How To Treat Melasma From The Inside: 15 Amazing Tips

If you are reading this, you or someone you love is likely suffering from melasma. And if that’s the case, then you’re probably looking for a solution. The good news is that there is hope. The bad news is that finding a cure can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. That’s why we have put together this list of 15 excellent tips for how to cure melasma from the inside out.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray patches on the face. The patches are usually symmetrical, meaning they appear on both sides of the face. Melasma is most common in women and typically occurs during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills.

However, men and women of any age can develop melasma. While melasma is not dangerous, it can be difficult to treat. There is no cure for melasma, but treatments are available to lighten the dark patches.

What Causes Melasma? 

The exact cause of melasma is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to hormonal changes. That’s why melasma is more common in women than men and often develops during pregnancy.

Birth control pills and other hormone therapies can also trigger melasma. Sun exposure is another possible cause, which is why melasma is sometimes called “sun poisoning.” If you have melasma, you should avoid sun exposure as much as possible. 

How Is Melasma Diagnosed? 

Melasma is usually diagnosed based on a physical exam and your medical history. Your doctor will examine your skin for brown or gray patches. They may also perform a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of skin tissue for examination under a microscope. A biopsy is rarely necessary to diagnose melasma, but it may be performed if your doctor suspects that you have another skin condition. 

What Are The Signs Of Melasma?

The most common symptom of melasma is patches of discolored skin. These patches can range in size and shape, but they are usually brown or gray in color. The patches typically appear on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and other areas exposed to the sun. Other symptoms may include itching or burning sensations in affected areas.

Should You Treat Melasma As Soon As Possible?

Yes, it is best to treat melasma as soon as possible. If left untreated, melasma can worsen and become more difficult to treat. Additionally, you may be at risk for developing other skin conditions, such as sunburn or skin cancer. Therefore, it’s important to start treatment quickly to avoid further complications.  Your doctor will recommend the best course of action, depending on your individual situation.

15 Basic Tips You Should Know

Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown or grey patches on the face. Though it can be frustrating and embarrassing, there are effective treatments and lifestyle changes you should try. 

1. Consume A Nutrient-Rich Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is vital for overall health, but it’s also essential for keeping your skin looking its best. Foods like leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are all rich in nutrients that are good for your skin. So, if you’re looking to cure melasma, include these foods in your diet.

2. Use Natural Treatments

Several natural treatments can help lighten dark patches caused by melasma. Some of these include lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, and turmeric. You can apply these treatments topically or consume them orally. Do a patch test first to ensure you’re not allergic to any ingredients.

3. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can help improve the appearance of your skin and make dark patches less visible. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliator that’s designed for sensitive skin. And don’t exfoliate more than once or twice a week, so you don’t irritate your skin.

4. Wear Sunscreen Daily

Wearing sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. It’s also important for preventing new dark patches from forming. Be sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that is designed for sensitive skin. Apply it evenly over your face and body every day, even on cloudy days.

5. Avoid Specific Triggers

Certain things can trigger melasma or make it worse. These include sun exposure, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and stress. If you can avoid these triggers, you may be able to prevent new dark patches from forming or lessen the severity of existing ones. 

6. Get Plenty Of Sleep

A good night’s sleep is important for overall health and well-being, including your skin’s health. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can lead to inflammation, which can make melasma worse. So aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

7. Stay Hydrated

Keeping your skin hydrated is key to managing melasma. When properly hydrated, your skin can better protect itself against environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollution. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a hydrating topical product like our Ultra Rich Moisturizer morning and night.

8. Avoid Harsh Cosmetic Treatments

From aggressive exfoliants to harsh chemicals, many beauty treatments can do more harm than good when trying to cure melasma. If possible, stick to gentle cleansers and natural ingredients like aloe vera and honey, which can be just as effective without irritating your skin.

9. Manage Stress Levels

Stress can also exacerbate melasma, so it’s important to find ways to manage your stress levels. Meditation, yoga, and regular exercise are all great ways to keep your stress in check. And if you get overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend or family member for support.

10. Take Oral Supplements

Oral supplements containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radical damage is one of the factors that can contribute to the development of melasma. Oral supplements containing vitamins C and E can be found at most health food stores or online retailers.

11. Avoid Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can contribute to the development of melasma because it decreases collagen production in the skin. This can lead to a loss of skin elasticity and an increased risk of developing brown patches. If you smoke cigarettes and are concerned about melasma, quitting smoking may help reduce your risk. 

12. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Like smoking, drinking alcohol can also cause inflammation and a breakdown of collagen and elastin. Additionally, alcohol dehydrates the skin, which can make brown patches appear more noticeable. If you’re trying to treat your melasma, limiting your alcohol intake is a good idea. 

13. Use Topical Treatments

Several over-the-counter topical treatments can help lessen the appearance of brown patches on the skin. These include creams and serums containing vitamins C and E, retinoids, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone. Be sure to speak with a dermatologist before using any new topical treatment on your skin. 

14. Consider Light Therapy

Light therapy—also known as phototherapy—is another treatment option for melasma sufferers. During light therapy sessions, patients sit under special lights that emit ultraviolet (UV) rays. These UV rays help stop the overproduction of melanin, which leads to brown patches on the skin. A dermatologist typically performs light therapy in a medical setting. 

15. See A Dermatologist For Advanced Treatments If Needed

If home remedies and over-the-counter treatments aren’t working for you, it may be time to see a dermatologist for advanced treatment options. There are a number of prescription medications that can help treat melasma effectively. Be sure to speak with your doctor about all treatment options before making any care decisions.

10 Common Mistakes When Treating Melasma

Although it can be harmless, melasma can be difficult to treat and can cause low self-esteem. If you’re struggling with melasma, you might be making one of these common mistakes.

1. Not Using Sunscreen

One of the most common mistakes people make when treating melasma is not using sunscreen. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can trigger melasma or make it worse. It’s important to use sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. Make sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors. 

2. Trying Too Many Products At Once

When you’re trying to get rid of melasma, it can be tempting to buy every product on the market or try every home remedy you read about. However, trying too many products at once can irritate your skin and worsen melasma. It’s best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to create a treatment plan that’s right for you. 

3. Not Being Consistent

If you want to see results, it’s important to be consistent with your treatment plan. This means using your medications or skin care products as prescribed and coming in for follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. Skipping treatments can slow down the process and make melasma harder to treat in the long run. 

4. Not Wearing Protective Clothing

In addition to using sunscreen, it’s also important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing when you’re outside. Clothing that covers your arms and legs will help deflect some of the sun’s rays and prevent them from reaching your skin. A wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea if you’ll be spending extended periods of time outdoors. 

5. Not Avoiding Triggers

One of the most common mistakes people make when treating melasma is not avoiding triggers. Triggers are anything that can cause the dark patches to become more pronounced or worsen. Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, pregnancy, and certain medications. If you’re trying to treat your melasma, it’s important to avoid anything that might trigger a flare-up. 

6. Stopping Treatment Too Soon

Another common mistake women make when treating melasma is stopping their treatment too soon. Like with any other skin condition, it can take several weeks or even months to see results from treatment. If you give up on your treatment after only a few weeks, then you are unlikely to see any improvement in your skin’s appearance. 

7. Not Seeing A Doctor

If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working for you, it’s important to see a doctor. They can prescribe stronger medications or recommend other treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion. But self-treating with strong chemicals can worsen your melasma, so it’s important to get professional help if OTC treatments aren’t doing the trick. 

8. Taking Hot Baths Or Showers

It can be tempting to take hot baths or showers when your skin is feeling dry and irritated. However, this can actually intensify melasma and make it worse over time. Instead of taking hot baths or showers, opt for lukewarm water and mild cleansers to keep your skin clean without irritating it further. 

9. Not Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is an important part of any skincare routine, but it’s especially important when treating melasma. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin cells healthy and can prevent flare-ups. Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day for the best results. 

10. Using Old Makeup

Using old makeup can worsen melasma, as the chemicals in expired products can irritate your skin. To keep your skin healthy, make sure to check the expiration dates on all of your makeup and throw away any items that are more than a few months past their expiration date. This will help keep your skin looking its best.

Conclusion

Melasma can be a difficult condition to manage, but by following the tips in this article, you can start to see an improvement in your skin. Remember that the treatments may take some time to start working, so be patient and stick with them. We hope that you find these tips helpful and that they help you achieve clear and beautiful skin.