How to get rid of melasma? Know these simple techniques!

What is melasma?

Dark, brown, or greyish patches that form on the face, notably on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin, are the characteristics of melasma, also known as chloasma, a skin ailment that affects many people.

It is a type of hyperpigmentation that develops as a result of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes, being overproduced. Melasma is more common in women than in males, and those with darker skin types are more likely to get it.

What causes melasma?

1. Hormonal Changes:

Melasma can be brought on by hormonal changes, such as those carried on by using birth control pills or experiencing chloasma gravidarum while pregnant.

2. Sun Exposure:

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, increasing melanin synthesis in affected regions and causing a mess in melasma.

3. Genetic Predisposition:

Melasma is a hereditary component, and those who have a family history of the disorder may be more susceptible to getting it.

4. Ethnicity:

Melasma is more likely to occur in people with darker skin tones, particularly those who are Asian, Hispanic, African, or Middle Eastern in origin.

What foods trigger melasma?

The following foods are known to trigger melasma:

High Glycemic Index Foods
Foods rich in Amino Acids
Spicy foods
Alcohol
Caffeine

Hyperpigmentation vs melasma

Both hyperplasia and melasma are common skin conditions and are often characterized by darkening and patches on the skin. Hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe the darkening of particular skin regions brought on by an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Whereas Melasma is specifically observed on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin, melasma is a kind of hyperpigmentation that is characterized by dark, brown, or greyish patches.

There are several forms of hyperpigmentation, including age spots (liver spots), sunspots (lentigines), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). In melasma, there are no variations and usually caused more in Women.

How to cure melasma from the inside?

You can cure melasma from the inside by following the below-given techniques:

1. Healthy diet:

Have a properly nutritious diet that usually includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Drink More Water:

Stay hydrated, drink an adequate amount of water and salts such as electrolytes, and keep your body cool.

3. Anti-oxidant-rich foods:

Eat food items such as berries, citrus fruits, spinach, and nuts as they are anti-oxidant rich.

4. Vitamins and minerals:

Ensure that you take sufficient amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc which plays a key role in skin health.

5. Biotin Supplements:

You can try consuming biotin supplements externally such as gummies or tabs, they also help in improving hair and nail health.

6. Sun protection:

Always use your sunscreen while going out in daylight, and wear it every two to three hours. Use SPF 50 for better protection.

7. Avoid stress:

Don’t stress out easily, keep yourself relaxed from stress and anxiety.

Take Away

It's important to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to individual skin type and severity of melasma. Additionally, individuals with melasma should be patient with the treatment process, as it may take time to see a noticeable improvement in skin pigmentation.

FAQs

Does vitamin C help with melasma?

Yes, Vitamin C helps treat melasma and is often considered a short-term treatment plan.

What vitamin can cure melasma?

Vitamin C and Vitamin B12 are known to be helpful in curing melasma to an extent.

Is melasma dangerous?

Melasma makes your skin darken over a period of time, and it is completely harmless but it can make you mentally disturbed and more self-conscious.

References

Understanding Melasma. By Healthline, May 4, 2023.

What is Melasma? By Medical News Today, Jan 12, 2023.

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