Melasma Treatment
Melasma is a condition in which irregularly shaped black, gray, or dark brown patches begin to form on the skin. These patches can form anywhere on the skin, but are generally seen on the forehead, cheeks, and nose. Melasma is not a very serious condition and does not affect the health in any serious manner. However, since it usually occurs on the face, a melasma can be detrimental to the looks of a person and could be a severe blow to one’s self esteem. Melasma is a condition which is seen predominantly in women. More women suffer from this condition as compared to men. The actions of hormones usually cause the formation of these irregular, discolored patches on the skin. When the hormones are produced in excess, they can lead to excessive production of melanin, a pigment which gives color to the skin. When the melanocytes, the glands which produce melanin, become overactive, they can form patches of dark colored or irregularly colored skin.
There are a large number of factors which can trigger this hormonal excess. Stress, anxiety, side effects of medications, pregnancy, genetics, and cosmetics are some of the causes of melasma. The improper function of thyroid gland, the gland which regulates most of the endocrine functions in the body, is also associated with melasma. Any melasma natural treatment usually focuses on normalizing the melanocytes of the skin. One of the most common remedies for melasma removal is apple cider vinegar. The vinegar consists of acetic acid, which acts as an excellent cleansing agent. Simply mix together two tablespoons of water and apple cider vinegar, soak a cotton ball in this weak vinegar solution, and apply it to the skin. Leave the solution on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off. This can help in lightening the melasma marks.
Onions are also extremely successful in the melasma treatment. Blend together two medium sized onions and grind them into a thick paste. Once the paste has been formed, squeeze the onions and extract all the juice. To this onion juice, add some apple cider vinegar and then use this mixture as a topical application. This can help you get rid of the marks. Another one of the common melasma treatments at home is the use of lemon juice. Lemon juice is known to have bleaching effects. Simply squeeze a lemon and soak a cotton ball in the juice to apply all over your face. Keep in mind that if you have acne or cuts, the juice may sting. Let the juice remain on your face for a few minutes before rinsing your face.
