Natural Ways of Treating Melasma

Melasma is a common skin disorder. Though it can affect anyone, women with darker skin tones (especially Asian women) are at greater risk. Melasma can be associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is especially common in pregnant women, women taking oral contraceptives, and women taking hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Melasma is completely harmless and not painful, but dark patches on the face can be emotionally distressing. It can greatly diminish your self esteem and self confidence. For this reason, women often search for a Melasma treatment that really works. Both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) are believed to contribute to the formation of melasma, so effective melasma prevention starts with proper sun protection.
There are many options available to treat melasma. Some are cosmetics while some are prescribed medicines. There are also chemical peels; laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion (this is carried out in special facial spa salons). These methods must be done under the supervision of a dermatologist and can be expensive and may require several visits.

However there are natural ingredients in cosmetics that are excellent for treating melasma. Cosmetics made using natural methods are free from any side effects and are permanent in nature. An added bonus - these treatments are also cheaper and can easily be implemented in the privacy of your own home.

The first and most important way of protecting your skin from melasma is to use a sunscreen, especially during summer. Dermatologists advise those who have sensitive skin to apply a high SPF sunscreen on a daily basis. This can prevent the formation of melasma. Furthermore, as a protective shield, it will banish the penetration of UV rays into the depth of the skin.
Many modern day melasma specialty cosmetics contain some or all of the following natural ingredients:

Aloe Vera contains a potent substance called mucilaginous polysaccharide (MPS), which softens and lightens brown spots and other discolorations. Aloe Vera can be found in many of today’s specialty melasma cosmetics.

Turmeric has great properties in treating melasma. Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric spice, which has antioxidant and skin-lightening properties.
An extract from the Bearberry plant- Alpha-Arbutin is a powerful, yet gentle natural skin lightening agent often used in melasma cosmetic treatments. This natural extract works to inhibit tyrosinase, and thus preventing the formation of the melanin pigment.

Kojic acid is a by-product of malting rice fermentation process and can be a good skin lightening ingredient for treating dark spots and skin discoloration. It has similar skin lightening action as Hydroquinone, but without the health risks associated with Hydroquinone.

Cocoa butter is one of the top-notch ingredients proven to have miraculous effects on the skin. Especially during pregnancy when women often suffer from melasma, it is highly advisable to treat both the affected and healthy skin with beauty lotions rich in nutrients.

Calamine preparations can be used as a moisturizing lotion that soothes the skin during and after melasma treatments.
We have some thoroughly tested melasma skin treatments on our on line shop at www.amazingthaibeauty.com
Come and check us out to find effective melasma care cosmetics.