Home remedies that may help manage melasma include aloe vera, glutathione, and more. Speak with a doctor for advice on remedies they recommend alongside medical treatments.

Melasma is a skin disorder that causes discolored patches of skin on areas of the face exposed to the sun.

Melasma’s symmetrical dark patches are brown to gray-brown in color. They can occur on the:

  • forehead
  • cheeks
  • chin
  • nose
  • upper lip

You can work with a doctor to create a suitable treatment plan for melasma. Treatments may include a combination of medical treatments and home remedies.

Read on for more information about home remedies that may help treat melasma.

A 2017 study on pregnant people with melasma found that using a topical liposome-encapsulated aloe vera preparation for 5 weeks significantly improved their melasma.

Most people tolerate aloe vera well. However, in some people it can cause:

  • a burning sensation
  • itchiness
  • a rash
  • eczema

It is best to apply a small amount of aloe vera to the skin first to see if there is a reaction.

»Learn more:Uses for Aloe Vera

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a promising oral therapy for melasma. This acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine.

A 2018 review suggests that TXA may be suitable for refractory melasma or melasma that does not respond to other treatments, such as hydroquinone and combination topical therapy.

Glutathione is an antioxidant that comprises three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It’s present in most mammals.

Both topical and oral glutathione may be beneficial for people with melasma. Topical glutathione can lighten specific areas of the skin, while oral glutathione affects the skin more widely.

However, glutathione may only be suitable for short-term use due to the risk of side effects. More research is necessary to better understand the possible benefits and risks of glutathione in people with melasma.

Protecting the skin is important for everybody, and in people with melasma it may help prevent the condition from worsening.

Tips that may help include:

  • avoiding sun exposure where possible
  • wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30
  • wearing a wide-brimmed hat

There is currently no cure for melasma.

However, medical treatments and home remedies can help manage the condition.

Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist. They can confirm a diagnosis and suggest medical treatments to even your skin tone.

Some medical treatments that may help include:

Some home remedies that may help manage melasma include aloe vera, tranexamic acid (TXA), and glutathione.

It is also important to protect your skin from the sun. This can include wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and avoiding spending time outdoors.

While there is no cure for melasma, a doctor can help you create a suitable treatment plan, which may include a combination of medical treatments and home remedies.