A reader from Tibungco, Davao City, has reached out to a renowned dermatologist, expressing distress over her melasma and its impact on her confidence. In a letter published on January 5, 2026, the reader, JeGr, detailed her struggle with the skin condition, noting that previous treatments like skin peeling seemed to worsen the problem. She specifically asked Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla for natural solutions to help lighten her skin.
Patience Required for Natural Approaches
In her response, Dr. Fritz, an aesthetic dermatologist, surgeon, and clinical sexologist, confirmed that natural methods do exist but emphasized they require significant patience as results are not immediate. She began outlining a series of home-based remedies, promising a lengthy list and advising the reader to persevere.
Lemon Juice Applications
The first natural remedy highlighted was fresh lemon juice. Dr. Fritz instructed applying it directly to affected areas, leaving it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water. For visible results, this should be repeated twice daily for approximately two months. For those with sensitive skin, she recommended diluting the lemon juice with water, rosewater, or honey.
An alternative method involves creating a scrub by mixing lemon juice with sugar to form a paste. This paste should be focused on the brown spots, left on for 30 minutes, and then rinsed off. This scrub can be used two to three times per week.
Buttermilk and Oil-Based Solutions
The second remedy featured buttermilk. Dr. Fritz provided three application techniques: applying it directly with a cotton ball and rinsing after a few minutes; adding lemon juice for oily or acne-prone skin; or mixing four teaspoons of buttermilk with two teaspoons of tomato or calamansi juice before application. These can be done once or twice daily.
The third option discussed was castor oil, with alternatives like vitamin E oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. The procedure involves applying the oil with a cotton ball, gently massaging the area for a few minutes, and leaving it on for several hours before rinsing. This can be done both in the morning and at bedtime.
Expert Background and Further Advice
Due to space constraints, Dr. Fritz noted she would continue the topic in a subsequent issue. The column also included her professional background: she is trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture, has over a decade in broadcast media, and authored a book based on her radio program "Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz."
She provided her contact details for questions, addressed to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc. in Barangay 29-C, Davao City, or via email at dokatlaw@gmail.com. A note clarified that letters not intended for publication cannot be answered.
