Category: Melasma

Melasma

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Melasma – 7 Methods (Included)

Author ByMoin Nex

apple cider vinegar for melasma

It is almost a craze among women and teenagers these days to have to have a smooth and clear skin. Stay with us, you’ll learn benefits of apple cider vinegar for melasma.

As brown spots and imbalanced skin tone are a beauty concern for most of the people, melasma sufferers often experience low self-esteem and low confidence.

We all know that there are numerous spot-lightening creams available in the market. But, do not be fooled because most of these products are loaded with chemicals. Now, we are not saying that all these products will harm your skin, some may work and others may not. So, it is best to stay on the safer side and go with natural remedies.

How about checking your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator for Apple cider vinegar and other natural ingredients that be used to treat melasma?

There has been a lot of debate in the melasma community about the powerful effects of vinegar. Some are using it as a facial toner, and some drink it in various forms.

Jump: How to Use ACV?

In this article, we are going to cover this topic in detail. Below we will discuss various ways in which apple cider vinegar can be used to treat hyperpigmentation or melasma of the face.

What Causes Melasma?

Excess usage of cosmetic products, sun exposure, and hormonal changes are some of the common triggers of this skin disorder. The main cause of Melasma is still unknown.

Researchers believe that the excess melanin production is also responsible for the pigmentation

Melasma is commonly seen in women and people who have dark skin. Pregnancy is another cause for melasma breakout because hormones like progesterone and estrogens trigger this disorder. This is the main reason 90% of the melasma sufferers are females.

Malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, high exposure to UV radiation is also believed to promote Melasma. When these pigments get triggered because of pregnancy, they are very likely to fade away with time.

Using a sunscreen before stepping out in the sun will prevent the melanin concentration from the skin. So, it is advisable to apply sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. This will provide great protection from sun exposure.

Also read: Apple cider vinegar to Get Rid of Jock Itch

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Melasma?

Though there are quite a few natural remedies, chemical ointments, de-pigmenting agents, and medications to reduce the effects of Melasma, yet nothing has been proven to be as effective as ACV.

Apple cider vinegar has exceptional bleaching agents and nutritional value. It has a high concentration of vitamins and acts as a great moisturizer to improve the texture and elasticity of the skin.

This effective ingredient is very potent an acidic solution that shows great benefits on treats skin problems. Because of its powerful bleaching effects,

ACV is believed to cure hyperpigmentation and it is definitely less damaging than the cosmetic products and chemical agents.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Melasma?

While there is no guaranteed cure for treating melasma, you can effectively reduce skin pigmentation and the skin discoloration by using this ingredient.

Lightening the dark pigments and reducing the severity of melasma is a huge relief for women who dream to have smooth and clear skin.

Let’s dive in to discover various ways to use ACV to treat melasma.

#1 Apple Cider Vinegar as a Facial Toner

A large group of women in the western countries have been using Apple Cider Vinegar and seen a lightening of their pigmented skin.

The composition of acetic acid and other natural exfoliants in the apple cider vinegar works on the pigmented skin. It encourages cell renewal and restores skin healing properties as well.

How to use ACV as a facial toner:

  • Take a bowl and mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water.
  • Stir well and apply the mixture to a clean face with a cotton ball.
  • Allow the mixture to dry on your face.
  • When dried, wash off with lukewarm water and washcloth.
  • Apply your regular moisturizer.

You have to be patient to get the results. You’ll see the pigments getting lighter after three weeks of regular use.

#2 Apple Cider Vinegar Drink for Melasma

There are some women who have used ACV in their diet to cure melasma, and fortunately, the results were good enough to recommend it to all melasma sufferers.

Apple cider vinegar juice, when taken with a glass of water, makes melasma pigment fade away within a month. ACV doesn’t only treat melasma but also aids in digestion.

How to use ACV as a drink: Add one tablespoon of ACV juice to a glass of water and mix well. Drink this mixture twice a day to get effective results.

#3 Apple Cider Vinegar and Horseradish

Apple cider vinegar is known for its miraculous bleaching effects and excellent nutritional values. It has a high amount of vitamins that enhance the texture and elasticity of the skin.

ACV, when used with Horseradish, becomes twice as effective because Horseradish penetrates deep into the skin and improves its overall functioning.

Minerals and Vitamins housed in both these ingredients not only treat pigments but enhance the skin texture as well.

How to use ACV with Horseradish:

  • Crush two tablespoons of horseradish and add 2 tbsp. apple vinegar to it. Place both these ingredients in a bottle and leave it for two weeks.
  • Shake the bottle every day and apply the solution over the melasma pigment.
  • Regular use of this mixture will lighten the pigment and the marks will fade away eventually.

Related post: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Whitening?

#4 Apple Cider Vinegar, Glycerine, and Buttermilk

There are many ways you can use apple cider vinegar for melasma. To make it more effective and get a smooth skin, we recommend blending it with buttermilk and glycerine.

Both glycerine and buttermilk, when used in equal proportions, can give a smooth texture to your skin and make the pigment removal process faster.

Minerals in the buttermilk start working by opening the pores and improving its elasticity.

How to use ACV with Glycerine and Buttermilk:

  • Add one tsp. of glycerine and one tsp. of buttermilk to 4 tsp. of ACV.
  • Mix well, and apply the mixture evenly over the pigmented skin patches.
  • Allow it to dry for 15 minutes. Once dried, wash under running water and pat dry with a clean towel.
  • Moisturize your face if needed.

Experts recommend trying this method twice in a week.

#5 Apple Cider Vinegar with Lemon Juice

Apple cider vinegar, when used with Lemon Juice, is believed to be the best method of curing Melasma.

The acidic nature of both these ingredients along with vitamin C helps reduce the hyperpigmentation. These two ingredients when used together make skin lighter and brighter.

How to use ACR with Lemon Juice:

  • Extract lemon juice and mix it with two parts of ACV.
  • Apply the mixture on affected areas and rub it for a minute.
  • Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes.
  • Rinse off under running water.

#6 Apple Cider Vinegar with Turmeric

The most effective ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin, when mixed with ACV, works as an anti-oxidant to lighten the pigments.

Turmeric can also reduce the melanin concentration from the skin and thus help to get rid of melasma.

How to use ACV with turmeric:

  • Mix 5 tablespoon of turmeric with ACV.
  • Add gram flour to make a thick paste.
  • Apply this paste on the pigmented patches and allow it to dry for half an hour.
  • Rinse off under running water, pat dry with a towel and moisturize with your regular moisturizer.

#7 Apple Cider Vinegar with Beef Bone Broth

The Leaky gut can also be the main cause of Melasma. And ACV proves to be beneficial in this case as well. You can use ACV with the homemade bone broth. Bone broth has been proven to give relief from leaky gut, and it becomes twice as effective with ACV.

How to use ACV with bone broth:

  • Place 4 pounds of beef bones marrow with ¼ cup of ACV and 5 cups of cold water.
  • Bring it to boil over high heat, and then simmer for few hours. Discard solid remainder and filter the water contents.
  • Let stock cool and use within a week.
  • Consume this drink once a month to get rid of leaky gut and to keep the skin free from the dark patches.

Tips to Prevent and Control Melasma

Including these simple tips in your lifestyle and bringing about some changes in your diet can help a lot in preventing Melasma.

  • Wear Sunscreen to get protection against the sun
  • Stay Hydrated; drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day
  • Wear protective hats to provide extra protection to your facial skin
  • Use chemical free, mild skin care products
  • Have a balanced, healthy, and nutritious diet
  • Include high-quality proteins and fatty acids in your diet
  • Stay away from stress
  • Try stress-relieving methods such as yoga and meditation

So, now that you have learned the beneficial effects of ACV, make sure to use them as directed and get rid of ugly melasma spots and pigmentation.

Will you use apple cider vinegar for melasma? Let us know your recipe in comments.

Home remedies

How to Use Turmeric for Melasma – 7 DIY Ways (No.3 is Best)

Author ByMoin Nex

turmeric for melasma

Brown to grey patches on your face is one of the common signs of melasma. In this article, I’ll discuss different recipes of turmeric for melasma.

Turmeric is prominent spice, which is extensively used for culinary purposes. Packed with essential nutrients that your skin needs, turmeric powder has the ability to treat various skin disorders including hyperpigmentation.

Before jumping to its benefits, let’s look at causes of melasma.

Who Gets and What Causes Melasma?

According to American Academy of Dermatology, only 10 percent of people who’re affected with this skin disorder are men. So, this is most common in women and people with dark skin.

Melanocytes, which are responsible for your skin color, produce too much melanin resulting in grey to brown patches on your skin.

The mere cause of these unusual patches is unknown. However, hormonal change, sun exposure, and certain chemical filled creams may increase melasma condition.

Why Turmeric to Treat Melasma?

Curcumin is the active compound in this spice that exhibits antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Extensively used in cooking, internal consumption of turmeric powder can improve heart functioning, Alzheimer’s disease and other health related ailments.

  • Assorted nutrients in this spice are renowned to lighten the appearance of scars, dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation.
  • Curcumin is known to regulate melanin production and helps to reduce hyperpigmentation problem.
  • Topical application of turmeric helps to inhibit the growth of matrix metalloproteinase-2 which reduces collagen production.
  • Protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Antioxidant agents packed in this ingredient help to reduce oxidative stress fights free radicals and prevent wrinkles.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties housed in turmeric reduce inflammation triggered due to various chronic skin ailments.
  • Antibacterial ability residing in turmeric powder can restrain infectious germs and fast the healing process.
  • Chronic skin ailments like acne, eczema, and psoriasis can be reduced by anti-inflammatory property of turmeric powder.

How to Use Turmeric for Melasma?

To avail these enticing benefits, all you need to do is apply turmeric paste on the affected part of your skin and leave it to dry naturally.

Below listed are different recipes, pick the one that suits your skin type.

#1 Turmeric and Lemon

Lemon is known for its bleaching property. Topical application of this juice will help to reduce the appearance of brown patches.

Apart from that, it’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and skin tightening abilities can improve skin functioning.

  • Blend 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
  • Wash your face to cleanse impurities and pat dry with a cloth.
  • Apply the mask on your face in circular motion.
  • Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off.

Note: Excess use of lemon juice makes your skin sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen while going out.

#2 Turmeric, Almond Oil, and Gram Flour

Almond oil is packed with vitamins and minerals that exhibit SPF 5 to protect your skin from UV rays. Vitamin A, E, and B housed in the oil hydrates your skin and avoid premature aging wrinkles.

Gram flour is known to exfoliate your skin and remove impurities. Vitamins in this home available ingredient promote collagen production, lighten brown patches and make your skin firm.

  • Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon
  • Gram flour (chickpea flour) – 3 tablespoons
  • Almond oil – ½ teaspoon
  • Milk – ½ teaspoon
  • Cucumber juice

Mix all listed ingredients in a bowl. Also, add milk to obtain thick paste like consistency.

Cucumber juice works great to achieve radiant skin.

Apply the mixed mask on pre-washed face and leave it to dry naturally for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Note: Initial usage may not seem beneficial, but regular usage will reduce melasma patches.

#3 Turmeric, Egg White, and Red Sandal Powder

Assorted nutrients in egg white can remove impurities, dead cells and excess sebum on your skin. Packed with skin brightening properties, this ingredient is really beneficial to treat melasma.

Red sandalwood powder is also packed with exfoliating, antibacterial and skin lightening properties. Because of its alluring nutrients, cosmetic industries incorporated this innate ingredient to their products.

  • Take 1 egg white, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of almond oil and ½ tsp of turmeric powder.
  • Also, add ½ teaspoon of red sandalwood powder to above mixture.
  • Wash your face and pat dry with clean cloth.
  • Now, apply the mixed mask evenly on your face and rinse it off after 15-20 minutes.

#4 Turmeric and Butter Milk

Proteins and lactic acid present in buttermilk exhibit skin lightening properties. It also helps to cleanse dead cells, pollutants and excess oil from your skin.

Regular application of this home available ingredient can improve your skin complexion.

  • Mix a pinch of turmeric powder in 2 tablespoons of buttermilk.
  • Mix well and apply it over your face using your clean fingers.
  • Leave it to dry naturally and rinse it off with water after 15-20 minutes.

#5 Neem and Turmeric for Melasma

Nutrients in neem help to reduce scars and lighten the appearance of brown patches. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents are beneficial to make your skin supple.

  • Grind few fresh neem leaves with a ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to form a paste.
  • Apply the paste evenly and rinse it off with water after 15-20 minutes.
  • Repeat the process 2-3 times in a week.

#6 Castor Oil and Turmeric to Treat Melasma

Omega-3 fatty acids residing in castor oil promote healthy tissues and reduce pigmentation. It’s hydrating property helps to lock moisture in the skin.

Rinoleic acid housed in castor oil is known to reduce melasma. Assorted nutrients in this sticky oil help to restore your skin complexion.

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of castor oil with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
  • Apply this thick paste on pre-washed face and leave it to dry naturally.
  • Rinse it off with water after 15-20 minutes.

#7 Turmeric and Gram Flour

Gram flour or besan is an excellent cleansing ingredient. Apart from that, it can lighten the appearance of scars and brown patches.

  • Mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of gram flour and required an amount of yogurt.
  • Mix well till you obtain paste like consistency.
  • Apply the paste on pre-washed face and rinse it off with water.

Tips

  • Use sunscreen cream while going out in summer.
  • Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from inside.
  • Eat vitamin rich diet to provide essential nutrients to your skin.
  • Remove chemical included creams and makeup
  • Avoid stress, as it can trigger skin ailment.
  • Cover your face with wide-hat or cloth to protect from sunlight.
Melasma

How to Use Horseradish for Melasma – 3 DIY Recipes

Author ByMoin Nex

Excess sun exposure, cosmetic products, and hormonal changes are few common triggers of melasma. Read on to know to use horseradish for melasma.

Known for its pungent and spicy taste, horseradish is a herb used for treating numerous health ailments since ages.

Packed with exceptional nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, protein and iron, this herb is widely used with meat as a condiment.

Before you jump to its benefits, let me discuss few points about melasma.

Who Gets and What Causes Melasma?

This disorder is commonly seen in people with darker skin and in women. Only 10% of people with melasma are men.

The main cause of this skin disorder is unknown.

Researchers think that excess production of melanin is the main reason for this pigmentation.

UV rays, pregnancy, genetics, hormonal imbalance, birth control pills and reaction with beauty creams may trigger brown-grey spots.

If the pigments are triggered due to pregnancy, then American Academy of Dermatology states that they may fade with time. (Source)

If you have these brown spots for years, then use hydroquinone. But, if you want to try something free from chemical elements then there are many natural ways, one of them is listed below.

Also read: Is Castor Oil Good for Melasma?

Why Use Horseradish for Melasma?

Steroid creams prescribed by dermatologist works fine. My friend used them and all patches vanished in few months.

As ingredients in these creams can irritate sensitive skin and repeated use can strip moisture, most beauty lovers opt for natural remedies.

Innate remedies like horseradish penetrate deep into the skin and enhance its overall functioning. Vitamins and minerals housed in this herb not just treats ailments but improves your skin texture.

So, it’s two birds for one shot.

  • Ascorbic acid packed in this herb inhibits melanin production and reduces pigmentation.
  • Antioxidant activity exhibited by vitamin C thwart free radicals and avoids oxidation, which gradually reduces the appearance of pale pigmentation.
  • Bleaching property of horseradish help to reduce hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and melasma. (Source)
  • Regular application of this herb will peel off the skin by making it darker initially. So, no need to worry if you see brown spots getting darker.
  • Apart from this, horseradish can reduce birth marks, freckles, blemishes and make your skin radiant.

How to Use Horseradish for Melasma?

horseradish for melasma

There are many ways you can use this herb. To make it more effective and get an attractive skin blend other natural ingredients with it.

Below are few DIY recipes.

#1 Horseradish

Get the horseradish root and start rubbing it over the affected part. You can also slice and apply it over brown-grey melasma spots.

Nutrients in the herb start working by peeling the affected skin. Initially, you may notice the spots are changing dark. Don’t worry it’s a sign of improvement.

Experts recommend trying this herb once in a week and wait for the skin to peel.

#2 Apple Cider Vinegar and Horseradish

ACV also has exceptional nutritional value and bleaching agents. It’s moisturizing and higher concentration of vitamins improves the elasticity of the skin.

  • Crush ½ cup of horseradish and add a ½ liter of apple cider vinegar to it.
  • Place the ingredients in a bottle and cover it for 2 weeks, so that nutrients in both substances mix.
  • Shake the bottle daily and strain the mixture before topical application.
  • Apply the solution over the melasma spots after 2 weeks.

Instead of ACV you can use glycerin and buttermilk and let it settle for one night before applying it on the skin.

#3 Oatmeal, Horseradish, and Sour Cream

  • Mix powder of horseradish root, oatmeal powder with sour cream.
  • Topically apply the mask over the skin and leave it for 20 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • Beauty experts recommend using this mixture twice in a week.

You can also mix 1 cup of raw milk with grated horseradish and apply it over melasma.

Did you ever use horseradish for melasma? Share your views in comments.

Image source

Melasma

How to Use Olive Oil for Melasma

Author ByMoin Nex

We’re humans and we desire to have clear natural looking skin. In this article you’ll know how to use olive oil for melasma to recover glowing skin.

Dark or brown patches interfering your skin color on cheeks, nose, forehead and upper lip can be Melasma. Genetics, hormonal imbalance, cosmetics and UV rays are held responsible to trigger these brown patches.

These factors stimulate melanin growth resulting in dark spots.

Women are prone to get this skin disorder, while only 10% of people with melasma are men.

According to American Academy of Dermatology, these grey-brown patches fade naturally with time, if they are triggered due to pregnancy or birth controlled pills. Else you must use hydroquinone cream to fade them.

However, as cosmetic creams include chemical preservatives, people often prefer natural remedies.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Melasma

Since centuries extra virgin olive oil has been used for beauty. Cleopatra, who is prominent for her beauty used this oil.

Fatty acids, vitamin E, A and antioxidant activity of this innate ingredient can wipe impurities, dead cells and bring back the lost moisture.

  • Anti-inflammatory properties housed in this home remedy helps to maintain pH of the skin.
  • It also helps to decrease melanin production, thus reduce melasma.
  • Vitamin A and E residing in olive oil hydrates the skin with essential elements.
  • Assorted vitamins packed in this natural remedy can effectively fade wrinkles, tighten skin pores, reduce dark spots and treat chronic ailments.

How to Use Olive Oil to Treat Melasma?

olive-oil-for-melasma

Please don’t expect overnight results.

There are few creams that claim to give results within hours; however in the long run they harm your sensitive skin.

Natural remedies like olive oil, castor oil and grape seed oil aren’t associated with any side-effects.

Check how to use olive oil on the skin.

  1. Wash the face or skin with water to cleanse the impurities.
  2. You can use rose water to remove dead cells and pollutants.
  3. Take few drops of extra virgin olive oil in your palm and gently massage over melasma spots.
  4. Leave it to dry naturally.

Night is the best time to apply this wonderful oil.

Remove the oil from face by exposing the skin to steam and wipe using a clean cloth.

Lemon, honey and olive oil mixture is great for glowing skin.

Blend all ingredients in required quantity and apply it over face. Limit the use of lemon juice if you’ve dry or sensitive skin.

You can blend other natural remedies with olive oil for melasma. Share your favorite recipe in comments.

Image source

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