What is melasma and how to treat melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches, typically on the face. It affects millions worldwide, especially women with darker skin tones living in sunny climates. The primary causes include sun exposure, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or birth control), and genetic predisposition. Melasma is not harmful but can significantly impact self-esteem and quality of life.

Globally, dermatologists recommend sun protection as the first line of defense. Treatments include topical creams with hydroquinone, chemical peels, and laser therapy. However, results vary, and recurrence is common. In regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, melasma prevalence is notably high due to intense UV exposure.

For effective melasma management, combining sunscreen, lifestyle changes, and dermatologist-guided therapy is essential. Understanding melasma’s global patterns helps tailor treatment and raise awareness.

What is melasma ?

　　Melasma, also known as liver spots and butterfly spots , is a symptom of facial melanosis. It forms when melanin accumulates in the skin and is not effectively and promptly eliminated, resulting in its accumulation on the face. Initially resembling dirt, it deepens over time, becoming a dull, grayish-brown or dark brown. Melasma has well-defined borders and an irregular shape, symmetrically distributed around the eye sockets, forehead, brow arches, nose, cheeks, lips, and around the mouth. Women with melasma often experience menstrual irregularities , premenstrual breast swelling, or chronic health conditions.

　Causes of melasma:

　　Female endocrine disorders and high mental stress;

　　Misuse of cosmetics, caused by chemical irritants;

　　Prolonged exposure to sunlight;

　　Vitamin deficiency in the body;

　　Now that we know the basic situation of melasma, what are the methods to treat melasma? Let’s learn from the editor!

　How to treat chloasma: Lemon rock sugar juice

　　Ingredients: lemon, rock sugar

　　Method: Squeeze the juice of fresh lemon, add appropriate amount of rock sugar and drink.

　　Efficacy: Lemon is rich in vitamin C. 100 grams of lemon contains up to 50 mg of vitamin C. Drinking lemon juice regularly can not only replenish vitamins in the body, but also whiten the skin, fade spots, and is very effective in treating chloasma.　　

How to treat chloasma: White Duck Spot-Removing Soup

　　Ingredients: 1 white duck, 200 grams of yam, 100 grams of raw earth, 30 grams of wolfberry, and appropriate amount of seasoning.

　　Method: Remove the feathers and bones from the white duck, clean it, and rub the duck’s body and exterior with salt, pepper, and rice wine. Sprinkle with scallions and ginger, marinate for about an hour, and then dice it. Slice the yam. Wrap the raw rehmannia root in a cloth and place it in the bottom of a bowl. Add the yam, goji berries, and diced duck, steam until cooked, and consume 2-3 times a week.

Efficacy: White duck has the effect of nourishing the liver and kidney, nourishing yin and eliminating spots. This method is also more suitable for chloasma caused by spleen and kidney deficiency.

　　Melasma can be cured by eating well. Let’s see which homemade masks can cure melasma .

How to treat chloasma: Method 1: Yogurt and oatmeal freckle mask

　　Ingredients: Yogurt, oatmeal

　　Usage: Take 2 spoons of yogurt and 1 spoon of oatmeal; mix the two and apply on the face, then wash it off with warm water after 20 minutes.

Efficacy: Use once a week to effectively remove spots and whiten the skin.

How to treat chloasma: Method 2: Hemp Leaf Lotus Spot Mask

　　Material: Hemp Leaf Lotus

　　Usage: Grind the Herba Hematitidis into powder, add appropriate amount of water, egg or milk to make a paste, apply on the face, and wash off with water after 15-25 minutes.

Efficacy: Anti-wrinkle, whitening, freckle removal, blackhead removal, moisturizing, anti-oxidation , delaying skin aging, repairing skin cells, promoting skin cell regeneration , dissolving and forcing out skin foreign bodies, improving skin elasticity, enhancing and improving the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients

How to treat melasma: Method 3: Rose Spot Mask

　　Ingredients: equal amounts of angelica, peach kernel, angelica dahurica , mung bean, white poria, and white ginseng, 3 drops of rose essential oil, and appropriate amount of rose water.

Usage: Combine 50 grams of each of the six traditional Chinese medicine powders　　above , then bottle and set aside. Then, take 1 teaspoon of the mixed powder from the bottle, place it in a bowl, add an appropriate amount of rose water, and finally, add 3 drops of rose essential oil. Apply the mask evenly to your face and rinse after 20-30 minutes.

　　Efficacy: Promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, lighten spots, whiten and revitalize skin.

　　Melasma is the natural enemy of women and the culprit that affects appearance, so it is urgent to solve the problem of melasma. Take action quickly.