Home Remedies for Melasma

Melasma is a rather common skin condition that is characterized by the development of some prominent brown patches that appear on the face. It is most often seen around the areas of the cheeks, forehead, chin and bridge of the nose. When the condition develops in a pregnant woman, it is known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. The dark spots may also be present on the forearms and neck, to a much less common degree. People that have a darker natural skin tone tend to experience the onset of melasma more than others. While the condition mainly affects women, about 10% of its victims are usually men. The exact causes of the condition are still relatively unknown, however research shows that heredity plays a significant role in deciding who will be affected. This means that the condition is usually passed down from one generation to the next within the same bloodline. Consumption of drugs is also known to trigger the development of melasma while the exposure of the skin to sunlight is a common contributor as a result of the pigment producing cells in the skin being stimulated by the ultra violet light of the sun. The melanocytes (which are the pigment creating cells in the skin) of people with darker skin are more active and produce higher quantities of melanin, causing it to become more prominent at times.

As with any aesthetic feature, one always wants to make sure they look as good as possible and melasma can significantly reduce a person’s aesthetic appeal. However, there are a number of home remedies for melasma that you could try that have proven to be rather effective in reducing the prominence of the condition as well as completely treating it. For example, you could try diluting some vinegar in a glass of water and use the solution to cleanse your face. Allow your face to air dry, thereby allowing it to seal in some moisture. The main benefits of vinegar are that it is a chemically acetic acid – making it potent bleach; as well as having an effect of making the skin seem much smoother and more radiant. You could also extract some of the juice from an onion by chopping it down to small pieces and squeezing the juice out of them with the help of cheesecloth. Mix the juice in with an equal proportion of apple cider vinegar and apply it twice with a cotton ball.