Herbal Remedies To Treat Melasma

Melasma

Melasma is a common skin disorder that causes brown or gray patches to appear on the skin, primarily on the face. It is a form of hyperpigmentation that occurs due to excessive secretion of melanin, resulting in irregular patches of skin discoloration that may be a result of melasma. Studies show that around 5 million people in the world have these problems. It’s also called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” when it occurs in pregnant women. If melasma appeared while you were pregnant, it may go away a few months after you have the baby. If melasma doesn't fade or bothers you, it can be treated. The condition is much more common in women than in men. But there is no need to worry; it is common, harmless, and some treatments may help you cure the condition.

In Ayurveda, melasma is known as ‘Neelika’ and it occurs due to an excess of Vata, Pitta, followed by Rakta Dosha. It is also associated with Manasika Nidanas (psychological etiological factors) such as anger, sorrow, and mental exertion. Ayurvedic scholars say that melasma is also correlated with other conditions of the skin like Vyanga (freckles). Sushruta Samhita describes how Vayu, provoked by anger and exertion, along with Pitta, reaches the face and abruptly produces circular, painless, small, and blackish patches. Ayurvedic treatments like external therapy, diet recommendations, lifestyle modifications, medicinal herbs, etc. help to cure melasma.

Types Of Melasma

Melasma is divided into three types:

• Epidermal

  Epidermal melasma is the most superficial, with an increase in the skin pigment called melanin in the epidermis (top layer of skin).

• Dermal

  In dermal melasma, there is increased skin pigment in the second deeper layer of the skin (the dermis).

• Mixed Melasma

  Mixed melasma is a combination of epidermal and dermal melasma.

Melasma is divided into three types, epidermal, dermal, and mixed melasma.

Symptoms Of Melasma

Common signs of melasma are brown or gray-brown patches on the face. These patches most commonly appear on the face. The most common areas for melasma to appear on the face include:

• The bridge of the nose.
• The forehead.
• The cheeks.
• The upper lip.

Melasma may also appear on other areas of the body, such as

• The forearms.
• The neck.
• The shoulders.

Causes Of Melasma

Common melasma triggers include:

• Sun exposure

  Ultraviolet light from the sun stimulates the melanocytes. It leads to melasma.

• A change in hormones

  Pregnant women often get melasma due to hormonal imbalances. Birth control pills and hormone replacement medicine also can trigger melasma.

• Skincare products

  If a product irritates your skin, melasma can worsen.

Ayurvedic Treatments For Melasma

As per Ayurveda general lines of treatment include:

• Nidana Parivargana

  Nidana means cause and Parivarjana means removal or eradication In Ayurveda, Nidana Parivarjana or “avoiding the cause” is considered as the first line of treatment in most diseases. That means stopping the factors that lead to the condition.

• Siravyadha

  Siravyadha is a procedure of bloodletting by puncturing. This procedure is carried out to eliminate local toxic substances from the blood. Skin disorders are mostly linked with vitiated blood and Tridosha imbalance.

• Prelepa

  Here external applications with creams ointment and herbal paste are also used.

• Abhyanga

  Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic way of oil massage with Marma therapy. In this procedure, herb-infused Ayurvedic oils are slowly warmed up and gently massaged into the skin. It is very effective for many skin problems including melasma.

• Nasya Karma

  The therapy involves the administration of medicated herbs through the nasal passage. These herbs are used in the form of oil, ghee, powder, liquid, and smoke. It aims to pacify the aggravated doshas.

• Rakta Shodaka

  It is a blood purifying therapy that removes toxins from the blood and helps in curing skin diseases.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach that aims to pacify all the dosha caused by melasma.The mainAyurvdic therapies to cure the condition are Nidana parivargana, Siravyadha, Pralepa, Abhyanga, Nasya Karma and Rakta Shodaka.

Diet Recommendations

Below mentioned are some of the foods that help to remove melasma and some foods that worsen the condition.

Foods to be taken

• Eat foods that contain vitamin C and E. These vitamins are found in foods such as citrus fruits, kiwis, nuts, almonds, brightly colored vegetables, and fish.
• Drinking a glass of orange juice in the morning could be a great defense against the spread of this skin condition.
• Folic acid deficiency may lead to melisma. Foods that are high in folic acid include citrus fruits, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.
• Fruits like oranges, apples, and grapefruit, and vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts should be taken. The fiber included foods should also be taken to prevent the formation of excess estrogen.
• These antioxidant nutrients help repair sun damage to the skin that can cause melasma.

Foods to be avoided

• Foods high in sugar, gluten, and yeast.
• Tamarind, spicy, salty foods and drinks, brinjal, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
• Avoid oily, spicy, hot, roasted food.
• Avoid junk food and cold drinks.
• Avoid all types of food which impair Rakta, Pitta, and Kapha.

Lifestyle Changes

• Practice yoga and exercise regularly. Regular exercise of any aerobic activity, like walking, cycling, or jogging, can be helpful.
• Yoga poses that help in fighting these dark spots include Surya Namaskar, Bhujangasana, or cobra pose, and Sarvangasana, or shoulder stand.

Home Remedies To Cure Melasma

Melasma is an issue related to skin pigmentation. Try the following home remedies to cure the condition:

• Apply fresh aloe vera pulp with a pinch of turmeric.
• Make a thick paste of turmeric with milk and apply it to the affected area. Wash it off when it is about to dry.
• Avoid the use of hormonal pills.
• Use curds like a cleansing cream. The lactic acid in curds lightens your skin.
• Use sunscreen lotion before stepping out.
• Strictly avoid the fall of sun rays on your face by using an umbrella or wide-brimmed hat.
• Make a face pack using besan, turmeric, milk, and a few drops of lemon juice.
• Massage honey and almond paste regularly on the affected area.
• Drinking plenty of water can keep the body hydrated and get rid of melasma.
• Lemon juice contains high amounts of vitamin C, which can inhibit tyrosinase enzymes and thus control melanin production. The acidic nature of lemon juice can help in peeling the outer layer of the skin.

Self-Care And Preventive Measures

Some of the preventive measures that help to control melasma are:

• Always wear sunscreen to protect your face.
• Always wear full-length clothing and use wide-brimmed hats to cover your face.
• You can also wear cotton gloves to protect your hands.
• Void tanning can be harmful to the skin.
• Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, tai-chi, and aromatherapy to help manage your stress.
• Daily exercise can help flush out toxins from the body and also help balance the mind, keeping stress levels at bay.
• Keep your skin clean using a mild cleanser twice a day.
• Moisturizing your skin is essential to restoring the lipid barrier and protecting it from damage.
• Avoid using chemicals on the skin that can worsen melasma.
• Avoid waxing on melasma spots, which can aggravate the condition.
• Increase your intake of antioxidant-rich foods. These include berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.

Herbal Remedies For Melasma

The Ayurvedic herbs that help to cure melasma are:

• Cinnamon

  Cinnamon has anti-fungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that make it the perfect solution for acne-free skin. It dries out the skin by supporting enhanced blood flow. Mix honey with cinnamon powder in the ratio of 3:1. Apply the paste to your skin, and leave it overnight. Wash it off in the morning. The result will be amazing.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it an appealing treatment option for a variety of skin conditions.

• Manjistha

  Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, Manjistha helps in the management of various skin diseases like acne, infections, wounds, etc.

• Chandana

  Chandana or Sandalwood helps nourish the skin, improve the elasticity of skin cells, even out skin tone. Because of these qualities, it can be beneficial in reducing the appearance of scars.

• Daruharidra

  It is also known as Indian beriberi. The plant is useful as an antipyretic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and antilipidemic agent. So it treats melasma effectively.

• Amla

  It contains vitamin C, which helps cure melasma. Amla juice can keep all your skin-related problems at bay, including acne, dark spots, and wrinkles.

Ayurvedic herbs that are widely used for the treatment of melasma include cinnamon, turmeric, Manjistha, Daruharidra, Chandana, and amla.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned information related to melasma is taken from various Ayurvedic resources. Always take the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before starting herbs and herbal medicines for treatment.