24 Home Remedies for Melasma
Melasma is a type of skin disease which is generally known as hyperpigmentation. It occurs on cheeks, forehead, chin and upper-lip area, and gives an ugly look. This problem is mainly related with the female hormones called estrogen and progesterone that leads to an increased production of melanin, a pigment that gives color to our skin.
One of the main causes of melasma is exposure to sunlight. Other than this, there are a number of reasons that cause melasma such as anxiety, stress, pregnancy, malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, side effects of medications or cosmetics and many more.
Before you spend money on an expensive lotion or cream for removing your patches, first try some natural remedies that will cost you nothing or very minimal. Herbal cures are highly recommended rather than chemical treatments and laser surgery. These remedies will make the tone of your skin even, and help you to get back your flawless looks and confidence.
Here are some home remedies to treat melasma in a natural manner.
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is the best way to cure melasma. Its acidic nature and vitamin C component improve the discolorations and peel off the outer layer of the skin. Apply the juice on the affected areas, lightly massage for a few seconds and leave it for 10 minutes. Then rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Mix lemon juice and raw honey in equal proportion. Apply the mask and cover it with a warm towel for 15 minutes. Then rinse off.
- A paste of turmeric powder and lemon juice is also an effective remedy for hyper-pigmentation.
Note –
- Lemon juice can have adverse effects on your skin if used for more than 20 minutes.
- The above remedies are not recommended for the people with sensitive skin.
Apricot kernel oil nourishes your skin, improves your looks, soothes the inflammation, and heals melasma. This oil is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and fatty acids.
3. Oatmeal
Blend the mashed oatmeal and honey to form a paste. Then spread the mixture on the affected area of your face. Leave it for half an hour and rinse off with warm water. It acts as a natural exfoliator and helps dissolve the dead cells from the skin.
4. Castor Oil
Damp a cotton ball in the castor oil and apply it directly on the affected skin. For the best results, leave it on for the whole night.
5. Cucumber
Cucumber hydrates your skin and keeps it glowing. Apply a slice of cucumber on the pigmented skin and wash it off after 30 minutes. You can also include cucumber in your meal.
6. Sandalwood Powder and Rose Water
Make a paste by mixing sandalwood powder and rose water. Apply it all over your face. Leave it for 20 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. It will give you a radiant complexion and diminish the tanning and hyper pigmentation.
- Combine an equal amount of lemon juice, whole milk, turmeric, and sandalwood powder. Apply the mixture on the affected area. Allow it to dry. Finally, rinse off with water. Use it 3-4 times a week.
Papaya is known for its versatile properties. It also works wonders for the skin. Take a ripe papaya, mash it and apply the paste on the face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and apply moisturizer. Use this mask twice a week.
- Blend half cup of mashed papaya with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply this mask for 20 minutes.
8. Olive Oil
Massage the affected skin with olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Then put a hot towel on your face. After the towel cools down, wipe away the excess oil and dead skin.
9. Grape Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that detoxify your skin. It also contains high amount of potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin and minerals. Continuous application of grapefruit seed extract gives you unbelievable results.
Note –
- After its application, if you experience some kind of reaction or skin irritation, discontinue its usage.
- If you have an allergy from citrus fruits, do not apply or consume grapefruit seed extract as it may cause an adverse effect.
Take fresh onion juice and mix it with apple cider vinegar in equal quantity. Use a cotton pad to apply this mixture. Regular use of this remedy will effectively reduce the dark spots of melasma.
11. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter has properties that lighten the dark skin complexion. Massage the affected skin with cocoa butter to nourish your skin and prevent hyperpigmentation.
12. Avocado and Honey Pack
Avocadoes are a rich source of vitamin C, oleic acid and fatty acids. They have all the ingredients for healing and rejuvenating the skin. On the other hand, honey has bleaching properties. Mash an avocado and add 2 tsp of honey to it. Spread it all over your face.
13. Vinegar
Vinegar has skin whitening properties and can be used for melasma treatment. Take water and vinegar in equal proportion. Apply it all over your face and wash off after a few minutes.
14. Honey and Almond Mask
Honey and almond have skin lightening elements. Grind some almonds and add honey to them. Apply it all over your face and massage gently. Wash it off after 10 minutes.
- Alternatively, soak a handful of almonds in water overnight, peel them off and blend with milk or milk cream. Apply on the pigmented areas.
Guava contains lycopene which is very effective for treating blemishes. Banana lightens up the pigmented areas and exfoliates the skin. So, a combo pack made from these two will be wonderful. Mash guava and banana in a small bowl. Apply the paste on your face. Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes. Using it on the daily basis will remove the pigmentation.
Herbal Remedies to Cure Melasma
16. Aloe Vera GelThis gel removes the dead skin cells and encourages the skin to regenerate new cells. Before going to bed, spread some fresh aloe vera gel on your face and rinse it off in the morning.
- Alternatively, add ½ tbsp of honey with aloe vera gel to make a mask. Apply it and let it dry. Wait for 20 minutes and then rinse it with warm water.
It is known for its saponin content and aids in regenerating the skin cells. It has effective anti-inflammatory and laxative properties. Properly boil the yucca roots until they become softer. Make a puree and directly apply it on the skin.
18. Gotu Kola – Ginseng
These herbs effectively reduce dark pigmentation and provide the best treatment for melasma. Combine Gotu Kola and ginseng tea in equal quantities. For the best results, repeat this process two times a day.
19. Basil Leaves
Crush some basil leaves to extract juice from it. Add camphor powder to it and form a paste. Apply it on the affected areas and wash it after it dries.
20. Horseradish
Horseradish contains vitamin C that bleaches out unsightly pigmentation and discoloration of the skin, scars, and blemishes. It sloughs off the damaged skin from underneath. You can directly rub the slices of horseradish on your face and avail its benefits. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash.
- Or else, mix 1 cup of sour cream and 2 tablespoons of horseradish powder. Apply it. Wash off after ½ an hour with lukewarm water. Use it at least once a week.
Make a mask by mashing plantain and apply it for 15 minutes. For better results, use this remedy four times a week.
22. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves are very useful in alleviating melasma. Just crush some fresh mint leaves properly. Then extract the juice from the crushed mint leaves. Dab it directly on the affected skin. For amazing result, use this remedy regularly.
23. Pine Bark
Pine bark extracts contain pycnogenol, which is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from ultraviolet radiations. Person suffering from melasma should take 25 mg tablet three times a day with food, for 30 days. There are no side effects of this herb.
24. Lavender Oil and Tea Tree Oil
Mix lavender oil with tea tree oil. Apply this mixture on the affected part of your skin. Use it 4-5 times a day. You will see the improvements within a week.
Do’s
- Drink plenty of water that will keep your skin hydrated and excretes toxins very easily.
- Use a sunscreen lotion regularly in all weathers.
- Remove the make-up before you hit the hay.
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet comprising of fruits and vegetables.
- Increase the intake of vitamin B12 or its supplements.
Don’ts
- Stress is one of the major causes for melasma, so it is recommended to take effective measures like meditation, yoga and other exercises, in order to get rid of stress.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight.
