Melasma

It is a kind of skin condition symbolized by grayish black to dark brown patches or spots. The Greek word 'mela' means black. It is also called chloasma. It is commonly observed during pregnancy or post-pregnancy, also, to the women taking birth control pills. It occurs because of overproduction of the melanin protein, a color pigment of our skin.

It is a common condition, harmless to our skin but people are conscious about it as it usually covers face (chin, upper lip, nose, cheeks, forehead) which is a visible part of our body. There are effective treatments available which may help and this usually fades after a few months if treated properly.

A truth is that its treatment varies from case-to-case. If one treatment regimen suits to one person may not suit for the other one means each individual case responds to treatment differently.

Most important thing is you must protect as much as you can from the direct UV rays. Otherwise your treatment will not work effectively. I am not saying that throughout the course of action you must not go outside home. You definitely go outside only after applying SPF 30 or higher not only on Sunny days rather cloudy as well as rainy season or else the Melasma get more darker in color.

Home remedies for the treatment of Melasma

Tomato paste -It is known for its lycopene content. It shows photoprotective as well antioxidant effect when applied on skin.

Aloe vera -antiinflammatory, gentle, soothing, hydrating in nature

Liquorice extract- contain some special enzymes which inhibit tyrosinase enzyme which is responsible for the synthesis of melanin

Turmeric- powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancerous in nature

Black tea water- it contain active ingredients which shows astringent, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. These have moisturising effect as well

Red lentils (masoor dal) has skin brightening effect when used in paste form. In ayurveda it is in practice.

Marketed allopathic formulations are also available

Corticosteroids that help to reduce inflammation in the skin. If inflammation is the suspected cause of Melasma, brief use of a corticosteroid can be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation. But it may cause some side effects due to its potency. Doctor recommendation is must.

Tretinoin it is a derivative of vitamin-A as it slowly sheds off the old skin and produce the new one.

Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent available in a 2% and 4% cream formulation. It breaks down the melanin present in the skin. But it may cause some side effects due to its potency. Doctor recommendation is must.

Retinoids are often used in Melasma treatment to increase the skin’s absorption of bleaching agents

Azelaic acid is a kind of topical agent that inhibits pigment producing cells.

Kojic acid etc.

Food to prefer for its prevention

Most of the citrus fruits kiwis, pistachios, flaxseeds, nuts, almonds, fish (especially salmon) green leafy vegetables and cereals, whole grains are the important food choices which contain ample amounts of folic acid.

Copper is also very important as mineral therefore drinking water contained in copper vessel is also one of the good choice to prevent Melasma to occur.

Generally, optimum mineral contents are very much crucial for its consider. Some other important food choices may be green tea, avocado, grapes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beetroots, broccoli, spinach, garlic, lemons, walnuts. Use of coconut oil, black seed oil, Bio oil, Argan oil, Tea tree oil is also worth beneficial.

Some vitamins like vitamin C (citrus fruits), vitamin E (oil capsules), vitamin B12 (banana) etc.

The food types to avoid are reduced sugar, alcohol and other processed food items.

Ayurveda

Nasya Karma. are the herbal nasal drops used to eliminate toxins from your facial tissues through oral, or nasal routes. Saffron oil (kumkumadi tailam) is used for application of nasya karma which is one of the most effective treatment for melasma. It relieves excess Pitta from your facial tissues. Thereby cure the blackening of facial skin due to Melasma.

Note

Never use vinegar, lemon, apple cider like citrus juices as these will worsen the condition of Melasma. These juices generally have photosensitizing effect that means make our skin more susceptible to harmful sun rays.

Please note that Melasma is not being corrected easily. You must have lots of patience.