Ancient Ayurvedic remedies for Melasma and Skin Discoloration

In Ayurveda, melasma or skin discoloration is known as Vyanga, a common skin disorder caused by Pitta imbalance. This condition is often triggered by hormonal balance, inflammation, excess heat in the body and sun exposure. 

Today, we are going to discuss how you can use cooling ingredients and herbal applications for restoring balance. Let’s start by introducing you to the top 5 Ayurvedic remedies to treat melasma and skin discoloration. 

1. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)

Known as a powerhouse for skin brightening and blood purification, manjistha has been a popular choice among many people since the vedic times for curing melasma. 

If you are someone who is always out and about, coming back home and applying manjistha in any form will support detoxification of Rakta dhatu. In layman’s words, it promotes blood circulation. 

How to use it?

∙ Mix manjistha powder with raw honey or rose water to form a thick paste that can be applied to any part of your body. 

∙ Apply on affected areas for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. 

Product recommendation: WeHerbal’s Kumkumadi Ubtan Face Wash is made from natural ingredients like manjistha powder, orange peel powder, rose, turmeric and dead sea mud. Unlike chemical based cleansers, this foam-free approach to clearing skin cells doesn’t strip away the natural barrier of your skin. 

2. Chandan and Amba Haldi Lepa (Paste)

The classic lepa (topical paste) is used to treat inflammatory hyperpigmentation since the regal times. You will find the reference of chandan and haldi in the world-renowned epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana as well. 

While sandalwood aka chandan cools Pitta dosha, amba haldi contains curcumin which is a key ingredient to inhibit melanin synthesis. 

How to use it?

∙ Mix sandalwood powder and amba haldi with milk or rose water (based on your skin type)

∙ Apply the paste as a face mask and let it dry for about 15–20 minutes. 

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Please note: Mix with milk and yogurt for dry skin. For oily skin, mix with rose water. 

Product recommendation: WeHerbal’s Herbal Face Mask is purely a botanical remedy for dark spots and pigmentation. The rich blend of amba haldi, manjistha, licorice and sandalwood gently detoxifies the skin cells while supporting melanin balance. 

3. Lodhra and Mulethi Paste 

A traditional approach to brighten your skin cells and control inflammation with its mild astringent effects. 
While Lodhra supports skin-tightening, mulethi makes way for a brighter, healthier-looking skin. 

How to use it?

• Mix both qualities of the powder equally with a portion of raw honey to form a smooth paste. 

• Apply the paste to pigmented areas and leave it on for approximately 15-20 minutes. 

• Rinse gently with lukewarm water. 

Product recommendation: WeHerbal’s Kumkumadi Face Oil is made for healing skin cells. It contains lodhra, mulethi, sandalwood, saffron, turmeric and manjistha. The non-sticky, herbal oil reduces UV-induced melanin production which lowers pigmentation. 

4. Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) Oil

A plant-based alternative to retinol, bakuchi acts as a classical Ayurvedic herb that helps treat pigmentary disorders. 

Primarily used for healing acne-prone skin, bakuchi regulates melanocyte activity and promotes collagen production which in turn, helps skin look brighter and healthier.  

How to use it?

• Clean your face with a ubtan-based cleanser. 

• Apply 2-3 drops of Bakuchoil serum on clean, dry skin. 

• Add it to your nighttime skincare routine for best results. 

• Follow up with herbal face cream. 

Product Recommendation: WeHerbal’s Bakuchoil Serum is made from natural bakuchi plants. It targets skin inflammation and supports skin renewal. Regular usage treats blemishes, acne scars and dark spots. 

   

5. Kumkumadi Tailam

Regular usage of chemical cosmetics and beauty products can block our pores. Kumkumadi Tailam, a polyherbal dermal rejuvenator penetrate herbal ingredients into every layer of your cells. 

Made with complexion-enhancing compounds like saffron aka kumkuma (best known for reducing dullness and licorice root, it regulates melanin production. 

How to use it?

∙ Apply 5-6 drops of Kumkumadi Tailam on a clean face. 

• Use it prior to bedtime with a gentle massage in upward direction. 

 

Product Recommendation: WeHerbal’s Kumkumadi Face Oil is made from texture improving ingredients such as saffron, manjistha, sandalwood, licorice root and lodhra which improve nutrient supply to skin cells.

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