Melasma is a skin disorder where your skin becomes brown and patchy. It most commonly appears on your cheeks, bridge of your nose, forehead, chin, or above your upper lip. It may also appear on the other parts of your body that are exposed to sunlight. Melasma is more prevalent in women than in men.
Melasma can fade on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as a pregnancy or birth control pills, causes the melasma. When a woman delivers her baby or stops taking the birth control pills, melasma can fade.
# Dab some lemon juice
Lemon juice contains high amounts of vitamin C, which can inhibit tyrosinase enzyme and thus control melanin production.
- Mix 1–2 tbsp of lemon juice with water. You can also mix in vitamin E.
- Apply the mixture to the affected areas using a cotton ball.
- Wash after 15 minutes.
# Apply turmericTurmeric can also help block tyrosinase enzyme and thus limit melanin production efficiently.
- Mix 2 tsp of turmeric powder with some milk and add lemon juice.
- Apply the paste to the affected areas.
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.
#
Use alpha hydroxy acids
Lactic, malic, and glycolic acids are alpha hydroxy acids that contribute to skin whitening by limiting the activity of tyrosinase enzyme.
Glycolic acid is popularly used medically in chemical peels, while lactic acid can be found in various natural ingredients and thus can be used as a home remedy for melasma.
- Mix lactic acid sources such as milk cream, yogurt, milk, or antioxidant berries such as Indian gooseberry with 1 tbsp of rose water or 1 tsp of lemon juice, and apply the mixture to the affected areas.
- Use AHA-based skin-lightening creams.
# Massage with oils
Oil such as sandalwood oil, rosehip oil, and almond oil or any vitamin E oil can help manage melasma. These oils inhibit tyrosinase activity and also help in depigmentation. The topical use of these oils is generally safe.
How to use: Massage a few drops of the oil of your choice on to the affected areas. Make sure to dilute sandalwood oil with any carrier oil before using.
# Apply honey
Honey contains various polyphenols that have skin-lightening and anti-tyrosinase properties. These activities are exhibited by manuka, Sardinian, and Thai honey.
- Mix raw, organic, or medical-grade honey with yogurt or lemon juice to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the spots
- Rinse after 15–20 minutes.
# Use aloe vera gel
Aloin, the active compound of aloe vera gel, has skin-lightening effects.
- Extract fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf and apply it to the skin. Rinse after 20 minutes.
- Prepare an aloe vera facial mask by mixing 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel with 1 tsp lemon juice and use.
- Buy aloin-based creams available commercially.
# Try pomegranate juiceomegranate juice also works by blocking tyrosinase enzyme and lowering the number of melanocytes, thus helping manage hyperpigmentation.
How to use: Apply pomegranate juice to the spots and rinse after drying