Melasma treatment at home

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that causes darker patches on the skin, primarily on the face. Melasma is a skin condition that occurs most commonly on the face.

Dark patches appear on part of the face due to excess production of melanin (skin pigment). It is also called chloasma. The name comes from melas, the Greek word for black, or cholas, from the word green-ish.

Young women with darker skin complexion are more prone to developing melasma. But melasma can develop at any stage of your life.
Melasma is a skin condition that causes patches to appear, typically on the face, that are darker than a persons skin tone.
Melasma can be found primarily in individuals with light brown skin to darker skin tones, especially in areas with high sun exposure. Women are particularly susceptible to melasma, and it can appear as brown patches on the face, especially the cheeks, nose bridge, and forehead.

Symptoms of melasma: Melasma causes dark patches on the face. Brownish colored patches appear on cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and chin.

Melasma may also appear on other areas of the body, especially those exposed to a lot of sunlight. These areas may include-- forearms, neck and shoulders

Causes of melasma:
v    UV exposure
v    Hormonal imbalances
v    Birth control pills
v    Pregnancy
Melasma is also referred to as mask of pregnancy, because dark patches that appear on the nose, cheekbones and jaws are prevalent while women are expecting.

Females and those who are pregnant are at greater risk of developing melasma. Taking certain medications can also contribute.
There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones.
Do certain foods affect melasma?

At this time no foods or drinks are known by experts to directly cause, magically cure or worsen melasma. However, to keep your skin healthy in general, try a skin-healthy diet of foods rich in Vitamin D:
v    Almond milk
v    Eggs
v    Meat
v    Milk
v    Mushrooms
v    Oily fish
v    Orange juice
v    Yogurt
Home remedies to cure melasma:
Aloe Vera gel: Aloe vera is known to relieve many inflammation issues in the skin. It is highly moisturizing, deeply hydrating, and gentle in nature. Aloe vera has been shown to relieve melasma in pregnant women as well. It works by rehydrating dry skin, penetrating deep into the skins layer to nourish it and protect it from the harmful effects of UV exposure.

Lemon juice: Lemon juice helps to treat melasma similar to that of apple cider vinegar. It helps to lighten the skin because it is a bleaching agent. The acidity from lemons can be harsh on the skin and cause irritation that may worsen the melasma. This treatment may be harsh on the skin and cause more harm than good.

Black tea: Black tea water can be used as a spot-lightening treatment. The astringent properties of tea soothe and calm inflammatory pigmentation and it is also very moisturizing in nature. Use a cotton ball to dab steeped black tea onto dark patches of melasma on your face. Do this twice a day for the best results.

Turmeric: Curcumin, the primary compound turmeric is made of, is a popular antioxidant and antimutagenic, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It provides protection against UV rays and inhibits melanin production in the skin. Curcumin is also known to reduce hyper-pigmentation and when combined with other additives like gram flour and milk, becomes a nourishing scrub or mask for lovers of homemade DIY skin solutions to treat melasma.

Tomato: Tomato paste is helpful to treat melasma, caused by sun exposure. Lycopene, a primary compound found in tomatoes, is known to protect the skin from short-term and long-term photodamage caused by UV exposure. A mask made out of tomato paste and olive oil used twice a week can help fade melasma in a gentle way.

Follow these home remedies regularly to reap all these benefits and cure melasma!