If you've ever noticed brown or grey-brown patches on your or someone else's skin, which aren't sunspots or freckles, it could be melasma, a common skin condition with several causes. While melasma can occur in anyone, it is more common in women with darkened skin tones or those who spend a lot of time in the sun. Pregnant women could be more prone to developing it. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict whether or not you will develop this skin condition; however, if you do, we asked an expert if you can treat it naturally, and the answer to it is yes! Dr Shankar Sawant, Consultant Dermatologist, S. L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim-A Fortis Associate, sheds light on the common triggers of melasma and shares natural remedies to reduce its appearance.
Also Read: Dark Brown Patches On Your Skin Can Be Melasma: What Is This Condition?
What Is Melasma? What Are The Common Causes?
Melasma is identified by the dark patches that develop on people's skin. It is greyish-brown in colour and typically appears on the forehead, chin, cheeks, upper lip, or nose.
Interestingly, it is often referred to as the mask of pregnancy, as it can be triggered by an increase in hormones in pregnant women. However, the condition can also occur in other people.
According to Dr Sawant, the primary cause of melasma is hormonal imbalance and sensitivity to medications and radiation. "Sometimes taking oral contraceptive pills, or antiepileptic drugs, and genetic predisposition may cause hormonal imbalance," he says, adding, "Treatment becomes difficult if the patients suffer from hormonal imbalance and are experiencing excessive imbalance or are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or have genetic predisposition."
Melasma can also occur in people with thyroid disease, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). This is because a thyroid disorder makes hormones that help your body with vital bodily functions. So, if your thyroid gland does not produce a balanced amount of hormones, this may increase your risk of developing melasma.
Also Read: Melasma: Home remedies that will clean up your facial skin
Can Natural Remedies Help Fade Melasma?
Natural remedies can help reduce the appearance of melasma or fade it over time.
Dr Sawant shares that a healthy diet consisting of carrots, which are rich in beta carotene, and citrus fruits (that contain vitamin C) can reduce pigmentation.
Although research is limited, a 2016 review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology shared some ingredients that showed promise for reducing hyperpigmentation. This includes azelaic acid, soy, arbutin, and liquorice extracts.
Additionally, patients can use anti-pigmentation creams and glycolic and azelaic acid creams—as prescribed by the dermatologist, the doctor recommends—adding that people can also make a paste comprising vinegar, lemon, and honey or cucumber paste.
Role Of Sun Protection
According to StatPearls Publishing, melasma occurs in sun-exposed areas of the body, including the cheeks, the upper lip, the chin, and the forehead. Sunlight exposure can often present with hyperpigmentation.
Dr Sawant recommends applying sunscreen, which is above SPF 50, regularly, twice a day, even if one is indoors. This is because the sun’s UV rays can come inside the house and affect the skin, the doctor warns.
Treatment Options
The treatment for melasma involves a Kligman's triple combination formula, which involves hydroquinone 2%, tretinoin 0.5%, and fluocinolone 0.01%, says Dr Sawant, explaining that this combination can be used for the first two months and is effective in reducing up to 90% of melasma.
However, since the formula contains a steroid, it may lead to thinning of the skin. Thus, after two months of use, it is advisable to switch to a milder cream containing azelaic acid, kojic acid, and glycolic acid for maintenance and to prevent recurrence, the doctor advised.
Conclusion
Melasma isn’t life-threatening or concerning. However, it can affect people’s sense of confidence if they worry too much about its appearance. While natural remedies may help fade melasma over time, it is best to consult a doctor to understand the underlying cause behind it and get proper treatment.