There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse.

What deficiency causes melasma?

Vitamin B12 for Melasma

A severe deficiency of vitamin B12 is called pernicious anemia, a condition associated with hyperpigmentation of the skin - especially in patients with darker skin tones. For this reason, some people believe that a deficiency of vitamin B12 might cause melasma.

How can I permanently cure melasma?

Doctors often use hydroquinone as the first line of treatment for melasma. Hydroquinone is available as a lotion, cream, or gel. It works by lightening the color of the skin patches. A person can apply the hydroquinone product directly to the patches of skin that are discolored or uneven.

Which vitamin is good for melasma?

Conclusions: Full-face iontophoresis of vitamin C appears to be an effective short-term treatment for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. A protocol of strict sun avoidance in combination with a mandelic/malic acid skin care regimen appears to be useful in maintaining the improvement.

What foods make melasma worse?

Some foods contain chemical hormones that can aggravate hormone-triggered hyperpigmentation. Examples of foods that contain potentially hyperpigmentation-causing hormones are soy products, black beans, flaxseed and chickpeas, all of which contain estrogen.

Can Progesterone & Vitamin D deficiency cause Melasma? - Dr. Rasya Dixit

Does drinking water help melasma?

Drink enough water

The benefits of staying hydrated are too many. Pooja suggests drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily to fight pigmentation effectively.

Which fruit is best for melasma?

Eat foods that contain vitamin C and E. These antioxidant nutrients help repair sun damage to the skin that can cause melasma. These vitamins are found in foods such as citrus fruits, kiwis, nuts, almonds, brightly colored vegetables and in fish.

Which hormone is responsible for melasma?

Melasma is often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is common in: Pregnant women. Women taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives)

How I cured my melasma naturally?

Lemon juice. The idea behind lemon juice to treat melasma is similar to that of apple cider vinegar. Many sites recommend rubbing the dark patches of skin with lemon juice and leaving it to dry before rinsing with water. Lemon juice is thought to lighten the skin because it is a bleaching agent.

How do you stop melasma from spreading?

The most effective treatment for melasma combines three prescription-strength medications into one easy-to-use cream. The key to preventing the worsening or recurrence of melasma is consistency: use your treatment as prescribed, and protect your skin from the sun even on cloudy days.

Can lemon remove melasma?

Lemon juice is acidic in nature which helps in removing the outer layer of the skin, thereby eliminating the layer of the hyper pigmented skin. You can apply lemon juice on the melasma spots and gently rub it for two to three minutes everyday. You can use this remedy twice for three weeks.

Is turmeric Good for melasma?

In general, home remedies aren't incredibly effective at improving melasma. A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma.

How can I reduce melanin production?

To further limit how much melanin your skin makes, you should also:

1. limit your sun exposure.
2. stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
3. wear protective clothing, such as sunglasses, long sleeves, and hats.
4. avoid tanning beds.

Which food Reduce melasma?

Vitamins for melasma treatment, in general, are a must.
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Just a few examples of liver-friendly foods/drinks include:

• Water and green tea.
• Cabbage, avocados, tomatoes.
• Leafy greens, such as spinach.
• Garlic.
• Lemons.
• Walnuts.
• Reduced sugar, alcohol and processed foods.

Is melasma linked to liver?

Risk Factors for Developing Melasma

Malnutrition may be a contributing factors because melasma is often found in people with abnormal liver function and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Does lack of vitamin D cause melasma?

So far, the research hints at a correlation between melasma and vitamin D deficiency, but research has yet to conclude that the vitamin D deficiency causes melasma. Excess sun exposure does seem to play a role.

Is tomato good for melasma?

Tomato paste is especially helpful in treating melasma caused by sun exposure. Lycopene, a primary compound found in tomatoes, is known to protect the skin from short term and long term photodamage caused by UV exposure.

Does Vitamin E help melasma?

Called melasma, this condition is believed to be treatable through the use of topical vitamin E. Studies show that hyperpigmentation may be only moderately affected by using topical vitamin E oil. The most effective way to use vitamin E to treat hyperpigmentation is to pair it with vitamin C.

Is Potato good for melasma?

Some proponents claim that potatoes can help lighten dark spots related to skin freckles, sunspots, and melasma due to a skin-bleaching enzyme called catecholase. In these so-called remedies, raw pieces of potato are blended with other acidic ingredients like yogurt and lemon juice to create a lightening face mask.

How can I balance my hormones for pigmentation?

Medication with hydroquinone and retinoic acid are used to treat hyperpigmentation. It may take a few months to lighten the dark spots. Laser therapy is also used to treat hyperpigmentation. Homecare remedies and use of sunscreen are also helpful.

Can low thyroid cause melasma?

Does Thyroid Disease Cause Melasma? Hormonal changes that occur with thyroid disease could trigger melasma in some people. If you are being treated for thyroid disease or if you suspect that you might have it, you should see a doctor for proper care to lighten melasma.

Does sugar cause melasma?

Hormones and Pigmentation

Insulin resistance, uneven heat distribution and high levels of proteins combined with high levels of unmetabolized sugars create a darkening of the skin that results in a stain-like condition called melasma.

Is Aloe Vera good for melasma?

A 2017 study on pregnant women with melasma found using a topical, liposome-encapsulated aloe vera preparation significantly improved their melasma.

Does diet affect melasma?

And yes, your diet and lifestyle is completely connected to melasma and hyperpigmentation. For some of you, your diet might actually be what's triggering the dark patches, or preventing it from fading.

What fades melasma?

Sun protection can help fade melasma and prevent it from returning. If you're tempted to skip the sunscreen because it leaves a white cast on your skin, consider using a tinted sunscreen. Medication and procedures: Your dermatologist may prescribe a medication that can decrease the excess pigment in your skin.