[NEW UPDATE 12 September 2007: This post has been updated to include information on Drug-related Hyperpigmentation]
This page has gotten rather long as I continue to add more information, so I’ve made some shortcuts to the major sections to make it a little easier to read.
<1> What causes Melasma?
<2> Common Causes of Hormone Imbalances
<3> The subject of Estrogen Dominance
<4> Warning on Soy
<5> Drug-related Hyperpigmentation
<6> Supplements to consider when treating Melasma
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition where brown pigmentation forms on the cheeks, around the eyes, on the forehead, or above the lip.
While anyone from light-skinned redheads to dusky brunettes can develop it, it is more common among darker skin types and people who have the ability to tan easily like South Asians, Hispanics, and Italians. It also affects both men and women.
It is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of melasma as it varies from person to person. Below are some of the known causes:
- - Changes in hormone levels
- - Waxing of facial hair
- - Allergic reactions and inflammations from skincare products
- - Excessive sun exposure and tanning
- - Drug interactions
If you are looking to clear your melasma, the first step is to pinpoint the cause. Once you figure out the cause, you can find the appropriate ways to tackle the problem at the root.
The best person to answer this is your doctor (who can test your levels of estrogen and progesterone) and you (since you can trace back to when your melasma started and what you did before).
For now at least, I will focus on the most common cause of melasma - hormone imbalances.
Common Causes of Hormone Imbalances
Introduction
Hormonal changes due to pregnancy is perhaps the most common cause (in fact, melasma is sometimes referred to as the pregnancy mask).
However, you don’t need to be pregnant to have your hormone levels be out of whack these days. Unfortunately, we are bombarded by chemicals, pesticides, and food additives that can easily have the same effect on our hormones. These compounds are called xenoestrogens.
Apart from pregnancy, melasma due to hormone changes can be due to causes like:
- - Illness (e.g. thyroid imbalance)
- - Taking birth control pills (Read user accounts which ties specific brands to their melasma)
- - Excessive copper levels in the body (copper is closely related to the metabolism of the estrogen hormone)
It is interesting to note that the third cause - an excess of copper - can also be related to pregnancy. Copper levels are usually elevated in pregnant women as the mineral is needed to form new blood cells for the foetus.
If you are on a vegetarian diet, it is likely that your copper levels are also elevated because of the type of proteins you ingest.
Hormone Imbalances or Estrogen Dominance - Added 8 July 2007
The subject of estrogen dominance is a tricky one.
If you have time to spare, I suggest reading up on the information found on this page. The page describes estrogen dominance at length and will be useful for anyone seeking more in-depth knowledge on the matter. It also discusses several methods to detoxify your body of excess estrogens.
Also read Jane’s story, which is a case study of a woman that has struggled with the issue all her life. What struck me was that at one part of her tale, she describes that “hyper-pigmentation would appear on her face whenever she had her periods”. Although melasma is never mentioned in these pages specifically, Jane’s comment is no doubt too similar to the condition related to melasma to ignore.
I’ve summarised several significant points from the page below (full version here):
1) For optimum health, the progesterone to estrogen ratio should be between 200 - 300 : 1.
2) Stress increases your estrogen levels. Progesterone is necessary to counter estrogen levels lest they become too high. Among the things that reduces your progesterone output is stress.
3) Countries with higher obesity rates tend to show more incidence of estrogen dominance in the population. All body fat has an enzyme which converts adrenal steroids to estrogen, so the more fat you have, the more estrogen is present. However, plants contain over 5,000 known sterols that have progestogenic effects (counteracts estrogen), so a switch to a healthier, more plant-based diet will help lower estrogen levels.
4) Taking drugs and alcohol may contribute to higher estrogen levels as these impair the liver which is the main organ that breaks down the estrogen hormone. This also means that taking herbs/supplements that aid in liver function will detoxify the body of too much estrogen. A sterling example is milk thistle (silybum marianum), which has been proven to fortify the liver. The dosage for milk thistle is 70 to 200 mg one to three times a day.
5) Vitamin B6 and magnesium are needed to neutralize estrogen in the liver. Thus, a deficiency may increase the levels of estrogen in the body. It also becomes something of a self-perpetuating cycle, as too much estrogen leads to a deficiency of zinc, magnesium and the B vitamins.
6) When eaten, the hormones, drugs, and antibiotics fed to cattle and poultry can wreck havoc to estrogen levels. Fish are far superior to beef or chicken in terms of hormone load.
7) Women who drank four to five cups of coffee daily had nearly 70% more estrogen than women who consume less than one cup of coffee. Tea is not much better. (And for that matter, neither are soft drinks with caffeine in them like Red Bull or Mountain Dew.)
——————
Warning on Soy - Added 9 July 2007
As I did more research on the subject of estrogen imbalances, more things kept coming up.
Most notable and perhaps most worryingly, is the effects of soy on hormone levels.
Soy alters hormone levels two ways.
1) Soy blocks the absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc in the intestines. These minerals are neccessary for healthy hormone levels.
2) Soy has high amounts of phytoestrogens. These are chemicals produced by plants that act like estrogens in the human body.
It is false to assume that taking large amounts of soy is healthy and good for you as “Asians eat soy as a staple” - this is what soy manufacturers want you to believe. Rice is a staple there, not soy. In Asia, soy is used mostly as a condiment (soy sauce is popular in cooking and has many forms in Asia).
Other popular soy products in Japan and South East Asia are miso and tempeh. However, these are heavily fermented forms of soy, which are safe and do not block the minerals necessary for healthy hormone levels.
I wouldn’t say that soy is evil, but anything in excess is bound to be bad for you. Thus, if soy is in your diet, take it in moderation only.
——————
Warning on Drug-related Hyperpigmentation (Oral Antibiotics, Anti-Depressants) - Added 12 September 2007
Prolonged use of some drugs have been proven to cause hyperpigmentation on some people.
Because of its prevalence and widespread use, the most common culprits are oral antibiotics like minocycline (usually used to treat acne and pemphigus), tetracycline, and doxycycline.
The antidepressant imipramine, the heart medication amiodarone (to treat arrhythmias), bleomycin and cyclophosphamide (cancer drugs) have also been proven to cause hyperpigmentation in some users.
The list goes on to include chlorpromazine (an anti-psychotic) and phenytoin (for epilepsy).
Drug-related hyperpigmentation can occur both externally on the skin, teeth, and gums, as well as internally on the organs and bones.
On the skin, dark patches may occur on the face, arms, and legs, among other areas. Often, drug-induced hyperpigmentation is made worse by prolonged exposure to the sun.
Hyperpigmentation on the skin caused by the acne medication minocycline may start occuring from as early as one month to as late as 25 months. For further reading on this drug and the studies conducted, click here.
[On a separate note, candida is also a side effect of taking oral antibiotics like minocycline regularly. If you have candida, you should consider taking yogurt to heal yourself. ]
The good news is that drug-related hyperpigmentation will often improve after some time once the person stops taking the medication.
Three Essential Tips before you do anything else
Firstly, be prepared that the road to righting your hormone imbalance is a process that may take several months.
Secondly, be encouraged that while melasma is a difficult condition to live with, you are not alone. Find a friendly forum and other people with melasma to share your thoughts, questions, support and progress with. Look at this comment for forums and discussion threads.
Thirdly, be gentle. If you have melasma, the chances are high that aggravating your skin with harsh chemicals and scrubbing will only darken the melasma. For some, melasma even darkens from external heat, such as a hot bath or using a hair curler or dryer.
Important supplements to right hormone imbalances that cause melasma:
- 1. MSM (read more about this supplement here)
- 2. Vitamin C
- 3. CoQ10
- 4. Zinc
- 5. Lactobacillus acidophilus
- 6. Calcium D-Glucarate
Why do these supplements help?
Both Zinc and Vitamin C help lower copper levels, while MSM increases the permeability of cells allowing the copper to easily move out of the body as waste, while CoQ10 helps in more rapid cell turnover.
The liver breaks down estrogen and sends it to the intestines to be eliminated, but once there, bad bacteria can re-convert it back to estrogen. L. acidophilus helps prevent this from happening by competing with the estrogen-forming bad bacteria. You can take L. acidophilus in capsule form or naturally through foods like kefir and yoghurt.
In the same vein, calcium D-glucarate inhibits beta-glucuronidase formation in the gut. Beta-glucuronidase is a “bad enzyme” which promotes estrogen reabsorption. Calcium D-glucarate is found in fruits like oranges, apples, and grapefruit and vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts. Its also available as a supplement.
In relation to this, also avoid taking oral antibiotics on a regular basis. Antibiotics kills many types of good bacteria in the intestines and actually helps bad bacteria to thrive, which raises estrogen re-absorption in the body.
Eating more fiber also helps your body get rid of excess estrogen. Adding fiber through cereals or supplements shortens the transit time of your bowel movements. Shorter transit times means less estrogen is reabsorbed on its way out.
[…] here for a longer guide to melasma and treating hormone imbalances that causes it. ” /> Topics: Skin supplements, Skin detox, Melasma, Scar reduction Read […]
where can i find msm? what topical cremes and facial peelings brands should i try?
i have melasma caused by pregnancy. My baby is 10 months, i stopped breastfeeding a month ago!
julia
Hi Julia - I get my MSM from the pharmacy. Its fairly common so you should be able to find a few brands of them in any pharmacy or health food store.
Try to look for “capsules”, the pills can be harder to swallow. It also comes in powder form that you mix in with drinks.
About topical creams, I would suggest first finding out what type of melasma you have (is it dermal or epidermal?). Dermal melasma means the hyperpigmentation is deeper in the skin while epidermal is milder. If you have epidermal melasma, its generally responds better to topical lighteners like mandelic acid, kojic acid and lactic acid. I personally have used hydroquinone and do not recommend it - results with HQ vary and the melasma can lighten initially then rebound (get darker) if you stop using it.
If you find that you have dermal melasma, it might be better to focus on correcting things internally with MSM because topical creams might not have much effect.
Also go slow on your skin when trying topicals so as not to aggravate the melasma more, and finally find a good sunscreen (use it religously!).
I hope this helps!
I have had melasme for 15 years, due to birth control pills. My melasma gets darker in the summer and fades in the winter. I have tried every suncreen reccommended by my doctor yet it did not help as much as I hoped it would. I use Coppertone water babies on my daughter and noticed that it protected her so well that she hardly even tanned. So, I tried using it on my face this summer and my melasma is still as faded as it was all winter. I love it! Try it for yourself.
Hi Becky, thanks for the recommend. I find it impossible to find a good sunscreen too (sometimes i wonder if its even working!!!)
Thanks for the information on melasma
1. Any success with Pynogenol?
2. I had my blood tests and my DHEA was low. My progesterone was slightly lower than my estrogen. Doc recommended taking progesterone before my peroiod but I am afraid to make melasma worse. Should the hormone levels be evenly balanced?
3. MSM- Can I get this at the Vitamin shop? or GNC?
4. I will try coppertone for bablies any other good sunscreens?
5. What dose of MSM?
Another comment
My melasma started after taking the birth control pill but I don’t take it anymore but the melasma comes out as soon as I have any exposure to the sun.
Cortisol was extremely high
Hi Ellen, I have recently updated the article on melasma. I mentioned the hormone ratio now, it shouldn’t be 50:50 or evenly balanced.
I noticed that pycnogenol (which is a powerful antioxidant) is mentioned in the page I recommended as a method to remove excess estrogen from the body. You might be on to something here, but I can’t attest to the efficacy personally as I’ve never tried it.
3. MSM- Can I get this at the Vitamin shop? or GNC?
Yes, you should be able to find it in both shops.
4. I will try coppertone for bablies any other good sunscreens? If you can find something with zinc oxide in it, that would be better. However, most sunscreens use titanium dioxide.
5. What dose of MSM? For melasma, the recommended dosage is quite high (8gms and upwards). But start slow with 1 or 2 gms a day because your body will go through an uncomfortable purging process in the beginning. Refer to my post on msm for more.
Thanks Samantha! It is amazing because I am 35 and I just went to an anti aging doctor and we talked about bioidentical hormones, balancing, my estrogen and progesterone, taking vitamin supplements.
Since I am no longer on the birth control pill but still have terrible melasma, I thought maybe the imbalance was causing the condition???
I am now taking progesterone on menstrual day 14-25 ( not sure if I will be even) Estrogen is 360 and unsure progesterone. But I will ask my doctor and I will let you know if it gets better.
Is there any vitamin brand that you like? I bought Solgar, I heard New Chapter and Life Extentions was good.
Hi Ellen, if you have trawled the skin forums you’ll find a lot of similar cases to yours (women who have stopped bcps for some time, but their melasma persisted for years). Its not clear why hormone levels don’t right themselves when birth control pills are stopped. In any case, I think you’re doing all the right things - checking your hormone levels will also keep track of your progress and let you know what works and what doesn’t.
Btw, if you’re taking progesterone, you might want to make sure its natural and not synthetic progesterone (also called progestin). (The problem with some birth control pills is that the progresterone in them is synthetic, and thus ineffective in countering the estrogen).
On that topic, there was a study that found “progesterone is ineffective when given orally”. I’m not sure how true this is but if you find no progress in hormone levels with the progesterone supplement your doctor recommended, you could try a progesterone cream that’s applied topically on your skin instead. It might be better absorbed this way since it won’t bypass your digestive system.
Btw, I’m really glad you find the article useful. It makes me feel happy that I’m helping someone out there
Oh and to answer your last q, I don’t favor one brand over the other. I use NOW MSM these days because I can get it in bulk at a nice price and comes in a capsule (not a pill) which is just my personal preference. But if you can, try looking for a brand with the optimsm or lignisul logo on it because its supposed to be of better quality.
I’ve never tried those brands you mentioned, but if the MSM is working you should feel the purging effect relatively quickly (anything from headaches, to feeling feverish, and more frequent trips to the bathroom. )
I am so glad to have other eople to speak with regarding melasma.
I am getting headaches . I didn’t know why? Why does the MSM cause headaches? What are your results with the and MSM and Melasmsa and how long did it take to see results?
I am taking natural( bioidentical) progesterone hormones day 14-25. You are right the doctor stated sinthetic hormones has bad side effects.
What food has copper? or any I should avoid? THANK YOU!
I am trying to get tinted windows on my car but in PA it is tough.
Again THANK YOU!
Sorry for all the questions, I just figured out how to access the post!
My estrogen level is 360 and my progesterone is 13. Not sure what that means . I feel estrogen dominance because my PMS is worse. I am taking 50mg of natural progesterone days 14-25.
In looking at the blood work what do I look for to determine I have too much estrrogen?
Hi Ellen, your headaches should go away over time. You can lower your dose to just 1 gm per day if it gets too uncomfortable. If you find that they persist after one week with the lower dose, pls stop taking MSM. I’ve not heard of allergies to MSM before but anything is possible, so pls monitor your pain and take care of yourself.
MSM causes headaches because your cells will suddenly become much more permeable, which means that waste matter will more easily be released. This sudden release of toxins is what leads to feelings of uncomfortableness in the beginning, including headaches and falling ill.
But good things also happen as cells become more permeable, nutrients and oxygen can more easily enter the cell walls as well.
When I took MSM the first time, I didn’t have headaches, but I started out at 1gram/day because I was chicken. My main reaction was going to the toilet more.
I also had a lot more energy suddenly and waking up in the morning, I didn’t feel as drained as I normally would.
p.s: tinted car windows is a great idea
Ellen, high copper foods to avoid are dark chocolate, shellfish, meat organs - like liver in particular, nuts, peas, and whole wheat. There are many foods that contain copper but these are the ones with the most.
Abt your results, I’m not a doctor so I was a bit stumped by your ratio. It looks very high that at first I wondered if you had mixed up estrogen with progesterone.
progesterone : estrogen
13: 360
1:28 <—your ratio
200 : 1 <—healthy level
Hello, I wanted to share a skincare product that has changed my life (no, I am not getting paid by them, I just know how upsetting melasma is). I went for my botox tx and the consultant noticed my skin (always upsets me), anyway she recommended a laser tx (way too costly) and when I told her I could not afford she reommended OBAGI-C RX system. To buy from her it was $350.00 for the six piece kit. I went on the internet and found it for $280.00 @ skincaremd.com. There are a lot of sites to buy the products, but I bought the kit. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this. My melasma was bad on my cheeks, and I had to be VERY careful in the sun because it would darken. My pores were big around my nose and my skin just looked horrible. I noticed a HUGE difference after 2 days kid you not. First thing was the area near my nose where my pores where big began to flake and after a few days of that the large pores where gone. I am about one month into using it and my skin looks amazing. Spots GONE!!!!!! It actually glows and now in the morning, instead of spend soo much time w/make up and trying to hide my skin, I literaly take a dab of foundation and that is all I need. I wish you all the best and hope this info helps. It is WORTH every penny (think of the money you will save in makeup and products alone!!)
I have heard of Obagi however, I am a pharmaceutical rep so I am in the car all day. (exposure to the sun) How sensitive is your skin to the sun with Obagi? and what sunsccreen do you use?
I need something. My melasma is so upsetting. I am taking the MSM which I feel hopeful.
Lastly, what are some the skin forums? I am always looking for treatments with melasma.
Hi Ellen, this place is a good, pretty active forum just for women (and men) with melasma.
Also, essentialdayspa has some good threads on melasma, I’ve listed a few below. But pls read them thoroughly and decide whether the options are right for you. For example, some people have had their melasma darken further because of cosmelan.
1) pregnacy Mask Melasma
2) Getting rid of Melasma or hyperpigmentation
3) Treatment for hyperpigmentation
4) Help with Melasma
Hi Samantha,
Thank you! I definitely will take it slow. I feel good on the MSM even after a couple of days so I may increase the dose. Right now I am using the sunscreen and not sure what cream I will try. I had the same experirience with Hydroquinone. It really didn’t help me. Do you have any thoughts on the Obagi or any cream that you felt really helped?
My lip is fading slightly but I have also stayed out of the sun. I wonder why the lip fades first for most people.
Hi Ellen - I haven’t tried Obagi myself. It doesn’t have HQ in it which is good. On the other hand, Vitamin C is normally very unstable. Exposure to heat and light will make it ineffective.
Its possible that Obagi managed to find a way to stabilise it with other derivatives (though if I were you I would seek out more user reviews online first before buying it).
Anyway its good to hear that you’re feeling better with the MSM and abt your lip fading
I am so happy to have found this site. I am 30 years old and started noticing a dark area above my upper lip about 1-2 years ago. I had heard of pregnancy mask and because I have 3 children (youngest is 2), I contributed it to that. I since have had a quarter size brown spot develop on one side of my cheek and a slightly smaller one on the other side. These have developed over the last 8 months. I do not use birth control anymore, but did use the pill for nearly 15 years (aside from my 4 pregnancies..miscarried in January) I have also spent my whole life in the sun. I am blessed with great skin tone and never burned so I never wore sunscreen before now. Can anyone tell me that If I start taking precaution (sunscreen, no more b.c. pills), can I expect that I will not get any more melasma? I also read that apple cider vinegar can help and I have been trying it for about a month. My friend and husband who have been monitoring it with me can see a difference. I do too! I also use the Neutrogena Even Skin Care wash, mask and lotion. It’s an inexpensive line that is supposed to even out “dark spots”. I have started using babies’ spf 60 everyday. I will start taking MSM and use C serum. I do not like the idea of peels and because I have naturally tan skin (bi-racial), I’ve heard that peels and many prescriptions can worsen the problem for medium-darker skin. My worse part is my upper lip. Is there anyone out there that has medium-tan -darker skin tone that has found an inexpensive treatment for this? Does it really get better over time after kids/ no more b.c.? Thanks for all the great info!
Hi Kim, congrats on your success with apple cider vinegar. & thanks for sharing the tip here. I wrote a post on ACV a while ago though I was recommending it for age spots then. How do you apply yours? Pls let us know if you have a different method.
And I do hope that your melasma fades after you stop BCPs, but theres no way of knowing until you try it. I wish you all the best.
Its true that peels can be a risk to darker skin types, so I’m happy to hear that you’re taking it slow.
I experienced my first melasma (mustache, yikes) from bcp and lots of sun due to increased jogging 12 years ago. I went to the derm. and was treated with Azelex….it worked and I was melasma free for quite a while and never went back to bcp’s. Fast forward to my first pregnancy 9 or 10 years later. I experienced a growing patch on my forehead because I nursed my first and second child, never saw the melasma abate, but expand. I associate the melasma with the added estrogen from two babies and extended nursing. Right when my daughter should have weaned, my son was born, so until this week I’ve been nursing for the last 4.5 years (my son just weaned himself, thank god!)
Anyway, a more natural-minded doctor told me that the synthetic chemicals/hormones from bcp are never processed out of your body. Since they are synthetic the body can’t really process them, so it just stores them. Does this sound right to you? Also, if this IS true it could be the reason melasma persists even after bcp are discontinued. I suppose digging up some research could tell us definitively if bcps are processed out or stored.
thanks for your time and information.
also, as an addition to the above, has anyone had success doing a fasting cleanse to get rid of melasma? Maybe a powerful whole body cleanse/detox would allow our systems to release whatever is hanging around and causing the melasma.
Vicki and Samantha,
You may have something there because I have never been pregnant. I took the bcp pill over 3 years ago. I still get melasma on my cheeks and forehead every summer. MSM which we talked about earlier has the same effect as a detox but I think a full detox might be something to try. I am taking the MSM for 2 weeks and no change. Smantha what do you think?
Ellen
Hi Vicki and Ellen,
You brought up an interesting point, I’ve not thought of that.
I’ve checked and its true that synthetic progesterone (progestin) is more powerful and has a longer “half-life” than natural progesterone, but it doesn’t seem to be longer than one day. Here’s a chart of the “half-lives” of some progestin bcps, with the bottom numbers being hours.
I couldn’t find any reference that traces of progestins might remain in the body forever though. Its a disturbing thought, but its possible. Some toxins like mercury can remain in the body for decades. If its a similar case for bcp traces, then the idea of doing a detox/liver cleanse might makes sense.
p.s: the “half-life” of something refers to approx time needed for a foreign substance to lose 1/2 of its potency naturally, without any help from the person (e.g. being expelled through bowel movements or sweating).
p.p.s: Ellen, 2 weeks is really too short a time to decide if MSM is ineffective for your skin or not. Skin renews itself only every 28 days or so (slow, I know!). This means that your top layer will look the same until it sloughs off to show your newer cells underneath. I’d encourage you to give it a minimum of a couple of months at least, just because of this alone.
Thank-You for having all this interesting information! I’ve been on Thyroid medication for 14 years and have melasma for approx.10years. I’d like to start using the MSM w/vit.C. Do you know if it’s ok to take daily vits. along with this and my Thyroid medication? Also, what is CO Q10?
Hi Toni
Thanks for joining us!
Its safe to take MSM with thyroid medication as its a natural substance found in food. In fact, taking MSM will make your thyroid medication and other vitamins become more effective because MSM makes cell walls more permeable.
Like MSM, CoQ10 is also naturally found in food, plus our body even makes its own CoQ10! Its what powers our cells and generates energy for everything our body does - from keeping our hearts beating to skin cell renewal/repair.
Its also useful as an added supplement because our bodies make much less of it when we reach adulthood (compared to when we were children).
I am 33 years old, today was told the brown patches my sister and I get is Melasma. My sister just developed hers this year after a trip to Hawaii, mine began 10 years ago.
My sister took the pill, about 5 years ago, has a son 8 years old and only last month got the dark spots. I took Depro Vera for 6 years, developing the spots about the 3rd year. The first year I took depro I got a dark mustache type spot above my lip in the sun. Now I get no mustache but will see the spots darken after a few minutes outside on a sunny day. I have never been pregnant, only used Depro Vera a synthetic contraceptive but my sister is opposite of me in every way. Most my friends have the spots, and took birth control only 1 gets the spots after she quit.
It might be very easy to gather info on the reaction of a male to Depro Vera. Depro Vera is used as a chemical castration in some instances for sex offenders. Those men may have more then enough to accelerate this Melasma because women take a injection every 3 months, but men take it weekly but the doses seem to vary for the men.
My gut instinct says Depro was the cause of mine, but not everyone I know has used depro or if they use it not everyone has gotten the dark spots. I guess we have to manage our own health and well being, I saw a show about Depro and on my next appt asked the doctor who said no its not listed on the box. I reminded her the questionnaire I was given every visit from the receptionist on Depro had a question about skin discoloration, then I said I have noticed some sexually related problems. Whatever I said she took interest in, the next date of my injection we went to her office where she showed me her findings on depro, and she said I should consider not taking any birth control and hope my symptoms go away. The spots have not, and the Depro Vera is now labeled not to be used for more then 2 years as its can cause significant bone loss
I am 29 and ihave terrible dark spots on both cheecks and on my forhead and on my upper lip i have had lazer treatments that didnt help but was really exspensive every doctor i go to looks at me like i have 2 heads or something and they always say that its part of getting older and being a female this is taking a big tole on my life i dont like to go out and i never look anyone in the eye anymore it is very very depressing for me please if anyone can help me i would greatly appriciate it.
to add to my previous post i do not have kids and i have never been on birth control pills. i have dark hair and i guess olive to medium skin and now for many years wear alot of sunblock but to no avail i really hope i can somehow get treatment for this or get some ideas thanks
Hi Connie
Please take heart - it may seem like a horrible problem and that you’re all alone in it but that’s simply not true. Check out my earlier comment for links to some friendly forums and you’ll find many, many supportive people who are going through the same thing, and some who have overcome it.
Btw, since you’ve been to see doctors I’m going to assume you have melasma and not the run-of-the-mill hyperpigmentation.
I wouldn’t recommend lasers again not just because its expensive, but because on darker skin tones it can lead to more dark patches. Darker skin is more likely to respond to laser burns with more melanin or with white patches. If you want to exfoliate, go with gentle peels instead of lasers. Weaker concentrations of lactic acid (e.g. 10%) are safe on darker skin tones.
Since you didn’t take bcps or have any kids, your melasma might have been triggered by other things like severe stress. If this is the case, then take more care in keeping your stress levels low day-to-day. Do the things you love the most, and try to focus on what makes you happy. Put the brakes on and shift gears when you find yourself in a downward mental spiral. And if its not stress, have you checked yourself for an inactive or overactive thyroid?
Thak you, thank you! I went to the doctor today, he couldn’t even tell me what was going on. i have a friend that suggested that my BCP was creating this havoc on my upper lip. The quack couldn’t give me any suggestion, luckily his nurse was pregant and knew exactly what was going on. I found ths site and went out and bought the vitamins at lunch. My husband has been snipped so i only use the BCP ease the pain and flow of my monthlt “friend.” I get migraines during that time of the month and the BCP help less the occurances. I am going to take a chance and see how it works. I would rather have migraines controlled by medication than this appearance. reading through most of these messages, i have noticed that most of you are about my age 34 give or take a few years. I prided myself on my dark complexion and was thinking about tanning beds this winter. I tried all the over the conter products and the nuetragena even tone was the closest think. the expensive stuff like Mary Kay stunk. I’ll check back in one month or earlier if any changes occur. i know it may take some time. I purchased MSM, vitamin c, and the CoQ10. I already take B6 and B12. Thanks for the advice on the lazer treatment b/c that was the next step…and it would have made the situation worse.
I have melasma, after my Elos RF treatments, it had became mucher darker than before.
May I know how much MSM and Vit C to take and any other supplements that will help to clear Melasma. What kind of food should I avoid taking.
I drink a cup of soy milk every day and also drink milk for calcium.
What kind of food should I eat to help melasma.
Please kindly help and really appreciate it.
Regards,
BK
Hi Beng, how did your melasma start? Is it hormone-related (birth control pills, pregnancy, nursing, thyroid imbalance), drug-related, or something else?
If its hormone related, you should look to lower your estrogen levels. For this I’d recommend taking food with live cultures (probiotics) like yogurt and Yakult, and also adding more fruits and vegetables in your diet, specifically fruits with lots of Calcium D Glucarate in them (like grapefruit). MSM, Vitamin C, and CoQ10 will all speed up the rate of cleansing, healing, and cell turnover. You might also consider taking Pycnogenol which is a powerful antioxidant and has been known to help some melasma sufferers. Here is a study on it. A fasting cleanse may also help your body get rid of excess estrogen more quickly.
And I’m not sure if you caught it in the post, but there is a warning on soy - ingesting too much of it can raise estrogen levels. You might want to cut down on those soy drinks and stick to cow milk for your calcium.
About MSM, you should start at low dosages of 1-2 grams per day and slowly increase to 8 grams per day. Vitamin C can be anywhere from 500 mg to 1000 mg per day, and this you don’t need to increase unless you’re healing wounds.
Hi-
I am only 22 and developed melasma. I have never been pregnant or on the birth control. I did go through about 5 months of intense stress. A couple months later was when I noticed my melasma. I went to a naturopath and she tested my estrogen and progesterone by saliva. My progesterone was low and the clinic recommended natural progesterone. I am waiting for the results for my cortisol levels.
I also just bought some acidophilis. Can you please tell me if my low progesterone level could have been the cause of my melasma? Can stress cause hormonal imbalances?
Also, how does acidophilis help melasma?
Thanks!!!!
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for your advice. I did went to pharmarcy to buy MSM and I asked the pharmacist how much to take and it’s for my melasma.
She said MSM won’t help my melasma, it only helpful for pains.
So I didn’t buy but I do take Glucosamin with MSM for a few years.
It contains about 400mg MSM, I only take once a day.
Right now, I am increasing it to 3 times per day.
IF MSM really help melasma, I will buy MSM to try out for few months.
How much yogurt should I take daily? Also, it’s okay to drink coffee or tea? I used to eat dark chocolate every day for health reason. I also started to drink soy milk one year ago, they said it’s good for menopause.
So what kind of food or vitamins should I avoid now?
Thanks for your helps.
Regards
BK
Thanks!
Hi Samantha,
Does milk,almonds, raisens,oatmeal,spciy food and cheese bad melasma?
What kind of food and fruits I should avoid?
Thank you for your helps.
Regards
BK
Hi Beng, I doubt most pharmacists would know that MSM has helped some cases of melasma and it won’t be listed on the bottle either. One lady has written a book about it (her name is Vanessa Wild) and this has spread the word. Apart from the book, most of the user accounts of MSM’s success can be found in forums from people sharing their experiences, so its not documented or very scientific. If you do a search on this site http://skincarerx.com/phorum/list.php?3, you’ll find a lot of those accounts of successes (and similarly, tales where MSM didn’t help). I advice you to read them so you can make a decision on whether or not to try it.
To answer your questions, one cup of yogurt per day should be enough to get your started. You don’t have to eat it everyday forever, just long enough to get your good bacteria going again (if you lack it). After about a month, this should be achieved, and if you keep up with a healthy diet the bacteria will continue to live and multiply on its own.
Coffee and tea is okay, but try not to drink too many cups per day (like 4-5!) because too much can raise estrogen levels. And if you take MSM, you should think about including some Vitamin C, because these two work very well together. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables is a good idea also. About the other foods, I do not think you should stress out too much about what to avoid. They all have nutritious value (even spicy food) and should not do harm in normal amounts. Its only a problem if you overdo something (e.g eat/drink a lot of one item, and do this everyday).
Hi Samantha,
Thank you very much for your prompt response. I will take your advice and try out for few months.
Will keep you posted for the result.
Thanks again.
Beng
Hi Samantha-
I am only 22 and developed melasma. I have never been pregnant or on the birth control. I did go through about 5 months of intense stress. A couple months later was when I noticed my melasma. I went to a naturopath and she tested my estrogen and progesterone by saliva. My progesterone was low and the clinic recommended natural progesterone. I am waiting for the results for my cortisol levels.
I also just bought some acidophilis. Can you please tell me if my low progesterone level could have been the cause of my melasma? Can stress cause hormonal imbalances?
Also, how does acidophilis help melasma?
Thanks!!!!
Ange
Hi Ange, sudden and prolonged periods of emotional stress can definitely alter hormone levels. There have been documented studies where women developed melasma after periods of sudden stress.
One theory as to why this happens is that stress leads to the release of “melanocyte-stimulating hormones” from the brain. Stress is also one of the things that can reduce progesterone. For more reading about this, check out this page and scroll down to point 7 (Stress causes adrenal gland exhaustion and reduced progesterone output).
L. Acidophilus and other good bacteria in the intestines helps to metabolize/break down excess estrogen. Like most other substances in our body, hormones also need to be passed out as waste matter regularly (while new hormones are secreted). This cycle of creation and removal keeps us ‘balanced’.
But if the removal process is blocked, an excess of estrogen will occur. If this is happening, then supplements of good bacteria like L. acidophilus will be very helpful.
Hi Samantha-
Do you have melasma? Have you had any results with melasma from going the internal route and taking supplements?
Hi Ange, yes I’m on MSM (on top of other supplements) and have been for some time. So far I’ve had some slight breaking up which I count as progress, though its extremely slow in coming. I even see these lightish spots (or speckles as I call them) appearing on parts of my body where I’m more tanned, especially on the backs of my shoulders and the top of my arms. But I don’t know if others have had this happen.
Hi Samantha-
Can you tell me what you consider a good sunscreen to be? Right now I am using UV Naturals and I just want to know your opinion. And how many times you reapply during the day?
Thanks
Ange
Hi Ange, in one of the comments, Becky recommended Coppertone water babies to be very effective. So if you’re not happy with the one you bought you might consider trying it. I haven’t used UV Naturals so I can’t say how good it is. But if it contains zinc oxide, that’s a good thing (ok now I sound like Martha!).
This probably sounds weird but I’m using a medicated talc powder for an all-over sunscreen. I initially bought it for a sunburn but when I got home I noticed it had 9% zinc oxide in it, so I’ve been using it ever since. On my face, I apply it under my makeup. Although I don’t know how effective it really is, the good thing is that I have no problems putting it on everyday. Before when I was using regular sunscreens, I often skipped days because the sticky feeling bothered me so much. But that’s just me!
Hi Samantha,
Do you have any information about Melasma Tab? I came across this website and said it can clear Melasma within 3 weeks or longer and Money Back Guarantee.
It’s from Norway and it costs about C$73 for 3 weeks.
If you have more information about this product that will be great.
Thank you for your assistance.
Beng
I’ve never heard of Melasma Tab before but a quick check shows that the “company” (Oslo Health Solutions) and its products are more than a little suspicious.
For one thing, there is an equally dodgy acne product with almost the same exact ingredients as Melasma Tab (although this one has a contact listed in Pakistan not Norway).
Oslo also makes similar claims for “Tinnu Tab” and “Pelvo Tab” (e.g. 100% guaranteed, fully guaranteed, cannot reveal full ingredients list etc etc).
Sorry Beng, but all of these make me think Melasma Tab is nothing but a scam.
Thanks Samantha. I guess I will not try because I don’t know what it contains in the capsule.
Hi. It seems that many of you have started taking MSM.
I would like to hear about the RESULTS.
How long did it take to get rid of the melasma?
Did it work on DERMAL and EPIDERMAL melasma?
No results?
Side effects?
Thanks for helping
ABOUT LASERS
Does anybody know what are the best laser treatments to get rid of the melasma.
I have been with two dermatologists and they recommendeded different lasers. The difference of price was 2000 dollars which made me suspicious
Thanks
Hey Samantha and gang,
Ellen again. I am 35 and been struggling with melasma. The newest lazer is Fraxel which is a $1000 per treatment. I am not sure if it works and if it does is it temporary. I did one treatment. I also tried MSM but it has only been 4 or 5 weeks. My cheeks are brown however the melasma has gone away under my lip but that could be because I stay out of the sun except my car is a killer. I am a phrmaceceutical rep. Obagi has been recommended and vibraderm which like microdermabrasion. I am going to try the fraxel lazer and then maybe Obagi. This is the worst. My face looks dirty!! Any suggestions??? and I no longer take the birth control pill but that was original trigger.
I agree. If anyone has had results with MSM or anything please share
Hi Samantha,
Do you have any information about MaMa lotion? It claims is very effective for treating melasma. Anyone using this product?
Please give feedback.
Thanks
Beng
Hi Ingrid’s Mama and Ellen, I’m not very keen on laser treatments because the short-term results among people who have had fraxel done vary significantly. Some love it while others regret the decision. Ultimately, what I’m saying is that its risky.
I don’t mean to be a downer because it sounds like you’re very keen on trying fraxel lasers… but I’d rather you were informed than not.
Lasers have been known to damage the tiny hair follicles which produce our skin’s stem cells - these are needed to renew skin. Because of this, there are many complaints from women that after a few years, their skin looks aged. If you do a search, you’ll find that the laser companies only do short-term studies and do not fund long-term ones.
Hi Beng, MaMa’s lotion will usually work well on regular hyperpigmentation and acne scarring - there’s been many good reviews about it for that purpose. It may help if your melasma is very light.
If you have time, go to www.makeupalley.com, click Product Reviews and read the ones for MaMa’s lotion. You might have to register first, but its free and IMO well worth the trouble if you intend to buy it.
I used do esthetics at a local medi-spa and have many patients come in with the complaints of melasma. It is by far one of the hardest skin conditions to treat. I myself am a victim of melasma and I know it can be very frustrating and depressing at times. One thing I do notice from patients, reading people on melasma forums, and myself is that everyone is very persistant on finding azll the information that they can on the matter and viewing all the latest treatments. I myself have tried mamalotion and it heped with some areas of my melasma but I do agree that it’s more for lighter melasma. From treating patients I have noticed that the Ipl should be used for freckling or sun damage only!
It DOES NOT treat melasma and can make to worse/darken it. At one time they said the Fraxel laser was the best treatment to break up dermal melasam but now they are finding out that is not the case. A fractional handpiece at one time was also suppose to remove melasma and there were adverse effects with that as well. It’s a real gamble because some people get great results, some get no results, and some get horrible results. Always were a sunblock of at least 30 or more. I have read about cosmelan and have read mixed reviews on it, but there are way more people happy with the results then had complaints. I think this might be what I personally try next. I was wondering if anyone has tried it? From working in a medical spa I have seen great results with Obagi, Jessners Peels, and a series of Glycolic Peels for melasma depending on your skin type. But they are saying that a Cosmelan pack is the quickest way to get results with melasma as long as you use the follow up cream for up to a year. If I choose to have this done I will let you know how it goes
Hi,
I have had this for over 2 years and have spent $ 600.00 on peels, I tried cosmelan ($600.00) it worked GREAT for the first few months, but I coudn’t afford to buy more.
I tried CO2 (Freeze away wart removal) LIGHTLY go over your dark area, DO NOT press and hold in one area as this will cause damage to the skin, you have to work fast. Some spots are gone and it cost MUCH less, about $25.00 at Target.
Good Luck!
Hi,
Does anyone have any information about Emax by Syneron?
It’s a bi-polar radio fredquency kind of laser. Does it works well on melasma?
Anyone knows about solitone machine for pigmentation and melasma. It a kind of soft light that claims it can penetrate through the skin deeper layer and lighten and even out pigmentation.
Is there any side effects by doing twice a week which advice by my beautician?
Hope someone can provide some feedback.
Thanks
Hello,
I am 27 years old and also have a severe case of melasma. I don’t think I have seen any case more severe than mine. I have two children. After my 9 year old was born I noticed a mild dark spot above my lip a couple years later. I never really did anything for it hoping it would just disappear. Then 5 more years later I began to try different make-ups, facial cleansers, lotions etc.. Shouldn’t have done that because I started to see mild spots on both sides of of my mouth and mild hyperpigmentation forming. I also have acne that causes black heads. Fast foward another couple years I’m pregnant again.
While I was pregnant with my son during the summer, whose now 14 months, my entire complexion got extremely dark with the melasma spots and blackheads even darker. The Melasma was so bad around my mouth it looked like I had a full gotee, not mustache but gotee. Also I have melasma spots under both eyes. I look like I’m about 87 years old.
Ok, I have been using proactive solutions since my son was born for the acne, which I must say has help with the pimples which inturn decreased the number of blackcheads I was getting. I’ve tried Meladerm and Olay definity to help with the melasma which both broke out so I stop using after a short period of time. I still use proactive and must say not only has it helped with decreasing, not stopping, the breakouts but the toner is helping with balancing out my skin tone and giving a all around brightness, though my face is still pretty discolored, I do see improvements. I rather see slow and steady improvements than none.
Also I have been taking Vitamin C, E and a vitamin I found called Minus-10 (Sustained Release Alpha Lipoic Acid) for about a couple months now. The Minus 10 claims to help with optimal cellular health, glowing skin, give you stimulant free Energy and it is enhanced with Biotin.
Anyone with a severe case of Melasma know the low self esteem I’m going through. It is at it’s very lowest right now. But with what I am using topically and internally I do see a very slow progression but as long as it is getting better and not worst I will settle.
I would like to know if any uses or heard of Minus 10 and what are your comments on it and if there are any supplements and/or topical regimens I just take along with what I currently am using?
Hi there ljaiyesimi,
I’m 43 and white, and have had melasma for about 4 years. I hadn’t been pregnant or on the pill. It started as a small patch on my left cheek and gradually spread. Now I have what is effectively a butterfly covering my face. It covers both cheeks completely and symmetrically, covers completely the area over my upper lip and my chin area, has appeared on the bridge of my nose inbetween my eyebrows and is making it’s way from my temples up onto my forehead. I have much more of my face covered with melasma than isn’t covered and it’s now much darker than it has ever been. Perhaps I have a worse case than you, but I don’t think that’s the point.
What’s important is how you feel about yourself and how you deal with it emotionally. The way I think about it is that there are far, far worse things that I could have wrong with me. I might have a patchy face, but I can still lead a normal, active life. I can still walk my dog and enjoy the beauty of the countryside. I have a great job as a medical secretary in a hospital. None of my work colleagues knew me with a “normal” face, and have never mentioned it. In fact, sometimes I wish people would mention it so that I could talk about it! Only one person has ever mentioned it, and he was a 4 year old boy in the school I worked in when my melasma was only on one cheek. He asked me if I had been playing in the mud, because I had a dirty face. I just said I had funny skin, he accepted this answer and never mentioned it again. When my melasma first appeared I started looking at treatments, and saw a dermatologist, but to be honest I have far too much life to lead to be bothered with carefully applying special bleaching creams and staying out of the sun. I looked into camoflage make up and when I discovered it wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be I actually got scared that I would be able to cover it up so that people wouldn’t know I had it. I felt that I would THEN be wearing a mask, and that was something I really didn’t want. So I just wear normal foundation cream and at weekends go out with no make up at all! Melasma is part of my identity, it’s part of who I am and I want people to see the real me. I’m not embarrassed about it at all. If other people have a problem with it, that’s exactly what it is - their problem!
I have read with interest the information on this website about diet and I may try some of the ideas, but I’m certainly not going to lose any sleep over it. Life is far too short!
Love your melasma and get on with enjoying your life!
I am 44 years old and had a melasma for the past 7 after my second child was born. I remember that my mother had it for a long time and disappeared by itself.
I believe that it might be genetic or just sun damage. I did not use sunscreen before.
Hidroquinone did not help in my case.
To make it less noticeable I use successfully on a daily basis :
-St Ives , Apricot Scrub Renew & Firm to clean and exfoliate my face ($4)
- Vichy, sunscreen SPF60. ($19)This is from Shoppers drug Mart in Canada, because in US is not FDA approved (obviously for competition reasons) You can find the Vichy with less SPF in US at special CVS stores that carry them.
-I apply L’Oreal infallible make-up on top of sunscreen
-A good sunscreen from WalMart ($3) is a sport clear stick called ClearZinc SPF45 by Solar Sense which contains 8% zinc oxide
Hope this helps someone out there.
is it true stress can cause blood spotting?
Samantha and gang, Thanks for your advice on the Fraxel. I feel so frustrated. What treatment are you doing? Do you have any advice on Cosmelan what this treatment entails?
I glad to hear that you have researched Fraxel and IPL. I was going to try Fraxel but I too have heard mix reviews not just from you so thank you. I also heard of vibraderm with Obagi but again mix reviews. What is the best treatment out there?
Hi Ellen, I wish I could give you an easy answer.
Some people would find the inside-out approach to be best. But this may not produce results fast enough (or not at all for some people).
There is another subject you can read up on - skin remodeling copper peptides. Its actually meant to remodel scars but can work on other skin damage like stretch marks and hyperpigmentation. I am not sure if this will work on melasma however, but the physics with which its supposed to work may logically also remove the pigmented skin cells the same way and slowly replace it with new and normally pigmented skin cells.
p.s: The operative word however is *slow*. Independent user testimonials (check out makeupalley.com for user reviews) for copper peptides is very impressive, but people who have had success with it would have used the creams (or serums) for several months and up to a year or more. This is quite easier said than done as most people would have used it diligently for 2-3 months, not see any results and stop.
p.p.s: Happy holidays!
Hi all,
it’s great to hear all these feedbacks from all around on melasma~ i have tried some laser treatments 3 years ago, and it did not help. recently, i went to a medispa for a consultation, and the dermatologist recommended tri-luma. so i have been using it for my cheeks for about 1 month now. i don’t see any difference yet, but i’m hoping for a good result. i was thinking that if MSM is something that can help with melasma internally, i should combine it with my tri-luma treatment. do you think it’s a good idea to do so? if this doesn’t work, i think i will try obagi whitening kit….
i have been on birth control since 16 (i’m now 28), and maybe i started the bc too young, but never thought it could have started my melasma….. i’m still on the bc (ortho evra-bc patch), because i don’t even know if going off of bc will help with melasma, and also, i would have to find another form of bc. if i do go off of ortho evra, do you have any recommendations on bc that is not hormonal besides male and female condoms?
any feedback would help!~~
I am 42 and recently off BCP - but I was on for nearly 20 years! I developed melasma about 6 yrs. ago and suspected BCP but didn’t have the guts to get off! Well, I have now (only a couple of weeks). I wish I had the confidence of the woman that says “love your melasma and get on w/life” (Oct. 2007 I believe) but I don’t. I have had beautiful skin all my life - and now I have trouble looking people in the eye when speaking at close range. I receive very few comments - it’s the ‘elephant in the room’ - even hubby says it’s really not that noticeable but it is to me. I’ve tried all the creams - very limitted success only in the beginning and then stops. I figure my continuing on BCP didn’t help. I just recently bought Ness’s book on treating Melasma w/MSM and I’m trying it - day 2 - slowly increasing dose. I’ll see what happens. I don’t know anyone else personally with Melasma and really feel the need to have a forum for expression - glad to find this one. Otherwise I am very happy, healthy, fit . . . but it’s hard to explain the depression this condition has caused. Going off BCP at 42 (no children/no prior pregnancies) is a bit daunting as well - but I just felt Melasma was getting worse and worse (only BCP side effect) and I had to do something for ME.
Love to hear from any others . . .
Hi, I’m in the exact same situation as you. I have had melasma for about 7 years now. I’m 44 yrs old, on bcp for at least 20 years. I even took them continually so I never had a period for the past 4 years. Talk about estrogen overload. I’m sorry I ever did that.
I had my tubes tied on Jan 3rd to get off the pill. I have two huge spots on each side of my forehead, one on my cheek and it recently started on my jawline. Like you, to others its not that noticeable, but to me it is. Especially the forehead spots. They are the darkest
I have recently started using Donnel super skin lightening gel with kojic acid to try and fade it. Its super strong, and I have only used it on my cheek. It got fiery red and then peeled off. The skin is still to raw to see if the melasma is gone. I’m afraid to use it on the larger patches…I wouldn’t be able to go out for a few days if I did.
There’s a great forum for melasma at http://skincarerx.com/phorum/list.php?3
Alot of great info there……
i have treated cloasma and melasma succesfully with sulphur oint. and cow urine
TREATMENT OF MELASMA & CHLOASMA PATIENTS
Introduction —
Melasma and chloasma are the diseases which are related to skin disorders causing hyper pigmentation and blck patchy spots over the face.This problem when appear in female it is termed as chloasma and when it appears in a male it is known as melasma.Generally it is seen in Asian and African men.
Cause and etiology
Yet it is known as an idiopathic disorder. Some evidences suggest that presence of excessive amount of Cu (cupper element) in blood may be a cause. Beside that dust allergy and hypersensitivity to sunlight may be another cause. In case of female some sort of hormonal imbalance may be the cause.Women using some sorts of contraceptive pills are also responsible for this.
Treatment
Mixed external application of sulphur ointment & cow urine along with Sarivadyasava /Sklear syp.(BAJAJ) administered orally gave desired result in about 8 male patients. Above mentioned medication used externally in case of 3 female patients along with an uterine tonic . The desired result obtained in 1 to 3 month of continuous use of above medicines.
Conclusion and discussion
In case of pigment disorder and in hyperpigmentation cow urine has the property to reduce the black pigmentation and dark circles when used externally.Presence of urea & uricacid in urine has the ability to rectify hyper pigmentation. Sulpher has opposite action of Cu element in case of hyperpigmentation. When presence of Sulpher more than the desired level in body, causes depigmentation and white patches over the body.
So cow urine and sulphur(Gandhakadi lepam /sulphur oint.) may be the perfect combination to treat hyperpigmentation disorder.
DR. SUBHRANSU SEKHAR MISHRA
B.A.M.S. M.Sc.(Biotechnology)
MEDICAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST
NEXT GENARATION TECHNOLOGY
09861388727,E –MAIL-subhransusekhar4@gmail.com
bamsbiotechsubhransu@yahoo.co.in
A good natural progesterone cream will help with Melasma?
and if it does, is it ok to apply on the face?. Thanks
Hey all, I’m 35 and have had melasma for about 5 years. It started on my forehead but has spread to my cheeks. I’ve tried Jessner’s peels and Triluma with little results. I’m very anxious to try the inside out approach discussed here, but I’ll have to say that cow urine is just a little more than I think I can handle!
Dear friends,
i got the most amazing boyfriend after i got melasma. i cove it with a litlle makeup and get on with loving my life. i am also treating it and the treatment is orking for me. i love life and believe in doing good karmas and nothing is oing to stop me from the same.
i have more than five cups of tea evry day, i am going to stop the same and switch to fruits.
my solution is no drastic treatment cover with a little makeup use your sunscreen and get on with loving your life. stay positive and tress free and estogen will settle on its own.
Love to all
I am 41 and have had melasma for several years. I had my second child Jan. 07 and went on BCP after to control the pregnancy induced acne I developed. Wish I hadn’t, my melasma is sooo much worse, across both cheeks, a couple spots on my forehead, across the bridge of my nose and across my upper lip. I’ve tried hydroquinone, Tri-Luma and other “miracle” creams, with no results. Laser treatments significantly lighten them, but they come back within 6-8 weeks. When they are dark, I also have a hard time looking people in the eye and avoid going anywhere without make-up on. I’m constantly online looking for new ways to get rid of this. I’m going to try supplements to regulate estrogen levels next. I have a dark complexion and thyroid problems, so I’m sure it will be next to impossible to resolve completely, I just want it to fade some, enough to cover and not be self-concious when I’m out in public. I’m very diligent about daily broad spectrum sun protection, but they still come back after every painful laser treatment. Any new information anyone has would help! Thanks
Noticed on one of the comments someone said that Obagi products do not contain Hydroquinone. On the contrary they definitely do contain a 4% HQ. I have used the whole set with some results but not long lasting. You pretty much have to stay on them and my skin built up a resistence to just about everything as a result. I did get a laser tx about 4 years ago. I was very upset with the doc because the area got darker,I am latino so from what we know that was probably the wrong thing to do. However about a year later the same area completely lightened up and is now unnoticeable. I have come to think that just getting that dark skin off caused a scar but then the scar healed itself. Anyway all in all that took a year. I know its a long time to wait, it was for me. Now I have developed a huge “freckle ” on my nose. Ugh!! So I am looking into Q-switch laser which again may be a mistake but I am the impatient type. I definitely don’t like the Hydroquinone effect and will get on the supplements MSM etc. I don’t have any other problems… but did have a long period of stress in my life. Never took BCPs but have 3 healthy children. I am 49 and have been dealing with this since I was in my 30’s. I run outside alot, know that contributes but not about to give that up! Tried sticking to the gym.. boring! Anyway I think my nose patch was caused by too strong of a peel, so please everyone be careful about practicioners that don’t know your skin type. Mine is olive toned and she went too strong, too fast.
Hope this helps someone ……
hi everyone, i too have melasma, i’m 33 and i’ve had it for 4 years. i avoid the sun like the plague but the rays still manage to find their way to my face.i haven’t checked my hormone levels but my dermatologist said we shouldn’t mess with them. i used hydroquinone it worked for a while but come summer the patches still came back all the same.i think i’ll try cleaning up my internal system using anything natural.
Hello,
I am 40 and have been taking oral bio-identical progesterone for nearly 2 years. I was on bcp from 16-30 years of age but this melasma only surfaced in the past year. I am fair skinned and the tan blotches (most less than the size of a pinky-finger nail) are in large groups on both cheeks from cheekbone down toward jawline and on outside several inches of my forehead.
It has been a stressful year and I have noticed increased sensitivity to the sun as well. I eat well but do have 2-3 shots of espresso per day, 1/2 decaf (does that matter???). I have a sensitivity to milk protein so gave up yogurt so perhaps I need to find probiotic pills. Otherwise, I have eaten very well - organic and/or pesticide-free produce for years and most of my protein is from wild-caught short-lived fish, organic chicken & eggs and nuts.
I have not found whether the progesterone is the likely cause? Or perhaps even not taking enough if my estrogen is too high? I do a combo of cream with oral. And looking at my symptoms, I found that I have been low progesterone since menstruation began. Doctors never found that . . . test result range issues but I’ll not get so off topic and rant about that ;->
My question is whether I ought to be changing my dose or delivery method of the progesterone? Is it the cause or is it too much unbalanced estrogen that is? It took 4-5 months before the progesterone got my estrogen somewhat under control - my receptors were so out of whack. I was having horrible strong heart palpitations mid and late-cycle that kept me awake for hours - not accelerated rate jut feeling a hard chest thumping - and I had hot flashes often first day of period. That finally got much better. Of course the estrogen fluctuates during the month ( it should) and between months so I use progesterone cream in addition to the oral if I have symptoms the oral is not handling by itself.
Sorry if this is too long but I thought perhaps I’d provide a bit more history in case others had similar experience.
Thank you for feedback on the progesterone dosing!! Or anything else that has helped.
Cheers!
Nancy