Ayurvedic Treatments for Melasma: Safe and Effective Remedies

Melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy” or chloasma, is a common skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches, typically on the face. It is most commonly seen in women during their reproductive years, often appearing on the upper cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin.
Melasma is particularly prevalent in women aged 20 to 50, especially in Indian women between the ages of 25 and 55. While it is frequently associated with pregnancy, the discoloration usually fades after childbirth. Initially, melasma was mistaken for a simple suntan, but research has shown that hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and long-term use of contraceptive pills can contribute to its development.

Studies have also found that people with darker skin tones, such as those of Asian and Middle Eastern descent, are more likely to develop melasma. Though rare in men, some cases have been reported.

Signs of Melasma

Here are some signs of melasma, which can affect different areas of the face with varying degrees of severity and patterns.

1. Dark Patches: The primary sign of melasma is the appearance of dark brown or grayish patches of skin, most commonly on the face. These patches can vary in size and intensity.
2. Symmetrical Pattern: The patches tend to appear symmetrically on both sides of the face. This symmetrical pattern is a key characteristic of melasma.
3. Common Areas: These patches usually appear on areas of the face that are most exposed to the sun, such as the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, nose, and chin. The intensity of the discoloration may fluctuate depending on sun exposure and hormonal changes.

Types of Melasma

Here are some types of melasma, each affecting different areas of the face with varying severity and patterns.

Centrofacial Melasma:

• Location: Affects the central part of the face.
• Common Areas: Forehead, cheeks, upper lip, nose, and chin. This type is the most noticeable and often affects those with prolonged sun exposure.
• This is the most common form of melasma, often triggered by factors such as pregnancy or birth control use.

Malar Melasma:

• Location: Primarily affects the cheek area, especially the upper cheeks.
• It’s less common than centrofacial melasma but still a prevalent type. This type is often associated with hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy are the leading cause of malar melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy.

Mandibular Melasma:

• Location: Affects the jawline or mandibular area.
• This type of melasma is less common than the other two forms. It may be more noticeable in individuals who have frequent sun exposure or hormonal imbalances.
• Mandibular melasma can be more resistant to treatment, often requiring specialized care.

Other Observations

• Sun Exposure: Extended or periodic sun exposure is a major contributing factor, which is why melasma is more common in people with daily or frequent sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen daily can help prevent its worsening.
• Hormonal Influences: Pregnancy (often called the “mask of pregnancy”) and hormonal changes due to birth control pills can trigger melasma. These hormonal fluctuations often lead to darker patches appearing more prominently.
• Less Common Locations: Melasma is primarily found on the face and is rare on other parts of the body, such as the neck and forearms. When melasma appears in other areas, it is typically linked to specific triggers like medication or lifestyle changes.

Melasma Ayurvedic Treatment

As Ayurveda says, facial beauty is the indication of a mental, spiritual, and physical being. It is a holistic medicine that addresses the problem from the outside as well as the inside.

Hence, Ayurveda advises traditional detoxification remedies along with rejuvenation remedies for this condition. Ayurveda recommends pacific therapy in eight different steps for a period of 28-40 days for the complete cure of melasma.

This facial treatment works toward the rectification of blood circulation by way of the skin, which in turn detoxifies and revitalizes itself. Although the results might be slow, they are better than any other modern medicine or chemical-based creams.

1. Aloe Vera Application: A Soothing Remedy for Dark Spots

Aloe Vera has long been used in Ayurveda due to its cooling and healing properties. Recent studies support its effectiveness in lightening dark spots and soothing the skin.

• Key Components: Aloe Vera contains mucilaginous polysaccharides (MPS), which play a vital role in fading hyperpigmentation.
• Application Method: Gently apply fresh Aloe Vera gel directly to the affected areas. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
• Benefits: Reduces inflammation, hydrates the skin, and helps lighten melasma over time.

2. Orange Peel and Oatmeal Mask: Natural Exfoliation for Brightening

A mixture of fresh orange peel and oatmeal provides excellent exfoliation that can lighten skin marks and even out skin tone.

• Ingredients: Fresh orange peel powder, oatmeal, and milk.
• How to Use: Mix the orange peel powder with oatmeal and milk to form a paste. Apply it to the affected area, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
• Benefits: Removes dead skin cells, encourages new skin regeneration, and lightens dark spots.

3. Turmeric Paste: Harnessing Antioxidant and Skin-Repairing Properties

Turmeric, a cornerstone of Ayurvedic treatments, is revered for its antioxidant and skin-lightening properties due to its active compound, curcumin.

• Turmeric Recipe: Mix 5-6 tablespoons of turmeric powder with milk to create a thick paste. Add 1 tablespoon of gram flour for added exfoliation.
• Application Method: Apply the paste evenly on the melasma patches and leave it for 30-35 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
• Benefits: Reduces pigmentation, heals damaged skin, and promotes an even skin tone.

4. Almond Paste with Honey: A Protein-Rich Skin Lightening Solution

Almonds and honey are packed with proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins that support skin health and lighten dark spots.

• Ingredients: 1 cup raw unsalted almonds, ½ cup honey.
• How to Prepare: Blend almonds and honey together into a smooth paste.
• Application Method: Gently massage the almond-honey paste onto the affected areas and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Benefits: Almonds provide vitamin E for skin repair, while honey offers hydration and gentle exfoliation.

5. Lemon Juice: A Natural Acidic Solution for Fading Dark Spots

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent and exfoliant.

• How to Use: Squeeze fresh lemon juice and apply it directly to dark spots. Gently rub it in and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
• Benefits: Helps lighten melasma, reduces skin discoloration, and provides a brightening effect when used consistently.

6. Onion Seed Paste: A Lesser-Known but Powerful Remedy

Onion seeds are rich in sulfur compounds, antioxidants, and vitamins that can aid in skin rejuvenation and lighten hyperpigmentation.

• How to Prepare: Grind onion seeds into a fine paste.
• Application Method: Apply the onion seed paste to the affected areas and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
• Benefits: Reduces pigmentation, promotes healthy skin regeneration, and brightens the complexion.

7. Tulsi Paste: A Sacred Herb for Skin Rejuvenation

Tulsi (Holy Basil) is revered in Ayurveda for its medicinal and healing properties, particularly in treating skin issues.

• Ingredients: Fresh tulsi leaves and camphor.
• How to Prepare: Extract juice from fresh tulsi leaves and mix it with a pinch of camphor.
• Application Method: Apply the paste to the melasma spots and leave it on until it dries. Wash it off with water.
• Benefits: Tulsi’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin, while camphor promotes skin clarity and brightening.

8. Triphala Choornam: A Detoxifying Herbal Solution

Triphala Choornam is an ancient Ayurvedic herbal mixture known for its detoxifying and skin-healing properties.

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of Triphala Choornam and 300 ml of water.
• How to Use: Soak the Triphala Choornam overnight in water, then boil it until the water turns brown. Filter the solution.
• Application Method: Apply warm water to the affected skin areas using a cotton ball or soft cloth. Leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse.
• Benefits: Triphala helps to cleanse the body internally, promoting clearer and healthier skin. Its application as a face wash is particularly effective in reducing melasma.

9. Sandalwood Paste: A Cooling and Soothing Treatment

Sandalwood has long been cherished in Ayurveda for its cooling properties and ability to improve skin tone. It is especially beneficial for melasma as it helps to reduce pigmentation and offers a soothing effect on the skin.

• Ingredients: Sandalwood powder and rose water.
• How to Prepare: Mix sandalwood powder with a small amount of rose water to form a smooth paste.
• Application Method: Apply the paste to the affected areas and leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
• Benefits: Sandalwood helps brighten the skin, calming inflammation and healing damaged skin tissues, making it an excellent remedy for melasma.

10. Rose Water and Saffron: A Luxurious Skin Treatment

Saffron, combined with rose water, creates a gentle yet effective remedy for brightening the skin and reducing dark spots associated with melasma. This mixture helps to balance skin tone and enhances skin radiance.

• Ingredients: A few strands of saffron and 2 tablespoons of rose water.
• How to Prepare: Soak the saffron strands in rose water for a few hours, allowing the color and nutrients from the saffron to infuse the water.
• Application Method: Gently apply the infused rose water and saffron mixture to the affected areas using a cotton pad. Leave it on overnight for best results.
• Benefits: Rose water hydrates and balances the skin, while saffron has natural skin-lightening properties, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out skin tone.

FAQ’s

1. What is the fastest way to cure melasma naturally?

The fastest way to address melasma naturally is by using remedies that focus on soothing and lightening the skin, such as aloe vera, turmeric, and vitamin C-rich ingredients. Regular sun protection and applying sunscreen daily are crucial to preventing melasma from worsening.

2. Which fruit is good for melasma?

Fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons, and papayas, are beneficial for melasma as they help lighten dark spots and promote healthy skin. They also provide antioxidants that can improve skin health over time.

3. Can neem remove melasma?

Neem has anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties that may help lighten melasma over time. Applying neem oil or a paste made from neem leaves to the affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and promote skin healing.

4. What herbs are good for melasma?

Herbs like turmeric, licorice extract, and gotu kola are known for their skin-lightening properties and can be used to treat melasma. These herbs help reduce hyperpigmentation and promote even skin tone.

5. Which oil removes melasma?

Oils such as rosehip oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil have skin-repairing and lightening properties that may help fade melasma. Rosehip oil, in particular, is rich in vitamin A and C, which can promote skin regeneration and even out pigmentation.

6. How to remove melasma permanently?

While melasma may be difficult to remove permanently, it can be managed through consistent skincare. Regularly applying sunscreen, using skin-lightening creams or natural remedies, and avoiding sun exposure can significantly reduce its appearance.

7. How do you stop melasma from growing?

To prevent melasma from worsening, ensure daily sun protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), avoid prolonged sun exposure, and consider using skin care products with ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or niacinamide to manage pigmentation.

8. How to remove pigmentation from the face permanently naturally at home?

Natural remedies like aloe vera, lemon juice, honey, and turmeric can help lighten pigmentation. Regularly applying these treatments, combined with sun protection, can help reduce dark spots and achieve a more even skin tone.

9. What is the root cause of melasma?

The root cause of melasma is typically hormonal changes, often triggered by pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy. Sun exposure also plays a significant role, as UV radiation can darken pigmentation on the face.

10. How to remove spots from the face in 2 days naturally?

While it is unlikely to completely remove spots in just two days, remedies like aloe vera gel, lemon juice, and honey can help lighten dark spots over time. Consistent use of these ingredients may show gradual improvements in skin tone.

11. What is the best melasma remover?

The best treatment for melasma often includes a combination of medical-grade products like hydroquinone, retinoids, or azelaic acid, along with regular sunscreen use. Ayurvedic treatments and natural remedies can also be effective as complementary treatments.

12. What are the 3 creams for melasma?

Common creams for treating melasma include:

• Hydroquinone (a bleaching agent that lightens dark spots)
• Tretinoin (a form of retinoid that promotes skin cell turnover)
• Azelaic Acid (reduces pigmentation and evens out skin tone)

While melasma may not have a permanent cure, it can be managed with proper skincare, including Ayurvedic remedies, natural treatments, and sun protection. Consistent use of sunscreen and targeted products can reduce pigmentation over time. For the best results, consult a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.