If those dark patches are stealing away the beauty of your face Well, you would want to get rid of these ugly blemishes as soon as possible, right

Here are some home remedies to treat melasma in a natural manner.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is the best way to cure melasma. Its acidic nature and vitamin C component improve the discolorations and peel off the outer layer of the skin. Apply the juice on the affected areas, lightly massage for a few seconds and leave it for 10 minutes. Then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Mix lemon juice and raw honey in equal proportion. Apply the mask and cover it with a warm towel for 15 minutes. Then rinse off.
A paste of turmeric powder and lemon juice is also an effective remedy for hyper-pigmentation.
Daily use of above remedies will rejuvenate your skin and slough off dark patches.

Note –

Lemon juice can have adverse effects on your skin if used for more than 20 minutes.
The above remedies are not recommended for the people with sensitive skin.
2. Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot kernel oil nourishes your skin, improves your looks, soothes the inflammation, and heals melasma. This oil is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and fatty acids.

3. Oatmeal

Blend the mashed oatmeal and honey to form a paste. Then spread the mixture on the affected area of your face. Leave it for half an hour and rinse off with warm water. It acts as a natural exfoliator and helps dissolve the dead cells from the skin.

4. Castor Oil

Damp a cotton ball in the castor oil and apply it directly on the affected skin. For the best results, leave it on for the whole night.

5. Cucumber

Cucumber hydrates your skin and keeps it glowing. Apply a slice of cucumber on the pigmented skin and wash it off after 30 minutes. You can also include cucumber in your meal.

6. Sandalwood Powder and Rose Water

Make a paste by mixing sandalwood powder and rose water. Apply it all over your face. Leave it for 20 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. It will give you a radiant complexion and diminish the tanning and hyper pigmentation.

Combine an equal amount of lemon juice, whole milk, turmeric, and sandalwood powder. Apply the mixture on the affected area. Allow it to dry. Finally, rinse off with water. Use it 3-4 times a week.
7. Papaya Mask

Papaya is known for its versatile properties. It also works wonders for the skin. Take a ripe papaya, mash it and apply the paste on the face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and apply moisturizer. Use this mask twice a week.

Blend half cup of mashed papaya with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply this mask for 20 minutes.
Note – Wash off immediately if you feel irritation.

8. Olive Oil

Massage the affected skin with olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Then put a hot towel on your face. After the towel cools down, wipe away the excess oil and dead skin.

9. Grape Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that detoxify your skin. It also contains high amount of potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin and minerals. Continuous application of grapefruit seed extract gives you unbelievable results.

Note –

After its application, if you experience some kind of reaction or skin irritation, discontinue its usage.
If you have an allergy from citrus fruits, do not apply or consume grapefruit seed extract as it may cause an adverse effect.
10. Onion Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar

Take fresh onion juice and mix it with apple cider vinegar in equal quantity. Use a cotton pad to apply this mixture.  Regular use of this remedy will effectively reduce the dark spots of melasma.

11. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter has properties that lighten the dark skin complexion. Massage the affected skin with cocoa butter to nourish your skin and prevent hyperpigmentation.

12. Avocado and Honey Pack

Avocadoes are a rich source of vitamin C, oleic acid and fatty acids. They have all the ingredients for healing and rejuvenating the skin. On the other hand, honey has bleaching properties. Mash an avocado and add 2 tsp of honey to it. Spread it all over your face.

13. Vinegar

Vinegar has skin whitening properties and can be used for melasma treatment. Take water and vinegar in equal proportion. Apply it all over your face and wash off after a few minutes.

14. Honey and Almond Mask

Honey and almond have skin lightening elements. Grind some almonds and add honey to them. Apply it all over your face and massage gently. Wash it off after 10 minutes.

Alternatively, soak a handful of almonds in water overnight, peel them off and blend with milk or milk cream. Apply on the pigmented areas.
15. Banana and uava Mask

Guava contains lycopene which is very effective for treating blemishes. Banana lightens up the pigmented areas and exfoliates the skin. So, a combo pack made from these two will be wonderful. Mash guava and banana in a small bowl. Apply the paste on your face. Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes. Using it on the daily basis will remove the pigmentation.

BDST: 1703 HRS, NOV- 11, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor