Face Discoloration

Face discoloration, or Melasma as it is medically called, is manifested in the form of dark patches on the face. According to studies in this area, it is very common in women, especially those who are pregnant. Moreover, melasma can be seen in women taking oral patches or contraceptives or even hormone replacement therapy. It happens when there is hyper pigmentation and increase of melanin in the skin. However, there is more to this problem. If you want to know about it, the text coming up will tell you all about it.

Face Discoloration - Spots
These spots on the face which lead to its discoloration, are a result of hyperactive melanin producing cells, melanocytes. Hormonal imbalance, pregnancy and allergies, can lead to hyperactive melanocytes. These spots or the darkening normally happens gradually and are mostly found on the cheeks, chin, forehead and upper lip, but can be in other areas too. Usage of photo toxic substances can trigger these spots. What happens is that, when the sunray strikes, it creates an allergic reaction. If it is not exposed to sun, then there is no problem. An example of photo toxic substance is hair dyes. Women with light brown skin and living in areas where they are exposed to a lot of sunlight are vulnerable towards these patches.

How To Get Rid of Face Discoloration

Home Remedies
There are a number of home remedies for dealing with these annoying spots and patches on the face. Yes, they come straight from grandma's kitty!

Gram Program
Make a mixture of gram flour, turmeric powder, lemon juice and milk cream. Make it into a paste and apply it on your face and let it be till it dries on its own. After it dries, wash your face clean.

Dry Fruit' ful
Soaked and ground almonds' paste mixed with honey is another very effective facial skin care option. Apply this paste on your face and after it dries, wash the paste clean.

Sandal with Care
Apply a mixture of sandalwood powder, lemon juice, tomato juice and cucumber juice in the form of a paste in the face or where ever there are patches. Once that dries on the face, wash it off.

Oat Coat
For a homemade facial scrub made of oat, you would need 2 teaspoons of ground oatmeal, a single teaspoon of baking soda and water. Mix the oat and baking soda well and then add water gradually, while you stir it in a paste form. Rubbing in a circular motion gently apply it on your face. Then wash it off properly.

Vegetable and Fruit Delight
Apply a fruit and vegetable mask to counter the face discoloration. Strawberries, apricots, cucumbers can be made into a pulp and mixed to make a fantastic face mask. You can also use orange peels.

Potato Wonders
Potatoes have bleaching agents and so juice from a potato can prove effective dealing with dark spots on the face. Rub a raw potato or even the juice daily on your face.

Creams to Reduce Face Discoloration
There are quite a few face creams which aid in reducing facial discoloration. The most useful and common of this category of cream is hydroquinone (HQ) cream. HQ is a drug which curbs the production of melanin. It is available as bleaching creams at drug stores. However this should be prescribed by the doctor. Like HQ, there is another cream which is the tretinoin cream, though it works slowly as compared to HQ. It may be used in tandem with other medicines, like steroids. Creams having steroids are also used to curb the hyper pigmentation along with other medicines.

Discoloration of the face is nothing which cannot be gotten rid of. Persistent efforts in the right direction in the form of exfoliation, face peels and healthy lifestyle will prevent melasma. Say goodbye to the annoying patches on your face!