Melasma is a skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches on the face, commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It is a type of hyperpigmentation, which refers to an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, causing dark patches or spots to form. More common in women, melasma can be difficult to treat, but a combination of skin lightening agents and sun protection can help improve its appearance.
Symptoms of melasma include symmetrical, brown or gray-brown patches on the skin that can vary in size and shape. The patches may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and can sometimes be itchy or scaly. How does melasma form and what are its following symptoms?
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Hyperpigmentation | dark, discolored patches of skin on the face |
Symmetrical Distribution | the patches tend to be on both sides of the face |
Sun Exposure Worsening | exposure to sun worsens the appearance of the patches |
No Itching or Pain | melasma does not cause any physical discomfort such as itching or pain. |
The exact cause of melasma is not known, but several factors can trigger or worsen the condition, including:
Hormonal changes: Melasma is often associated with hormonal changes during pregnancy, taking oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy.
Sun exposure: UV radiation from the sun can trigger melanin production and worsen existing melasma.
Genetics: Melasma may run in families and certain genetic factors may make some individuals more susceptible to the condition.
Cosmetics and skin care products: Certain skin care products, including some cosmetics, may cause skin irritation and trigger melasma.
Medications: Some medications, such as phototoxic drugs, can trigger melasma or make existing melasma worse.
It is important to note that some people may be more susceptible to melasma due to a combination of these factors, and the exact cause may vary from person to person.
Tips to Help Relieve Melasma (Top Pros & Cons):
While there is no cure for melasma, there are several strategies and tips that can help to relieve its symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. By understanding the causes of melasma and taking steps to address them, it is possible to minimize its impact and feel more confident in one's appearance.
Sun protection: To protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 daily and avoid sun exposure, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, sunscreen may cause skin irritation or breakouts, especially for those with sensitive skin. Some sunscreens may also contain harmful ingredients and be time-consuming to apply.
Wear protective clothing: To shield your skin from the sun, it is advised to wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses. While this may provide effective protection, it may not always be practical or comfortable, especially in hot weather.
Avoid irritating skin products: To minimize the risk of irritating your skin, it is recommended to avoid using skin care products that contain harsh ingredients or irritants, such as alcohol and fragrances. However, finding suitable replacements for regular skin care products can be challenging.
Use skin lightening products: To lighten the appearance of melasma, over-the-counter skin lightening products containing ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, or azelaic acid may be helpful. But it's worth noting that these products can cause skin irritation, redness, or sensitivity for some individuals and overuse or prolonged use can lead to skin damage.
Try chemical peels: Chemical peels containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help improve the appearance of melasma. However, these peels can be painful and cause redness, skin sensitivity, and increased sun sensitivity.
Consult a dermatologist: If over-the-counter products are not effective, consulting a dermatologist for a stronger skin-lightening treatment may be necessary. A disadvantage of this remedy is that stronger skin-lightening treatments can have more serious side effects, require multiple appointments and significant costs, and may not be covered by insurance.
Superfoods For Melasma
While the previous remedies may provide some relief, protection, and prevention from melasma worsening, incorporating superfoods into your diet can help improve its appearance by providing essential nutrients and antioxidants to the skin.
1. LEAFY GREENS:
Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are rich in vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage.
2. BERRIES:
Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are rich in antioxidants and may help protect the skin from damage.
3. NUTS & SEEDS:
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and protect the skin.
4. FATTY FISH: Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help reduce inflammation and maintain skin health.
5. TOMATOES: Lycopene, an antioxidant that can help shield the skin from harm, is abundant in tomatoes.
What Are Supplements?
Supplements can be any kind of vitamin, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and amino acids that you can eat or drink.
The main function of supplements is to supplement one’s existing nutrition. While vitamins and tablets can help one’s health, they are not meant to take the place of a healthy and nutritious diet and lifestyle.
That being said, taking the right supplements with a nutritious and well balanced diet can provide a host of health benefits.
Ingredients To Look For
White Tomatoes | White tomatoes contain two colorless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, which have been shown to have potential benefits for skin health. These carotenoids have been found to have photoprotective and antioxidant properties, potentially helping to protect the skin from UV-induced damage and reducing the risk of skin aging and cancer. Research has also suggested that phytoene and phytofluene may help to improve the appearance of melasma, a skin condition characterized by hyperpigmentation. The increasing popularity of these carotenoids in the fields of food, nutrition, health, and cosmetics highlights their unique properties and potential health benefits. Another study suggests that the concentration of these carotenoids should be considered when evaluating skin health, as they may play a role in improving the skin's ability to resist damage from UV radiation. With growing evidence of their potential benefits, phytoene and phytofluene are becoming important compounds to consider when promoting skin health and appearance. |
Coenzyme Q10 | A non-human study investigated the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) sunscreen on preventing skin damage from ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. It was found that UVB exposure caused decreased body weight, decreased antioxidant activity, and increased oxidative stress in the skin. But, CoQ10 sunscreen prevented these effects and reduced skin damage. The results suggest that CoQ10 sunscreen can protect against UVB-induced skin damage. |
Top 3 Hyperpigmentation Treatment
The team at Superfood Reviews have done the research to find out what the best option for melasma supplements in the market. We have graded each choice through a stringent grading based on the following criteria:
Superfood Reviews team recommends The Purest Co.'s Snow Tomato Glowjuice because it contains high grade PhytoflORAL® White Tomato Extract, which slows melanin creation and lessens irritation. This extract also has skin-brightening and evening benefits.
It is suggested to pick a product that comprises a well-known brand of white tomato if you want to make sure you're ingesting premium-grade white tomato extract.
If you are unsure about whether melasma supplements will be effective for you, you can always choose a product that comes with a money-back guarantee. The Purest Co.'s Snow Tomato Glowjuice offers a risk-free trial period. You can simply test a sachet and return it if you're not happy.
PROS:
With PhytoflORAL® White Tomato Extract, L-Cysteine, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Contains Acerola extract (25% Vitamin C), peach juice and many more
No unnecessary ingredients or additives
30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back
Rigorously tested for purity and ingredient quality
Made in Taiwan
Manufactured to HACCP and ISO22000 standards
Highly rated for customer service
Free SG delivery on all orders
CONS:
Only available online
Always out of stock due to demand
BOTTOMLINE:
With an heavily researched, comprehensive formula and the best ingredient-list of the products we tested, Snow Tomato Glowjuice by The Purest Co is easily the Number 1 pick.
It delivers a potent dose (5500mg) of patented PhytoflORAL® White Tomato Extract which are a superior form of white tomatoes that has an outstanding photo-protection capacity built into the skin from within. This supplement also boasts complementary ingredients like L-Cysteine, Acerola extract (25% Vitamin C), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and real fruit juice derived from peaches as a natural sweetener.
This drink contains no unnecessary ingredients, and is packed with a great taste. The company was highly rated for customer service and offers a 30-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee which shows they are willing to stand behind the quality of their product.
When compared to other top competitors, Snow Tomato Glowjuice was unrivaled in effectiveness, quality, safety, and value which makes it the team’s top choice as the best skin lightening supplement on the market today.
PROS:
Contains white tomatoes, as well as Vitamin C, collagen, and hyaluronic acid
1-month supply per box
Comes in tasty lemon flavor
Non-GMO
Free Shipping in Singapore
CONS:
Not indicated if vegan-friendly
No information on collagen source
Powder format might be difficult to consume
BOTTOMLINE:
Aside from their skin whitening effects, The Snow Tomato Powder emphasizes its promise of blocking UV rays - this is brought on by carotenoids, which snow tomatoes are naturally abundant in. Additionally, in connection with UV rays, this supplement also contains collagen. Harsh sun rays can damage the body’s natural protection of collage, so the people who formulated the Snow Tomato Powder made sure to complement their promised benefits to the ingredients.
However, powdered supplements offers less biodiversity compared to the liquid format. According to their website, it is recommended for consumers to mix it in cold or hot water. This might be unideal for those on-the-go and have little to no time to prepare a whitening supplement. The supplement comes in a tasty lemon flavor, but the team agrees that this might not be appealing to all consumers as some prefer unflavored powders over fruity ones.
Lastly, they offer free shipping within Singapore, but no information is stated whether they have a money-back guarantee.
PROS:
Contains key ingredients such as tomatoes with colourless carotenoids, olive extract, and L-cysteine
Made with all-natural ingredients
Free shipping in Singapore
CONS:
Quite expensive
Based on the information provided on the website, it is unclear as to the exact amount of ingredients contained in each supplement
BOTTOMLINE:
Miriqa® Professional Skin Nutrition Supplement contains key ingredients that claim to soothe irritated skin, repairs damage caused by environmental aggressors like sun exposure, and support overall skin brightness and evenness.
Their website states that the product's formulation contains L-cysteine, which helps to slow down the aging process. Moreover, L-cysteine synergistically interacts with colourless carotenoids in tomatoes and olives, contributing to skin lightening and brightening of overall skin tone.
This product may be suitable for those who are not price-sensitive and have no difficulty swallowing pills.
