Melasma is a skin condition that is characterized by grayish-brown patches on the face. The patches appear on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and nose. The condition is also called ‘the mask of pregnancy.’ Although it is common and harmless, it is important to treat the ailment on time.
The person who is experiencing melisma has dark brown or brown colored patches on their skin. The commonly affected areas include the cheeks, lips and forehead. It is called, ‘the mask of pregnancy’ as it frequently affects pregnant women. The skin disorder typically lightens or darkens over time. It gets worse in summer and better in winter.
How common is melasma?
For most people, skin disorders are unheard of! However, it is not obsolete. This disorder is very common in pregnant women. Around 15% to 50% of pregnant women are likely to be affected by melasma. It rarely happens during puberty and it usually starts between 20 to 40 years of age.
How is it at the risk of melasma?
Individuals who are fair-skinned are less likely to be affected by Melasma. Women are more likely to get melasma than men. If any woman takes contraceptives or oral hormones, she is prone to get Melasma.
How does one catch up on the ailment?
Our ‘Derma’ or skin acts as a protective layer. It has three layers. The outermost layer is the epidermis, the middle layer is the dermis and the innermost or the deepest layer is subcutis. It is the largest organ in our body and it protects your bones, organs and muscles from germs and moisture. Skin is also responsible for regulating the body temperature.
How to get rid of melasma?
Melasma usually goes away on its own. However, the skin condition can potentially last for a few years. If someone has had melasma for years, it can be difficult to get rid of it! Pregnant women should refrain from getting melasma treated! They should wait until they deliver!
Why Ayurveda for melasma?
There is a paradigm shift in how people look at Ayurveda. For addressing symptoms of melasma, several creams harnessing traditional herbs have been developed. These ayurvedic creams aim at reducing pigmentation and promote a radiant complexion.
Following are the best ayurvedic creams for melasma-
1. Sarth Kumkumadi skin cream
Enriched with Sandal, Sariva and pure saffron, Sarth Kumkumadi skin cream moisturizes, nourishes and improves the skin complexion. It is also responsible for reducing blemishes and fight off melasma! Kumkumadi is the ingredient that works well in any form! It mildly cleanses the skin and improves its texture. It spreads effectively on the skin and it is inclusive of skin-friendly herbs. It is highly beneficial for treating acne and pimples! The cream acts as a cleanser and removes excess oil and dirt from the skin. It also plays a pivotal role in shedding the dead skin cells. Apart from treating Melasma, the cream works wonders in treating acne and also heals dry skin! It also minimizes the visible signs of aging!
2. Nushke ayurvedic pigmentation cream
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation and it is characterized by symmetrical patches of darker skin on the forehead, cheeks and chin. It is caused by the overpopulation of melanin. The skin condition persists because melanocytes overproduce melanin. This leads to the development of dark patches. Nushke is one of the best ayurvedic creams for melasma as it combines traditional ayurvedic ingredients with modern skincare for offering a solution for uneven skin!
Following are the key ingredients present in the skin-
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Papaya extract
The extract is rich in enzymes and antioxidants. It helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells. Moreover, it also promotes skin renewal.
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Neem oil
It possesses antibacterial properties and it also helps clear acne.
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Red algae
The herb is known for its detoxifying properties and it also aids in improving blood circulation.
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Olive oil
The oil moisturizes the skin and also makes it soft and silky.
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Sesame oil
The oil which is rich in antioxidants helps reduce pigmentation and also improves skin elasticity.
3. Gynoveda haldi kesar cream
The ayurvedic skincare product is formulated to address various kinds of pigmentation issues such as melasma. The cream is suitable for all skin types and it is free from all kinds of harmful chemicals. The key ingredients used in the cream are as follows-
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Kesar
It reduces pigmentation and dark spots which ultimately leads to a brighter complexion.
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Chandan
It acts as a blood purifier and also has cooling properties that help reduce skin inflammation.
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Haldi
It is the herb known for its antioxidant properties. Turmeric helps reduce pigmentation levels and also promotes an even skin tone.
How to use the cream?
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First you need to cleanse your face and remove the dirt.
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Take a small amount of Haldi kesar cream and massage it into the affected area.
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Apply the cream twice daily for best results.
What do you need to look out for before using the cream?
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Before applying the cream on the skin, perform a patch test for ensuring that there are no allergic reactions.
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It is essential to use sunscreen as it helps reduce pigmentation to a great extent.
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It is recommended to use the cream over several weeks for consistent results.
4. Charak Evenshade cream
The cream reduces hyper-pigmentation and provides nourishment to the skin. It also promotes a younger-looking complexion and is useful in stimulating the growth of healthy tissues. The cream has a tightening effect on the skin.
Following are the ingredients present in the cream-
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Cucumber oil
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Almond oil
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Mulberry extract
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Pashanbheda
What are the benefits of the cream?
Following are some major benefits of the cream-
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The cream helps provide nourishment to the skin.
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It is used to reduce hyper pigmentation.
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It has a cooling and tightening effect on the skin.
What are the directions for use?
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It is important to clean the affected area.
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After cleaning the area, apply a thin layer on the area.
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Apply the cream 2-3 times a day.
FAQs
Q1. Can melasma go away permanently?
Melasma can fade over time, especially with the right treatment, but it may recur if triggers (like sun or hormones) remain.
Q2. Are Ayurvedic creams safe during pregnancy?
Yes, but always consult your doctor before starting any treatment during pregnancy.
Q3. How long do Ayurvedic creams take to work?
Usually 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use is required for visible results.
Q4. Are these creams suitable for men?
Yes, all listed creams are unisex and safe for all skin types.