Our skin is the sentinel of our health, and there are myriad of reasons why the skin develops spots, unusual freckling, and muddy discoloration referred to as hyperpigmentation.
Melasma, derived from the Greek word “melas” which means black, is irregular, muddy looking patches usually found on the face, especially across the upper lip and forehead. Women tend to develop melisma more than men. Elevated estrogen and hormone imbalance is a major contributor to this melasma. Excess hormones usually occur from over production, toxin stimulation, and inefficiency in the natural hormone elimination process performed by the liver.
The American Academy of Dermatology states that The Pill and HRT can cause melasma's muddy looking pigmentation and sensitivity to sun. Hormones stimulate the growth of cells that make brown pigment (melanocytes), and natural light stimulates the production of even more brown pigment (melanin). Thyroid dysfunction can also lead to hormone imbalances that affect the skin.
To prevent melasma from occurring, worsening or reoccurring, it is important to ditch The Pill and all artificial hormones, if possible, and keep hormones in balance.
Botanical oils are highly concentrated with antioxidants and omega fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants work to repair the skin barrier and antioxidants can help prevent and reverse free radical damage. Botanical oils are especially effective at stimulating a slow or congested liver. The liver is involved in over 500 body processes and when it is backed up or overworked, waste in the blood stream backs up, too, and eventually it all shows in the skin.
Since essential oils are in the form of the liquid, our skin can absorb them easily and keep them all day. To be more precise, there are many nutrients and vitamins (E, A, etc.) in essential oils that can not only give your skin softness, smoothness and elasticity but also eliminate new dark- colored spots and repair the skin damage.
Some essential oils like Tea Tree, Lavender, Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Myrrh together with Pomegranate oil are high in the antimicrobial properties that can decontaminate and prevent the skin from the risk of infections and the attacks of Melasma.
Tea Tree Essential Oil - This oil contains benzoyl peroxide acid that can remove acnes, spots and lighten the tone of skin after a short period of time and can be especially beneficial if you have sensitive skin and the spots have just happened to your skin.
Frankincense Essential Oil - Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Frankincense penetrates the skin and helps with production of new cells, improves the density of young skin cells and relieves the existence of wrinkles and patches. Being of natural origin, it is pure and not harmful to skin.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil - In reality, this essential oil is popularly used to heal some diseases and create some beauty remedies. Like other mentioned essential oils, it contains a lot of nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for skin. If you apply it on your skin regularly, you will not need to worry about the appearance of acne or spots of melisma.
Myrrh Essential Oil - With the supports of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances in this essential oil, it can get rid of wrinkles, eczema, acne and melasma. Additionally, your skin also becomes healthier, firmer more glowing. To get the best results, you can combine it with other essential oils.
Patchouli Essential Oil - The high content of vitamin E and C and the antiseptic properties helps the skin exfoliate dead cells and produce new cells, supply nutrients to nourish and increase the firmness of the skin. It is a good remedy to smear dark spots to treat Melasma.
Lavender Essential Oil - Besides its soft aroma, applying and softly massaging Lavender oil can regulate the oil discharge in the skin, brighten the tone of the skin and help treat melisma, eliminating the reasons causing this condition.
Pomegranate Oil - is nourishing and rich, making it an essential player in many skin care and health products. Pomegranate seed oil contains a high concentration of ellagic acid, which is an antioxidant and helps in preventing wrinkles and UV damage to skin. Also punicic acid – rich in omega-5 fatty acids helps in skin repair, by stimulating “keratinocyte” proliferation, which promotes regeneration of the epidermis. This helps skin retain its youthful appearance by creating new skin cells. All skin types can benefit from this oil. It absorbs deeply into the skin aiding those with dry skin to help moisturize. It also works well for those with oily skin, by aiding in skin regeneration. This oil does not clog pores and an excellent choice for topical anti-aging effects and melasma.
Lemon Essential Oil - Rich in citric acid and alpha hydroxyl acid, this oil can control the hyperpigmentation, shrink the size of spots on the skin as well as whitening the skin.
Comments
1 comment
Arabia Yaqub
Hi, I suffer from melasma. I’ve had melasma for 8 years now and it’s been really difficult to live with. As I have dry skin, can you please advise me which is the best essential oil to use daily on my face.
Thank you. Look forward to hearing from you.