Melasma are dark spots that form on the skin in response to solar radiation. Caused by an excess of melanin in the skin, this is a common skin disorder and can affect anyone, although young women with light or olive complexions are most often affected. This article will examine the causes of melisma and the various natural treatments that can be effective in treating the problem.
Melasma is often related to hormone imbalances in the skin. Oestrogen and progesterone imbalances can cause the condition, which is why pregnant women are particularly susceptible to developing dark spots on the skin.
Birth control pills also raise the risk of developing melasma and women on hormone replacement therapy or other hormones also have an elevated risk. Melanin is the substance in the skin that gives the appearance of a tan in fair skins and the over-production or uneven distribution of melanin produces these dark spots.
Dark spots on the skin usually appear after being triggered by sunlight. This is why it is common to see people with the condition during the summer. People who live in hot climates are also more prone to the condition. Melasma can also be brought on by other issues such as stress, genetics, thyroid problems or as a side effect from using certain cosmetics or medicines.
Symptoms
The only symptom of melasma is the darkening of areas on the facial skin. This change can cause emotional distress as the sufferer worries about their physical appearance. The skin tone of the darkening is usually a uniform brown colour. The spots can appear on any area of the face, though the most affected areas tend to be the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip.
Medical treatments
Medical treatments to treat melasma include special creams that contain the chemicals kojic acid and azelaic acid, hydroquinone and tretinoin. Other treatments include exfoliation with steroid or chemical topical creams to remove the upper skin cells and boost skin cell renewal. If a woman is pregnant, she can wait until the pregnancy is over to see if the problem persists. Very severe cases of melisma can be treated with lasers or micro-dermabrasion. Melasma normally disappears within a couple of months but it can reappear again. It is advisable to wear a high protection sun screen to avoid the appearance of melisma.
Natural remedies for melasma
It is possible to create your own homemade treatment for dark skin spots, which will help to reduce the appearance of the dark areas and even eliminate it altogether. Some effective ingredients to buy that can be used to make natural remedies include bananas, aubergine, eggs, black balsam, honey, lemons, onions, vinegar, powdered milk and hydrogen peroxide. Here are the recipes to try as methods of reducing melasma.
Banana mask
Mash one banana and rub the mixture onto your face. Leave the banana on your face like a face mask for at least 15 minutes and rinse off. Repeat the procedure four times per week to see a reduction in dark spots. This is also an excellent skin moisturiser.
Aubergine mask
Slice the aubergine and remove the pulp from the inside. Place the slices on your dark areas and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse your face after removing the slices and repeat the procedure three times every week.
Black balsam
Beat one egg white and add 4 or 5 drops of black balsam oil to the mixture. Beat the mixture well and apply to the face twice each day, in the morning and at night.
Hydrogen peroxide
Apply this powerful chemical sparingly to your dark spots each day by soaking a cotton wool ball in the mixture. Hydrogen peroxide has a bleaching effect and many people find this useful for reducing dark areas on the skin.
Honey mixture
Mix 4 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of powdered milk together to form a paste. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it for 20 minutes. After rinsing, apply natural yoghurt and leave for another 10 minutes before washing your face.
Onion and vinegar
Mix together a crushed onion and a teaspoon of vinegar. Apply the mixture to your dark areas and leave it on the skin for 15 minutes. This concoction can cause tingles on the skin due to the acid in the vinegar, so if there is any discomfort remove it immediately.
