How to Use Horseradish for Melasma – 3 DIY Recipes

Excess sun exposure, cosmetic products, and hormonal changes are few common triggers of melasma. Read on to know to use horseradish for melasma.

Known for its pungent and spicy taste, horseradish is a herb used for treating numerous health ailments since ages.

Packed with exceptional nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, protein and iron, this herb is widely used with meat as a condiment.

Before you jump to its benefits, let me discuss few points about melasma.

Who Gets and What Causes Melasma?

This disorder is commonly seen in people with darker skin and in women. Only 10% of people with melasma are men.

The main cause of this skin disorder is unknown.

Researchers think that excess production of melanin is the main reason for this pigmentation.

UV rays, pregnancy, genetics, hormonal imbalance, birth control pills and reaction with beauty creams may trigger brown-grey spots.

If the pigments are triggered due to pregnancy, then American Academy of Dermatology states that they may fade with time. (Source)

If you have these brown spots for years, then use hydroquinone. But, if you want to try something free from chemical elements then there are many natural ways, one of them is listed below.

Also read: Is Castor Oil Good for Melasma?

Why Use Horseradish for Melasma?

Steroid creams prescribed by dermatologist works fine. My friend used them and all patches vanished in few months.

As ingredients in these creams can irritate sensitive skin and repeated use can strip moisture, most beauty lovers opt for natural remedies.

Innate remedies like horseradish penetrate deep into the skin and enhance its overall functioning. Vitamins and minerals housed in this herb not just treats ailments but improves your skin texture.

So, it’s two birds for one shot.

  • Ascorbic acid packed in this herb inhibits melanin production and reduces pigmentation.
  • Antioxidant activity exhibited by vitamin C thwart free radicals and avoids oxidation, which gradually reduces the appearance of pale pigmentation.
  • Bleaching property of horseradish help to reduce hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and melasma. (Source)
  • Regular application of this herb will peel off the skin by making it darker initially. So, no need to worry if you see brown spots getting darker.
  • Apart from this, horseradish can reduce birth marks, freckles, blemishes and make your skin radiant.

How to Use Horseradish for Melasma?

horseradish for melasma

There are many ways you can use this herb. To make it more effective and get an attractive skin blend other natural ingredients with it.

Below are few DIY recipes.

#1 Horseradish

Get the horseradish root and start rubbing it over the affected part. You can also slice and apply it over brown-grey melasma spots.

Nutrients in the herb start working by peeling the affected skin. Initially, you may notice the spots are changing dark. Don’t worry it’s a sign of improvement.

Experts recommend trying this herb once in a week and wait for the skin to peel.

#2 Apple Cider Vinegar and Horseradish

ACV also has exceptional nutritional value and bleaching agents. It’s moisturizing and higher concentration of vitamins improves the elasticity of the skin.

  • Crush ½ cup of horseradish and add a ½ liter of apple cider vinegar to it.
  • Place the ingredients in a bottle and cover it for 2 weeks, so that nutrients in both substances mix.
  • Shake the bottle daily and strain the mixture before topical application.
  • Apply the solution over the melasma spots after 2 weeks.

Instead of ACV you can use glycerin and buttermilk and let it settle for one night before applying it on the skin.

#3 Oatmeal, Horseradish, and Sour Cream

  • Mix powder of horseradish root, oatmeal powder with sour cream.
  • Topically apply the mask over the skin and leave it for 20 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • Beauty experts recommend using this mixture twice in a week.

You can also mix 1 cup of raw milk with grated horseradish and apply it over melasma.

Did you ever use horseradish for melasma? Share your views in comments.

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