Reapply this treatment once every week till you get desired results.
9. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is an effective skin lightening ingredient that is widely used in cosmetics and skin care creams and lotions. The essential oil present in sandalwood enhances skin complexion and lightens melasma spots and other blemishes without causing any skin irritation. Mix equal parts of sandalwood powder, whole milk, lemon juice and turmeric powder to form a thick paste. Apply the paste evenly all over the affected skin and allow it to air dry. Remove the mask by splashing some water on it and rubbing it off in a circular motion. Follow this natural remedy 4 times a week until you get desired results.
10. Cucumber
Cucumber is yet another effective remedy to remove pigmentation on face and cure melasma. The soothing and skin lightening properties of raw cucumber makes it one of the most time-tested home remedies for dark circles and bags. The high-water content of cucumber helps in hydrating the skin cells and lightening pigmented skin. It also helps in treating other skin conditions as acne, rough and dry skin and blemishes. Peel and grate half cucumber and apply it directly to the affected areas of the skin, wait for 20 minutes and then wash it off with water. Repeat this method 1 time every day till you get desired results.
Try these recipes and let us know if you receive relief or not by visiting our comment section.