Melasma and Hyperpigmentation - Caring, Natural, and Effective Treatment
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Melasma, and all types of hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration, can be big challenges to deal with. Sadly, many people become self-conscious of their skin (whatever the issue may be), and even feel embarrassment when going out in public. I also had melasma on my face after a swift hormonal shift. It bothered me for years, until I figured out what to do and it faded away. What helped me was to do everything I could to treat naturally and with love both externally and internally.
Rather than feeling that you have hide or disguise yourself, love yourself and your skin. You are beautiful all-ways, and deep acceptance of yourself in the present moment will help you live true to your essence and with love and grace. We can also actively work to heal and transform melasma and hyperpigmentation with internal, topical and lifestyle adjustments. With a little knowledge and effort, melasma can be healed naturally...plus, we will have learned a lot in the process. Read on to learn about the common skin condition known as melasma, and how to correct the imbalance.
what is melasma?
Melasma is a type of skin hyperpigmentation that causes discoloration over parts of the face. Commonly affected areas are the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. It is very common, affecting around 6 million people in the U.S. alone. About 90% of the people who experience melasma are women.
causes of melasma
There are many causative factors that can trigger melasma, including shifts in hormonal balance, high stress levels, excess melanin production, high toxic load in the body, and troubles with thyroid function. Many people think that melasma is caused by overexposure to the sun, but this isn't actually true. Sun may accentuate melasma, darkening the hyperpigmentation, but is not the root of the problem.
hormonal imbalance
The reason melasma is so much more common in women than men is because of the regular hormonal fluctuations that women experience. When a woman's hormones are balanced, everything functions more smoothly in her life. If any imbalances occur in her body, her hormones will most certainly be affected. And when the hormonal balance is off, we start to notice other things tipping out of balance as well. Commonly, the skin will signal to us a hormonal imbalance.
melasma and hormones
Estrogen-dominance is a common occurrence these days for women. When the progesterone level is too low, estrogen will dominate and cause all sorts of unpleasant effects. Slipping into a state of too much estrogen is not unusual at all in our modern day world, with the rise of xenoestrogenic materials and pollutants in our environment. Our bodies are sensitive, and our hormones can easily get out of balance.
Pregnancy is also a time of major hormonal shifts, which is why melasma will oftentimes show up. As a matter of fact, melasma has been termed the "pregnancy mask." Many women experience this hyperpigmentation during and after pregnancy.
In addition, the use of birth control pills and HRT can trigger melasma. Again, this is due to the hormonal balance being pushed in the direction of estrogen dominance.
hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration
So what's one to do once they are experiencing the hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration associated with melasma? I recommend taking a multi-directional approach. By combining lifestyle, internal and topical treatments, you will succeed and soar as you heal this skin condition.
melasma treatment - internal
The first step is to figure out what sort of internal imbalance you are dealing with, if you don't know already. Work with a health practitioner whom you trust and feel confident in. If hormonal imbalance is suspected, get the appropriate lab tests to find out exactly where you are at. This will help you develop a treatment plan, as well as monitor progress as you undergo treatment. You may also want to have your thyroid and adrenal functions assessed.
melasma treatment - topical
As you are working through the internal imbalances, you can expedite the external healing process by incorporating an effective, targeted treatment into your protocol. Elaa is honored to be able to offer an extraordinary formulation to those who are healing melasma. Sunshine Dew Brightening Vitamin C Serum is a natural hyperpigmentation treatment that's highly potent and concentrated, for use in the most stubborn cases of melasma, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone.
As with all of elaa's product offerings, you will find only the highest quality and most effective targeted ingredients in Sunshine Dew Brightening Vitamin C Serum . It is highly anti-inflammatory, and significantly inhibits the the activity of tyrosinase and melanin production. It heals and restores skin to its most beautiful expression.
Steps to clearer, more even skin tone:
Step 1) Glow - Exfoliating Fruit AHA Dew
This type of "Chemical" (100% natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids from fruits) exfoliator, is ideally used with a "mechanical" exfoliator, Pineapple Illuminating Polisher, which further promotes cellular renewal. The two work collaboratively to most effectively reveal fresh, glowing skin. First Cleanse Skin, then apply Glow. To Use with Pineapple Illuminating Polisher, leave Glow on for 20-30 min then apply Pineapple Illuminating Polisher in circular motions to face or area of treatment. Once you have massaged every surface of the treatment area, rinse. Mist with a Toner and finish with a Serum and Moisturizer of your choice. You may do this treatment 1-7 times per week, depending on your skin's sensitivity, and your desired result.
Glow AHA Dew Exfoliating Serum is a burst of fresh fruit acids for a radiant glow and a brighter, more youthful complexion. A juicy fruit and flower treatment for removing dead skin cells, treating acne, diminishing hyperpigmentation or age spots, reducing Milia or Keratosis Pilaris, improving wrinkles and fine lines, or simply creating a gorgeous, healthy glow.
These natural fruit and sugar acids help to promote ATP production, stimulating collagen production, repairing and regenerating skin cells. The AHAs also improve the texture of skin, minimizing pores, and reducing fine line and wrinkles. White and Green Teas provide powerful antioxidants that protect skin from UV radiation, repair damage skin damage, promote elasticity, and tone the epidermis. The fresh and vibrant oil blend encourages the formation of new skin cells, balances and tones all skin types, including acne, oily skin, dry, and aging skin increases in blood flow rejuvenates the skin and gives it a revitalized, smooth, radiant glow.
Step 2) Pineapple Illuminating Polisher
Luminescence in a jar. Reveal your radiant essence with this gentle, but highly active enzyme polish and mask. Pineapple enzymes naturally purify and resurface skin. Velvet De Guérande tenderly buffs away dead skin cells and infuses it with rich minerals. Chamomile, Yarrow, Linden, and Fennel calm, reduce inflammation, and cleanse the skin. Vitamins, bioflavonoids, and antioxidants revive dull and aging skin. Pineapple Illumination also diminishes hyperpigmentation or age spots, reduces Milia or Keratosis Pilaris, improves wrinkles and fine lines, and reduces blemishes. This juicy resurfacing gelée will have you gleaming and glimmering with Illumination!
For face, neck, décolletage, and lips.
Refrigerate if you would like to retain the bright yellow, natural pineapple color.
Step 3) Sunshine Dew Brightening Vitamin C Serum
Capture the brilliant radiance of the sun with the ultimate all-in-one vitamin C treatment for skin that glows like sunlight on morning dew. Kiss skin with this highly concentrated formula of the most bio-available forms of Vitamin C to reveal healthier, brighter, and more youthful skin. Dripping with the most effective and luxurious amounts of stable Vitamin C from Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C ester), Kakadu Plum, Indian Gooseberry, Camu Camu Berry, and Acerola Cherry, this sunny dew reverses signs of aging and damage. Niacinamide, as the perfect companion to Vitamin C, supports the Vitamin C power and also helps acne, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions and increases the natural production of ceramides, for increased moisture and skin barrier protection. Ferula Foetida, Licorice, Green Tea, and Lemon Peel treat melasma, hyperpigmentation, age-spots, and all forms of uneven skin tone. MSM helps to build supple, healthy tissue and Alpha Lipoic Acid reduces cellular inflammation, regenerates, and protects the skin.
melasma treatment - lifestyle
Finally, take a deep look at your overall lifestyle patterns. Remember that stress is a trigger for melasma. Stress actually plays a big role in all of our imbalances, including our hormonal balance and adrenal health. Its no mystery that living in our world can feel more than a little overwhelming sometimes. Find ways to nourish yourself by taking the time to make healthy dietary and lifestyle choices. Make a point to consciously relax when you are feeling stressed. Take the time to practice meditation, however this might look for you. Maybe it's being in nature, laughing out loud, or dancing your heart out.
