[Copperoverload]

Copper Toxicity can be the cause of Melasma.......

Search on line for "Melasma and Zinc" Also search for "Copper Toxicity" and "Melasma and Yeast". You will find everything you need to know to have this connect for you.

Copper is in Birth Control Pills and pregnant women's copper level rises dramatically a few months prior to giving birth. Vegetarians are also at risk due to the fact that many foods they eat are high in copper and the antagonist to copper is zinc and iron - protein from animals is one of the only ways to aquire zinc and iron. People with copper pipes, copper cookware, and/or copper in plates,mugs etc... as well.

When there is too much copper in our system we get an overgrowth of yeast and melasma is a yeast fungus. Yeast is on our skin naturally and it gets out of balance when copper levels are out of balance. Copper is what our skin cells use for pigmentation.

Pure Aloe Vera Gel is an antifungal - health food section
MSM powder is an antifungal - health food store or section
MIX TOGETHER AND APPLY TO FACE
(Only get pure Aloe or MSM)
Stop using any moisturizer - skin will be dry for 3 - 5 days until it starts to balance itself - cosmetic moisturizers just add fuel to the yeast)

Supplements
Vitamin C
Zinc - antagonist to copper
Calcium - antagonist to copper
MSM - antagonist to copper
potassium - antagonist to copper
Iodine - antagonist to copper

Take these as well as a good multi vitamin (make sure it doesn't contain copper) and you will be well on your way to getting rid of your melasma.

It is also a good idea to avoid eating foods high in copper until your melasma is gone. Wheat, nuts, apples, soy - look this up on the web "food high in copper".....

Also take a mega Probiotic with at least 5 different cultures and digestive enzymes - this will help with yeast overgrowth in the body.

Know that you are beautiful in the past, present, and future.

Love to you all.....

 

[Victoria]

I'm pretty sure I have copper toxicity, but I'm having trouble finding a way to have my copper levels tested. I am currently undergoing chelation therapy for high levels of heavy metals, including mercury and lead. My doctor doesn't seem to be aware of the copper issue. I have had persistent candida for years despite many rounds of antifungals and a strict diet. I JUST started taking higher doses of zinc (than what comes in my multi) and appear to be having dramatically good results! I had a big candida die-off and now my seasonal allergies (severe before) are much better too. I'm hoping that my acne and melasma will clear up as well, especially with more chelation (I assume excess copper stored in my tissues will be removed along with the other unwanted metals).

A point of interest: I spent TONS of time in a swimming pool as a child, then later took up smoking, was on birth control pills for 15 years and was a vegetarian for 12 years. Guess all those things make me a very likely candidate for copper toxicity!

One question: Has anyone heard about a link between copper toxicity and scoliosis? Or perhaps a deficiency in another mineral, like zinc or magnesium? I'm curious about this....

 

[Copperoverload]

I found something that works much better............

Nivea in the blue screw top container........epsom salt is what makes it work....Most of us need extra magnesium..

Also take the extra

Vitamin C 2,000 to 3,000 mgs daily - use emergen C packets 3 times a day -
Zinc - 50 mg
Calcium and Vitamin D and Magnesium
Good Multi Vitamin with no Copper - have to get prenatal - regular vitamins have copper in them......
I just started on DIM because I read that it helps to normalize estrogen levels.

cut down on high copper foods - eat organic everything- wash all produce really well. (they use copper as a fungicide for vegetables, fruits and grains.) Only buy organic hormone free meat, eggs, and dairy.

Get off the Pill -use condoms - look on the ingredients - copper is listed as an ingredient in the pill.

You may want to try some progesterone cream to reduce the estrogen in your body - I didn't.

If you want immediate results to "lighten" the dark patches - buy some food grade Hydrogen Perioxide from the health food store - just be careful - you have to dilute it big time - it is 35%, so you need to dilute it to 3% - which means you have to add a lot of water and just a little hydrogen Peroxide. Don't use regular Hydrogen Peroxide because it has stabilizers in it so it doesn't work as well.

My Melasma is barely visable and I haven't used sunscreen in months........

 

[Copperoverload]

I'm pretty sure I have copper toxicity, but I'm having trouble finding a way to have my copper levels tested. I am currently undergoing chelation therapy for high levels of heavy metals, including mercury and lead. My doctor doesn't seem to be aware of the copper issue. I have had persistent candida for years despite many rounds of antifungals and a strict diet. I JUST started taking higher doses of zinc (than what comes in my multi) and appear to be having dramatically good results! I had a big candida die-off and now my seasonal allergies (severe before) are much better too. I'm hoping that my acne and melasma will clear up as well, especially with more chelation (I assume excess copper stored in my tissues will be removed along with the other unwanted metals).

A point of interest: I spent TONS of time in a swimming pool as a child, then later took up smoking, was on birth control pills for 15 years and was a vegetarian for 12 years. Guess all those things make me a very likely candidate for copper toxicity!

One question: Has anyone heard about a link between copper toxicity and scoliosis? Or perhaps a deficiency in another mineral, like zinc or magnesium? I'm curious about this....

I have talked with a few doctors about testing as well and there are no accurate tests for copper levels. Hair and blood samples will only show if there are higher levels of other metals and they can deduce that someone's copper level may be high. I have researched for months about copper and how it effects estrogen levels, so I know for a fact that high copper low zinc is the issue with Melasma.........I was a vegan (high copper foods)and took birth control pills (copper in the pill).........Copper is what effects our skin, but it also EFFECTS ESTROGEN and yeast imbalances>>>>>>>>>>>>
Most melasma creams have antifungals in them....read the ingredients and look them up on line - you will see

 

[jimewing2121]

WOW.. Thats crazy.

 

[hzqh7p]

I just wanted to say there seems to be some really great information here and I wanted to thank you for taking the time to post this!
THANK YOU!!

Sincerely,

Julie

 

[Tamstar]

To all the lovely ladies who have taken time to add so much useful information, a massive THANK YOU

)
I have had melasma for 3 years now and NON of the doctors, beauticians, specialist or pharmacist have been able to give me such valuable information.
The link between yeast, copper and melasma makes so much sense to me now - finally I'm getting some answers.
I am on to the zinc, vitamin C and sulphur for the next few weeks plus probiotics to help my digestive tract AND eliminating all high copper foods etc.
Its so nice to see a community of women helping each other out, finding treatment for the root of the problem which all other "professionals" seem to ignore. They prefer the quick fix, quick buck and quickly get out of my office so I can give the same treatment to another human being. Good for all you women out there who are taking control of your bodies.

 

[hzqh7p]

I could not agree more. I second that! Thank you for taking your time to help with such a frustrating and "confidence stealing" condition. I just wanted to share what has been working best for me in the last 3 months. I have seen an amazing improvement in my skin. Just a recap - Starting getting Melasma after the birth of my son 6 years ago. It came out when I went into the sun and faded without a problem. Then suddenly 41 and boom, it won't fade. I was on the pill 11 years ago for years! So I totally believe there is a connection! I went to the dermatologist--he talked me into IPL treatments. I DO NOT recommend, it made it so much worse!

So here is what I am doing now that really seems to be working--when NOTHING else has.

MSM 2000 per day (this makes me feel a little sick to my stomach if I take more than that) I take it at night when I go to bed, so I don't notice the side effects, but I heard they are just temporary once your body adjusts. I also take them one at a time through out the day, that works great too. I just forget sometimes.

Vitamin C 1000 mg (I take with MSM) they work together best.
Zinc 50 mg
Iron (one per day)
You can take a multi-vitamin, but I have not found one yet without copper.

Okay, that is what I do for the inside.
Here is the outside routine:

Clarisonic exfoliator (worth every penny) I am totally convinced this is the key to my improvements besides the supplements! 65% better absorption of any other products on the skin and I truly believe it!

I use it morning and night and I am 41 and have oily/sensitive skin and no problems with it.
I use it with Dr. Murad's cleanser for oily skin
Toner from Proactiv (but I recommend toner's) they help any product you use absorb better into the skin as well. Use whatever kind you like that works well with your skin.

In the morning I use Meladerm and at night 4% prescription Hydroquinone. I know it gets a bad rap and I understand that is why I use Meladerm (no HQ) at all. But I just want to try to help myself (after the IPL treatments) it is just horrible, I wanted to cry all the time. And it has been totally working for me with this whole entire regimen. I am so grateful as the IPL treatments made it worse and it covered even more area of my face. That is the worst part. Please don't even consider IPL's and carefully consider any procedure, research it all online first! Demand to see photo's of befores and afters! IPL is great for freckles, age spots, NOT melasma! Trust me.

I am a nutritional science major, so you don't have to tell me twice that foods and all that work together. LOL So thank you!

Thanks again to all the great people that care and share. This is my routine and I am seeing dramatic improvements! It is amazing. It is the whole entire thing all together. I am religious about it. I hope some info can help someone else too.

Thank you so much once again! I posted this so I can share and possibly help someone else.

All the best to all of you! I always write a lot, so let me know if you do have any other questions. I am happy to help!

Julie

 

[Tamstar]

Hi Julie

So nice to be sharing the same melasma boat with others

)

Just wanted to inform you about this web site that I stumbled upon with really interesting articles among them an article about copper toxicity:

drlwilson.com

Read the info and become more aware. There are heaps more that I read over the weekend, in fact, can't stop reading - I'm so determined now to find the root of this annoying problem - and I WILL!

Just bare in mind that with all the copper antagonist that you are taking "sulphur, zinc and Vit C" it is best that you also take a probiotic to help the bowl and also reduce all high copper foods, beverages, lifestyle: coffee, cigarettes, avocados (would you believe it!) almonds, soft drinks. Eat loads of protein, rest and leave stress outside your body. Oh and before I forget, if one has high copper, which is directly related to hair, skin and nails the best way to detoxify the body (apart from all the internal natural ingredients) is through saunas, preferably Near Infrared Saunas or the normal ones.

Dr Wilsons web site is the most informative site on nutrition, balance and health I have ever come across!

My treatment: Internally - I am on MSM, Vit C, probiotics and an all round digestive support, plus waiting for shipment of Grapefruit seed extract to arrive early this week. Externally - I have stopped applying cream to my face (they aggrivate the skin even more with all the chemicals inside - I did a little research on that one too and found a manufacturer in NZ that use only natural ingredients). I don't even cleanse my face any more, and the truth is it took my skin a week to adjust but now it seems fine.

Regarding other: stopped smoking (even though I wasn't a big smoker but it contributes to a build up of copper), stopped drinking coffee (again high copper) NO SUGAR enters my mouth - apart from one fruit a day. I mainly eat vegetables and protein (meat, chicken and eggs). Have made a list of all the high copper foods and avoiding them like the plague and you know what - it took about two weeks of feeling very lethargic (didn't get my sugar hit!) but now my body feels great. Light, energised and healthier...it takes between 3-6 months to eliminate toxins.

If only I knew about this long time ago, if only I knew about the affects of sugar on my body when I was a growing teenager (I'm now 43, mother of two boys, one is a teenager and trying to help him become more aware of his body) if only I knew about copper toxicity and if only I knew to trust myself, my body and my intuition long time ago I wouldn't be covered with this annoying brown patch on my face! But now I know and hopefully more women and men will take responsibility over their own bodies and feel the difference

)

Good luck

 

[hzqh7p]

Hi Tamstar,

That is additional EXCELLENT INFO. Thank you! I forgot to add the priobiotic, that is uber important as well to remove the toxins/toxic buildup! I take 2 of those 3 times per day. I think it is "Garden of Eden" or something along those lines from Whole Foods. Works great, no crazy side effects. I also drink filtered water with FRESH squeezed (organic) lemon juice (helps to reduce toxins from the liver and bloating (what a bonus!) LOL I drink it all day long. Makes me feel great! Plus it makes boring water taste a little better. If it sounds gross, you get used to it, like a lemonade without all the sugar.

I am with you, I was a total junk food junkie (still kinda am) but try to do WAY less and balance it out. I never smoked and only drink once in a great while. I eat a ton of Salmon, seafood, fresh green salads with all organic veggies and as many natural things as I can. I still slip, but try to only have small amounts.
Food that are healthy for you, have the antioxidants to fight off the free radicals, making you look and feel great. It is something to think about and if it can help my melasma, then I will do it. If it comes from a box/bag, probably little to NO nutritional value, so I think twice. I try to break my bad habits, who knew it would put brown spots on my face? Ugh. LOL But everything I mentioned above is REALLY working. It takes a lot of time and patience and sticking with the routine, but you get there. I knew there had to be a connection with the "inside" as well as the outside and found this forum and the information here, helped me to understand that. I had never heard of copper toxicity before now. For that, I am so very grateful and here to help other women/men with this problem and what I have found that is working for me. It all really goes back to eating well (darn it!) LOL Food can help and heal if you eat the right stuff. If you don't get what you need, it always seems to show up somewhere, so now that I am on my supplements and trying to do the right things, I am amazed at the results.

I will check out your site and thank you once again! I couldn't believe how much this melasma was really bringing me down. Now that I see improvements and know over time it will just get better and better, I am not obsessing about it as much anymore and all bummed out. LOL

Thanks so much and have a great day!!

Julie

 

[zuveniles]

Hi Everyone

I am new to this forum, I am on of the victim of Melasma as well, I was desperately looking for cure in the Internet and found this forum.
Most of the treatment they just say to peel your skin or bleach etc, I really dont wanna try anyone of that in my skin. I m 28 yrs old and started developing a bit of melasma last year on my nose, then suddenly I see them growing around my chicks and upper lips. Everyday I see they grow more. I use sunscreen everyday 50+ and do not stay in sun that much, however, I work with computer whole day, which is also a bad source of UVA/UVB.
I turned vegetarian 8 yrs ago, and sometimes before, I used to swim a lot, almost 3 times a day. And, I do not take any Zinc supplement. Now, I can see, perhaps, I also got copper toxicity because of my food habit, as I am eating only eating food with copper such as tofu, soy milk, nuts, legumes etc and not taking zinc at all. I do not smoke, do not drink that much of alcohol (wines ones in a while) but still have this skin problem, it makes me so frustrated when I see my colleague who is a chain smoker, complete alcoholic and yet has amazing skin. :-(( .
I also wanna try controlling the copper level, perhaps will start with Zinc supplement. What do you think is the good starting point?
Thanks all for all the information, i never thought Melasma can be a cause of copper, I always only thought its a sun. My doctor even said there is no treatment for Melasma. I was just too depressed, now I see bit of hope, may be I can have my skin color back.

 

[Tamstar]

Hi Again ladies,
Well lots has happened since I last visited this site. Since March 1st when I read about the copper toxicity connection I have been on Vit C, MSM and grapefruit seed extract (only in the last 4 weeks), probiotics and eliminated ALL sugars. Did a hair analysis test and the reading for copper was NORMAL however, biounavailable copper (meaning its abundant in the body but not readily available) does not come up on these results. Neither my general doctor or the Naturopath I went to see could offer me any advice. How disappointing. Anyway, decided to rule out anything else so did a blood test and another special test to check hormones levels and they are PERFECT. So, my conclusions - its not related to my hormones what else could it be. On another web site I read that a few women have had dramatic improvements after they took a month or two of the grapefruitseed extract and went off sugar. Now from research I have discovered that GFSE is a candida buster and also staying off the sugar would also kill the candida - so maybe there is a connection there. If I look at my history from way way back when I was a teenager I can say that I have had candida thriving in my body because my diet had been sugar, junk food and more sugar and I have had numerous cases of fungal infections. It makes sense that there is a connection between the fungus (candida) and this other form of melasma which is not hormonal. I have been on the supplements for 2 months now and this no sugar eating healthier diet and I can't say that the melasma has disappeared but it seems to be getting lighter. I am assuming that it will take a good few months before it disappears completely (it took three years to get this bad!). I have walked through the net searching for info on the connection between melasma and candida/fungus and found nothing but everything I have read in the forums and based on my history this just makes more sense than anything. Time will tell and I will post another review in a couple of months.
Forget about the doctors - just do your own research, look at your history and decide whether your melasma is hormonal or yeast/copper connection. And when you discover the root of the the problem you will be able to fix it. Good Luck to all of you. x

 

[oranges]

I am so glad to read this post. I developed a touch of melasma when I was pregnant and nursing. Well it came back I thought because I was out in the sun more. Well actually I was reading the ingredients on Philosophy turbo booster vit c powder (trying to use up until I make my own DIY recipe). Copper is one of the top ingredients. It Makes total sense. No waiting now, I'm making my DIY recipe.

 

[Bevgry]

I'm very interested in the posts re:copper because in the past year my copper intake has increased dramatically.

I developed melasma on in the Summer after using hair removal cream on my upper lip and then sunbathing.
I was diagnosed coeliac a few months prior and as a result of the damage to my gut intollerant to dairy and I was already vegetarian. This means I have been using soy milk and tofu as replacements and eating copious amounts of nuts etc.

Following my initial outbreak my melasma did improve after a few months of wearing sunscreen ( I hadn't changed my diet though ? ). But it then returned in December, it is winter over here and I have still been applying my sunscreen daily but it just keeps getting worse. I have been a little stressed at work but now I this has come back I am incredibly stressed and would do anything to reduce it. I am currently changing my diet to reduce the amount of copper and have completely given up all nuts and soy.

It hasn't had any immediate affect but I will persevere.

As a topical treatment I have been using ultraquin with 4% hydroquinone as well as tretinoin 0.01%. As well as glycolic acid (home treatment) occassionally. I started using this when I first developed the problem back in the summer and used for 3 months but as I was concerned it may make things worse and I wanted to know if it worked I only applied to one side of my melasma moustache. It made very minimal difference. Both sides lightened and I can only put this down to sunscreen ?

I have no idea what has caused the flare up again as although my diet is high in copper it has been this way for some time.

I have researched lasers and IPL and it seems the Ruby Q switched laser seems to have the best results.

If so would love to hear. If I do get it done I will only get one half o the moustache treated so I can objectively see if it works or makes things worse as others have reported.

Has anyone else tried the Ruby Q ?

 

[Sparklie]

Terrific thread! Thanks for all the great links, suggestions, and for sharing what works for you.

I had an incident with sun exposure (forgot to use sunblock) and was on birth contol pills (long-term use), which caused Melasma. At first it was just a small area, mostly on one cheek and a tiny bit on the other, exactly the angle where the sun hit me that day. I was sailing, and the sun also hit my face from the water.

Eventually, I had huge, dark splotches on both cheeks. A dermatologist told me that the damage was too deep for IPL and that I should try Obagi. Well, after several rotations of using Obagi products, the Melasma retreated. My skin was uber sensitive to heat, cold, sun, etc. I still use 50+ sunblock.

I'm *loving* the info on the copper connection, it makes total sense to me! Thanks again, everyone!

I now have the info to tackle the "inside" of the problem to keep the Melasma at bay. I've done liver cleanses and take vitamins and supplements regularly, but will now see if I can locate copper-free vitamins, as well as amp up anti-oxidants. This is SO fascinating!

In another thread, someone mentioned Vitamin D. I've also been taking 4000 IU's of this for a year+, although not for Melasma. I did find that my skin didn't take a beating from the sun this year, and I attribute that in a large part to the Vit D useage.

ETA: Haha! Just noticed the "thanks" button and decided to use it.

 

[hzqh7p]

Hi Ladies,

Aside from the grapeFRUIT SEED tablets, MSM, Vitamin C and all the other supplements (iron etc.)posted, I have discovered that ACAI supplements have also been helping my skin. I take a huge amount of supplements already, but had read that ACAI is also a very powerful antioxidant for the skin. Just starting taking it for about 3 weeks. I noticed that Dr. Perricone has a supplement specifically for dark spots and that was one of the ingredients. I'm ordering his product, but at 95.00 a pop, just want to see if it works and then if so, try to duplicate his ingredients myself. I DO notice that my melasma is always darker just before and sometimes during my period. That's why I think it's a hormonal thing too, but it can also be that your body is very sensitive to normal levels of estrogen (as my hormone levels are always normal). I have seen a huge amount of improvement in my skin with all the supplements (both inside and out) trying coffeeberry as well. Love it! It's all time consuming and expensive though, so I just try to be patient. I've read that as we age our estrogen levels are decreased and that can help with persistent melasma as well. It can also take awhile for the treatments to finally work, so patience is the best defense. Stress is definitely a enemy for the skin, so try to keep that down to a minimum as possible too. It all factors into it. Just a thought on the ACAI Berry supplement. I take 2000 mg or 2 pills per day, as usual I will need more time to see results, but think my regimen is really working for me, hope it can help anyone else too. Please read my previous posts for further supplement info if you're interested. Thanks so much and Happy new Year! Here's to finally figuring out how to rid melasma for good!

 

[moni09]

I cant believe ive been taking the wrong pills all this time. I thought it was grapeseed extract not grapefruit see extract..ugh..lol.. I will look for this @ whole foods 2morrow

 

[hzqh7p]

Hello,

I just wanted to post an update for anyone interested about Grapefruit seed extract. I think the GrapeFRUIT seed extract LIQUID from WHOLE FOODS works better than the tablets I found online. I found that 17 drops 2 times per day really works well, along with all my other supplements (including MSM, Vitamin C, D, and Isocort, Iron and Acai or Omega 3/6/9). I know, that's a lot of supplements! I actually put the drops into grapefruit juice (to hide the flavor). It is really breaking up the melasma for me and the tablets did not work as well. Outside of that still using the Clarisonic skin brush for exfoliating 2 times per day (morning and evening).
Using Coffeeberry moisturizer and Dr. Perricone's no foundation foundation for coverage. The coverage is adequate, but I still have to use additional concealer on the darker spots. Clinique's Almost powder makeup still works the best for me, but I live in MI and with the cold climate like the Perricone for winter. I also wanted to add that I found another treatment called "Miracle Worker" from Philosophy, use it at night only, only 3 days, amazing results on my Melasma (a condition that was made far worse by 4 laser treatments. All of these products are expensive and that's my only problem, but I have not found anything else that worked as well. It may never completely go away, but at least it has improved enough where I can live with it. Until I find something else, just wanted to share what I have found that works for me. Hope it helps!

 

[shalicia]

This info is vital to persons with not just melasma but other yeast type infections as I have been taking MSM sulphur, Vit C & E along with probiotics for a while now for candida and it has truly made a big difference. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DayDreamer]

Hello,

I just wanted to post an update for anyone interested about Grapefruit seed extract. I think the GrapeFRUIT seed extract LIQUID from WHOLE FOODS works better than the tablets I found online. I found that 17 drops 2 times per day really works well, along with all my other supplements (including MSM, Vitamin C, D, and Isocort, Iron and Acai or Omega 3/6/9). I know, that's a lot of supplements! I actually put the drops into grapefruit juice (to hide the flavor). It is really breaking up the melasma for me and the tablets did not work as well. Outside of that still using the Clarisonic skin brush for exfoliating 2 times per day (morning and evening).
Using Coffeeberry moisturizer and Dr. Perricone's no foundation foundation for coverage. The coverage is adequate, but I still have to use additional concealer on the darker spots. Clinique's Almost powder makeup still works the best for me, but I live in MI and with the cold climate like the Perricone for winter. I also wanted to add that I found another treatment called "Miracle Worker" from Philosophy, use it at night only, only 3 days, amazing results on my Melasma (a condition that was made far worse by 4 laser treatments. All of these products are expensive and that's my only problem, but I have not found anything else that worked as well. It may never completely go away, but at least it has improved enough where I can live with it. Until I find something else, just wanted to share what I have found that works for me. Hope it helps!

Thank-You hzq7hp. The GSE is SO much more tolerable with Grapefruit Juice. Ironic right?