Brownish patches on your face can be resulted from a common skin problem known as melasma. This skin problem mostly cause gray-brownish patches on your facial area, such as the cheeks, nose bridge, forehead, chin, and above or below the lips. In addition to the face, melasma may also cause these brown patches to occur on other parts of the body that are over-exposed to the sun. Women are research to be more susceptible to melasma compared to men, and pregnancy is one of the most leading causes of hyperpigmentation that leads to brownish or greyish patches on skin. These brown patches are also known as sun spots or liver spots. They are called as liver spots as well, since weak liver might also contribute to the occurrence of these dark spots.

Treatment for brown spots on face

As hormones and sun are two most common triggers of melasma, treatments should be made sure to be related to these two issues. To prevent brown spots from appearing on your facial and body skin, it is really crucial to make sure you are not over-exposed to the sun. Ultraviolet ray may be risky for the skin and will likely to cause hyperpigmentation—the early phase of melasma. Thus, when you are outside and exposed to bright sun, you might want to wear wide-brimmed hat that does not only cover your head, but also provide protection to the surrounding skin area. Wearing sunscreen and sunblock lotion may also be helpful, although according to the contained SPF, the application might need to be repeated several times.

Brownish spots caused by melasma are commonly harmless. However, they are considered unattractive. In order to lighten these spots, there are some home remedies that might be useful.

1. Lemon juice

Injected to various cosmetic products, lemon juice has bleaching property that helps lighten brown spots while maintaining clear and soft skin. To use lemon juice for your melasma spots, simply apply lemon juice on the affected area with using facial cotton. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Afterwards, apply facial moisturizer to make sure your treated area is well hydrated.

If you have sensitive skin, do not apply lemon juice without diluting it with water, as this may be too harsh for your skin. You can dilute the juice with rose water or honey before applying it as per the above directions.

2. Castor oil

Castor oil is a powerful healing agent that can be used to treat brown spots or age spots. To use the oil, you can mix it with vitamin E, coconut oil, or almond oil as the carrier substance. Using a cotton ball, apply enough castor oil on the affected area. Gently massage the area in circular motions for a few minutes. This will stimulate proper blood circulation, which plays a significant role in the entire healing process. Afterwards, leave the oil for a few hours before washing it off with warm water. Do this treatment once or twice a day, depending on the severity of the spots.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammation property that will help fade your brownish skin. To use this as your melasma spot treatment, always dilute it with water as it may be too harsh for the skin if not diluted. Apply the solution onto the spots and leave it for a few minutes. After that, wash it off with warm water. Repeat the treatment twice to four times a week.

4. Aloe vera

This plant extract has healing property that will aid skin regeneration. Applying aloe vera extract regularly onto facial brown spots will help reduce its appearance. To use fresh aloe vera, gently rub its gel onto the affected area and leave it dry. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Pat dry and repeat the treatment three times a week until the spots fade.

---

Prevent melasma from worsening

In addition to the above treatments to reduce the appearance of melasma, it is also important to make sure it is not aggravated or worsened. Some tips related to melasma include:

1. Daily sunscreen application

Sun protection is crucial related to melasma prevention. If you manage to protect your skin area from excessive sun exposure, it will likely reduce your chance of forming brownish or greyish spots on your face and exposed body skin. it is very important to wear sunscreen daily, although you are not under the bright sun.

2. Gentle skin care products

Choosing gentle skin care that does not cause burn and sting will minimize your risk of developing melasma. It is also important to use gentle products during the healing process.

3. Avoid waxing

Waxing may worsen melasma, as it destroy the hair follicles. Consult your dermatologist to have a hair removal type that suits your conditions.