Melasma is a skin condition characterized by pigmented spots of varying sizes on the face, commonly seen in women. Due to its appearance on the face, it can negatively impact one’s image, leading to psychological stress and affecting the patient’s quality of life.
The Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun (Treatise on the Causes and Symptoms of Diseases) records: “Dark spots on the face may result from phlegm and fluid retention in the organs or from wind邪 affecting the skin, causing blood and Qi imbalance and leading to dark spots.” The Wai Ke Zheng Zong (Orthodox Medicine for External Diseases) also notes: “Dark spots occur when water deficiency cannot control fire, and weak blood cannot nourish the flesh, causing fire to dry and form dark spots, making the skin dull and lifeless.” Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that melasma is often caused by insufficient Qi and blood, which fails to nourish the face, or by Qi, blood, phlegm, and blood stasis accumulating beneath the skin, resulting in pigmentation.
Here is a recommended herbal face pack method that can help lighten melasma, brighten the skin, and moisturize. It should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Ingredients:
- Angelica Dahurica (Bai Zhi) 20g
- Licorice (Gan Cao) 12g
- Angelica (Dang Gui) 15g
- A small amount of honey
Preparation Steps:
- Grind the Bai Zhi, Gan Cao, and Dang Gui into a powder and refrigerate overnight.
- On the second day, mix the powder with an appropriate amount of warm water and honey.
- After cleansing your face, take a small amount of the herbal paste and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before washing it off. Apply once or twice daily.
Explanation of the Ingredients:
- Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica): It is pungent and warm, entering the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. It is aromatic and rises upward, making it effective in reaching the head and face. According to Compendium of Materia Medica, Bai Zhi “nourishes the skin, moisturizes the complexion, and can be used in facial creams.” Modern research shows that Bai Zhi contains coumarins and various essential oils, which improve microcirculation, promote skin metabolism, and inhibit melanin production.
- Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): It is sweet, pungent, and warm, entering the Liver, Heart, and Spleen meridians. It is known for its ability to nourish blood, activate circulation, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain. According to Compendium of Materia Medica, “It is light in Qi and heavy in taste, able to both ascend and descend, with a balance of Yin and Yang. It is specifically used to nourish blood and promote circulation.” Modern research indicates that Dang Gui contains essential oils, β-sitosterol, ferulic acid, and various vitamins, which promote the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, improve peripheral circulation, and remove free radicals. Dang Gui extract inhibits tyrosinase activity and blocks the oxidation pathways of melanin production, thus reducing melanin formation and achieving skin whitening.
- Licorice (Gan Cao) and Honey: Both are harmonizing agents that can also enhance the skin lightening and anti-spot effects of the formula.