Melasma is a very common hyperpigmentation problem that usually occurs on the face. It is often called the mask of pregnancy as it frequently affects those who are pregnant, although it can affect anyone. Melasma spots darken and lighten over time, often worsening in the summer and better in the winter.
It is important to know that each individual case responds to treatment differently and you should find out what works best for you. Check out 7 simple and safe natural melasma remedies to try!
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray patches to appear on the skin, mainly on the face. It occurs due to an overproduction of cells that give skin its color and is usually triggered by sun exposure or hormonal changes. It is often called the “mask of pregnancy” as it frequently affects pregnant women. Melasma appears most often on the cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip, and forehead, but it can also affect the arms, neck, and back.
It can affect any part of the skin that is exposed to sunlight and tends to get worse each time it is exposed to the sun. Melasma is not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way, however, since it occurs in such visible areas, many people feel self-conscious and want to treat it.
What causes melasma?
The most common trigger for melasma is ultraviolet light from sun exposure. It can also develop as a result of hormonal changes due to pregnancy or certain medications such as the birth control pill.
Melasma tends to run in families, is more common in women than men (90% of cases are in women), and tends to affect people with darker skin tones more than people with lighter skin. Blue light emitted from light bulbs, computer screens, and other electronic devices has also been found to make melasma worse.
6 Signs and Symptoms of Melasma
1. Patches and spots of discoloration darker than your natural skin color
2. Spotty patches and spots that look like freckles
3. The patches usually appear on the face and are symmetrical (matching marks on both sides of the face)
4. Spots that often appear on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin, but can also appear on the neck, back, and forearms.
5. The patches can look bluish-gray in people who have darker skin tones.
6. Spots that become more noticeable when you spend time in the sun
When to see a doctor
As soon as you notice facial pigmentation, you should see a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis because melasma can be subtle and resemble other skin conditions. People with melasma are also more likely to have thyroid disease, so your health care provider may test your thyroid.
7 natural remedies for melasma
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is made of curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric may help protect against melasma by providing protection from UV rays and inhibiting melanin production in the skin. Curcumin is also known to reduce hyperpigmentation. Combine turmeric powder with water or milk to form a paste and apply to affected areas. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes or until completely dry, then rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Licorice extract
liquorice extract It has anti-inflammatory properties and also contains active ingredients that inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme that causes pigmentation caused by sun exposure. It is used in many skin lightening products to help fade dark spots.
Licorice extract also contains liquiritin, an active compound that helps disperse and remove existing melanin in the skin, preventing new blemishes from forming and fading new ones.
3. Red lentils
Red lentils are rich in antioxidants and can help treat melasma-induced hyperpigmentation. Create a homemade face mask by soaking red lentils in water overnight, then blend them into a thick paste in the morning.
Apply the paste on your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with a light moisturizer.
4. Foods rich in vitamin D
Keeping your skin healthy is important to protect against melasma and other skin conditions. Vitamin D serves as a protective agent and is believed to aid immune function. Helps skin cells to metabolize, grow and repair. Try a skin-healthy diet with foods rich in vitamin D, such as almond milk, eggs, meat, mushrooms, oily fish, orange juice, and yogurt.
5. Green and black tea water
Green and black tea water can be used as treatments to lighten blemishes. This is due to the astringent properties of the tea that soothe and calm inflammatory pigmentation. The tea is also quite moisturizing. Dip a cotton ball in steeped (but cooled) black or green tea and dab it on the dark melasma spots on your face. Do this 1-2 times a day for best results.
6. Aloe Vera
aloe vera It is one of the most popular remedies for skin inflammation. It is super hydrating and moisturizing, and it is also quite gentle. Clinical trials have shown that liposome-encapsulated aloe vera has been shown to improve melasma in pregnant women. It works by penetrating deep into the skin layer to nourish and protect it from harmful UV rays.
7. SPF 30+
If you want long-lasting results, you have to commit to long-term maintenance, and protecting your skin from the sun is very important. No matter what home remedies or treatments you use, you won’t see a significant improvement in your melasma if you don’t protect your skin. dress a daily sunscreen product with at least SPF 30.
Apply every day, even on cloudy, rainy, or cold days, and even if you don’t spend a lot of time outdoors. Even the smallest amount of sun exposure can darken melasma. If you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure to reapply often, wear a hat, or sit in the shade as much as possible.
Fading hyperpigmentation can take a while, but with consistent long-term treatment, you can achieve considerable melasma improvement. Remember to use sunscreen daily so your melasma doesn’t get worse, and try these natural remedies to see what works.
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