Best Treatment For Melasma On Face

Dark spots on the skin are a common cause for concern. While these patches are not very harmful, they can affect a person’s confidence and emotional health. These patches are often caused by the nose, neck, and upper lip. They do not cause pain or irritation. These spots or patches are known as melasma.

In melasma, there are brown spots on the face. Modern research has shown that 50 percent of women are troubled by the problem of melasma. In some women, the problem of melasma starts after pregnancy ends, while in some women, the problem increases after pregnancy. Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are more susceptible to it because an increase in estrogen levels causes the condition.  You can get to know more about this at theskinspot.com.

Certain types of contraceptives can also trigger this condition. This condition can be aggravated by exposure to the sun. For this reason, it is often seen that it increases in summer and decreases in winter.

Causes of melasma are:

Ultra-Violet Rays

It is caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Sunlight is the biggest reason for melasma. It is more prevalent n in the summer season because, in summer, more melanin pigment is secreted on the face. And because of this, dark spots appear on the face.

Birth control pills

Consuming more contraceptive pills also causes this medical condition. By taking birth control pills, hormones in the body of women start changing, and a boost in the estrogen levels are witnessed. Thus birth control pills lead to the problem of melasma.

Hormone Changes in the body

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hwDBJp1Iug

It can also occur due to hormones replacement therapy, high antibiotic, steroid, etc. All these phenomena lead to a significant increase in the estrogen levels in the body, thereby triggering the formation of melasma.

Now that we know the causes of melasma, let us explore the treatment methods. It can be treated either by clinical methods or by using home remedies.

Clinical Methods for Treating Melasma

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone lotion can be directly applied to dark spots. The doctors often use this lotion as the first line of medical treatment for this medical condition. Hydroquinone can be availed as a cream, lotions, as well as a gel.

It can be applied to other skin patches that are discolored. It is available over the countertop in medical stores. However, you will need a doctor’s prescription to avail of a stronger version of this cream. It works effectively to reduce the discoloration in the skin patches.

Corticosteroids and tretinoin

Corticosteroids and tretinoin can be availed in the form of lotions, gels, and creams. Both of them help to effectively lighten the skin color discoloration due to the dark patches.

Combined creams

Depending upon the severity of the condition, a dermatologist might even prescribe you a combination of creams that may contain equal proportions of hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. Such a combination cream is also known as triple creams.

Additional topical medications

In addition to or instead of other medicated creams, a dermatologist may also prescribe azelaic acid or kojic acid. These acids work to lighten the dark areas of skin.

Home Remedies for Melasma Treatment

You can adopt these home remedies for treating melasma:

Lemon

Take a few drops of lemon juice on a piece of cotton and apply it to the affected area. Leave it for 20 minutes. Massage with a light hand for 2 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. Lemon juice naturally lightens skin color. The acidic nature of lemon works to reduce the dark spots of melasma.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix apple cider vinegar in 1 teaspoon of water and apply on the spots of melasma. Let it dry in air for 10 minutes. After this, wash the face with lukewarm water. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which acts as an effective bleach. It removes skin spots and makes the skin soft and shiny.

Turmeric

Mix one teaspoon of turmeric with two tablespoons of milk and apply it on the spots. After 20 minutes, wash off with lukewarm water. Turmeric has anti-oxidant elements, which help to remove facial blemishes.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel contains a polysaccharide that removes the stains of melasma and brings back the real glow of the skin. In addition to it, it also removes dead skin. First, cut the aloe vera in half and remove the gel from it. Apply this gel in the stains of melasma and massage it gently. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. After this, wash the face with fresh water.

Change your diet

A fiber diet should be eaten to prevent excessive secretion of estrogen hormones. Oranges, apples, grapes, and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, sprouted gram, etc. should be included in the food.

• Folic acid-rich foods such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains should be eaten, as melasma may increase due to a deficiency of folic acid.
• A diet containing Vitamin C and Vitamin E- These vitamins are antioxidant-rich ingredients that nourish the skin and prevent melasma from growing. These vitamins are found in citrus fruits, kiwis, almonds, fish.
• Fruit juice- Drinking one glass of orange juice daily in the morning prevents the problem of melasma.
• Drink more water – Drink more water, because it reduces the chances of melasma
• Use of sunscreen – Use a sunscreen (with an SPF of 30 or more) because the sun rays cause melasma. So before going out in the sun, apply SPF Sunscreen containing zinc oxide, or loperamide oxide.
• Exercise- Exercise regularly. Walking, cycling, running, etc. help reduce melasma.

The Final Words

Melasma is a disease that causes the growth of dark patches on the skin, mostly on the face. While these skin changes are harmless, some people may find them bothersome and suffer from low self-esteem and self-love.

The above-mentioned treatment has proved so effective for the majority of the people. Melasma that is due to hormonal changes may also fade over time, once hormone levels return to normal.