Have you ever noticed a varying skin tone or patches of discolored or pigmented areas on your skin? This condition of the skin is known as Melasma. Melasma is a hyperpigmentation skin condition mostly seen in people with a darker complexion, especially women. It is mainly seen on the forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and upper lip.
What causes Melasma?
Exposure to the sun is the main villain. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, some of the pro-inflammatory chemicals are released, and these chemicals excite the skin’s melanocyte. This leads to the overproduction of the skin pigment, melanoma. The over and uneven production of melanoma causes hyperpigmentation of the skin, Melasma. Melasma in women can also be triggered by estrogen hormonal changes caused by several factors like ingestion of birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause. During pregnancy or menopause, the estrogen increases the receptors on the melanocytes and makes the skin more sensitive to sun rays and inflammation. Stress, thyroid, genetic, intake of particular medication or pills, and cosmetic treatment can also lead to Melasma.
Now let us see some easy and natural methods to cure acute MelasmaMelasma.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known. It contains a chemical known as curcumin which is responsible for the medicinal properties of turmeric. Turmeric has antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant properties, and antimutagen properties. Curcumin in turmeric can inhibit the production of melanin and tyrosine in the body. The antioxidant properties of turmeric can reduce the hyperpigmentation of the skin, thus curing MelasmaMelasma.
- Mix turmeric powder with milk or curd to get a paste-like mixture.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it for 20 minutes or dry.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is usually used for sunburns. But the, recent studies show that it is effective for MelasmaMelasma or acute pigmentation. It has healing properties, anti-acne properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and UV protective qualities. It is proved aloe vera reduced MelasmaMelasma in pregnant women.
- Use freshly extracted aloe vera gel.
- Apply the gel and massage it for a few minutes.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Papaya: Papaya contains many essential vitamins like vitamin A, B, and C, beta-carotene, and other phytochemicals, popular for their skin-lightening properties. It also contains papain and chymopapain, proteolytic enzymes that have antimicrobial properties. The combinations of these components of papaya have the power to reduce hyperpigmentation and make the skin soft and glowing.
- Chop a few pieces of papaya and mix it with honey or some other skincare substances of your choice.
- Apply the paste on the face like a face mask or only on the affected areas.
- Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Cucumber: Cucumber is popular for its effect on pigmentation. The high-water content in the cucumber can reduce the hyperpigmentation of the skin. It has slight astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pigmentation and rejuvenate skin.
- Grate the cucumber and apply it on the face or only on the affected areas.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Melasma can be controlled or cured using the substances mentioned above. Besides these, some of the tips that can control Melasma are:
- Always wear sunscreen before stepping out.
- Try wearing covering clothes to reduce the exposure to sun rays.
- Engage in fun activities and exercises to regulate the hormonal changes in your body.
- Applying skin lightening solutions containing Kojic acid will help you reduce skin hyperpigmentation.
Melasma is a condition that can be cured with proper care. Pick your curing method and start today.