Natural Remedies for Melasma

Treating the Mask of Pregnancy with Nutritional Supplements

Sep 25, 2009

Discoloration mostly on areas of the face may be mild during pregnancy, but medications cause a more lasting form. Painful and costly treatments are not the only option.

Brown patches that develop on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip during pregnancy are called melasma, cloasma, or pregnancy mask. The dark splotches may spread to the arms and neck. This discoloration fades after delivery in most cases, but for some women the darkened skin remains. Contraceptive drugs and hormone replacement therapies can also cause melasma. The discoloration often persists for years after medication is stopped (American Academy of Dermatology). Women with dark skin are more at risk. Chemical peels, laser treatments, and steroid creams are prescribed for this common condition. While melasma is harmless, it is cosmetically distressing.

Protect the Skin from Sunlight

Melasma may worsen considerably after sun exposure. Affected areas should be protected with Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) sunscreen, or oil infused with St. John's Wort.

An infusion of St. John's Wort is made by filling a jar with fresh, chopped herbs and covering those with olive oil. Shake off dirt and dust but do not rinse herbs for this use and make sure the jar is completely dry. Probe to remove air pockets and cover tightly. After six weeks at room temperature, strain plant parts off, pressing and squeezing as much oil out as possible. Allow oil to sit again until water and debris appear at the bottom. Carefully pour oil off and use it to coat the skin daily.

Treat Vitamin Deficiencies

Low levels of folic acid and PABA contribute to melasma (Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis Balch, 2004). Increased dietary intake or supplementation of these B vitamins may reduce skin discoloration. Both are found in foods such as nutritional yeast, mushrooms, whole grains, wheat germ, molasses, liver, and fresh fruits and vegetables. These vitamins work best in combination with vitamin C and B 12.

Herbs rich in folic acid include dandelion, parsley, watercress, chicory, amaranth, and lamb's quarter. These are all nutritional plants that can be taken liberally.

Balance Hormones

Red Clover Flowers have properties that may balance hormones and reduce the severity of melasma over time. To make a potent drink, top two big handfuls of crumbled flowers with a quart of boiling water and steep for four hours. Drink two cups a day for twelve weeks or longer. Red clover may be combined with mint for a more pleasant taste. Red clover's high vitamin and mineral content aids the entire body (Wise Woman Herbal, Susun S. Weed, 1986). Alfalfa may be substituted for red clover but may not be as effective for some women.

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