Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. If you have melasma, your freckles and moles may also look darker, there's probably a dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra) and your areolas could be a deeper shade. Melasma can sometimes be mistaken for another skin condition. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Use the treatment and management advice from your dermatologist or another healthcare provider. Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. If you have dark skin, seek a provider who is experienced in laser treatment for people of color. Swap out face washes, lotions or creams that contain fragrances or coloring. Related: Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases. Where are the discolorations located on your body? 2020. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. Melasma: causes. 5 Tips to Prevent Constipation During Pregnancy, How to Cope With Anxiety During Pregnancy, A Complete Guide to Pregnancy-Safe Skincare, Breastfeeding Safe SkincareWhat to Use and Avoid When Nursing Your Baby, The 11 Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products Dermatologists Love. Melasma is also sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy because the splotches typically show up around your upper lip, nose, cheekbones, and forehead in the shape of a mask. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Doctors believe they may be caused by weight gain or extra hormones of pregnancy. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Cheeks . Those with a combination of ingredients that help using different pathways to diminish pigment.. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. Melasma is harmless. But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. For more brightening oomph, they may recommend exfoliating treatments, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels, which slough away dead skin cells to promote skin rejuvenation. Beyond that, the dark patches on the face can be exacerbated by sun exposure, the use of certain skin care products or treatments, and even genetics. Your skin is made up of three layers. During pregnancy, the body goes through significant hormonal changes. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. What causes these skin changes during pregnancy? Ask them questions and voice your concerns. 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. We'll tell you the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens so you and your, When you're expecting, pregnancy-safe skin care can help ensure the health of you and your baby. Nearly 50 to 70% of pregnant women show signs of a " mask of pregnancy". See your dermatologist in that instance. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. . Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. beneath the breasts during late pregnancy. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. Melasma can even occur in men, although its far more common in women. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. 2019. (2020). In the meantime, take good care of your skin and talk to your healthcare provider about possible pregnancy-safe treatments if the spots are really bothering you. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Report all side effects to your healthcare provider. 6.1 Neutrogena vitamin C complex serum. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of themduring their reproductive years, when theyre 20 to 40 years old. Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. This may . Many women notice their hair becomes thicker during pregnancy. An Bras Dermatol. If the spots don't fade within a few months after having the baby, there are treatments to help fade them. The three types are: Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that turns into cancer. Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. It is not cancerous and does not become cancerous, nor does it have any effect on your pregnancy. Melanin is what gives skin its color. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. Laser is a great option, he shares. There are a few tricks you can try to minimize melasma, including the following: Exposure to the sun will make your pregnancy mask more pronounced. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. See a board-certified dermatologist to figure out the best and safest option for your skin. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Discover what they are here. ClinicalTrials.gov. Make a good concealer your best friend. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. Treatments for melasma include topical creams, chemical peels, as well as gentle skin resurfacing procedures. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. Unmasking the Causes and Treatments of Melasma, Treatment of Melasma and the Use of Intense Pulsed Light: A Review, Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications, A Review of Laser and Light Therapy in Melasma, New Changes in Pregnancy and Lactation Labelling: Review of Dermatologic Drugs, Melasma: An Up-to-Date Comprehensive Review, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. Coll Antropol. If you are currently expecting, or thinking about becoming pregnant, this post will cover everything you need to know about pregnancy-induced melasma, including ways to prevent occurrence and treatment options. Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. While there are no specific studies on these methods for chloasma, the following topical treatments may help: Since melasma may also be the result of hormonal imbalances, you may improve matters by giving yourself some much-needed TLC. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. Most importantly, try and remind yourself that you likely notice and dwell on your pregnancy melasma more than anyone else, and that youre far from alone in experiencing it. Since the sun may trigger the development of more pigment, its a good idea to stay out of its rays, especially for long periods of time. Make a mask with cooked oatmeal and honey, leave it on skin for about 10 min and wash it. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. By Cat Matta It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. Lasers, which can be irritating especially during pregnancy, are no-nos too. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip, describes Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy? Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. 2 However, there's not enough info to recommend aloe or turmeric as melasma treatments, and conventional treatments work faster and grant better end results. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. Melasma is common during pregnancy, as it is believed to be caused by increased levels of oestrogen in the blood. Some of the skin conditions you may notice, such as stretch marks and melasma (dark spots and patches), are caused by pregnancy, and will fade over the next few months. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Estrogen coupled with blood vessel growth, sun exposure, genetics, and hormones deposit pigment in the skin. Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. When did see the discoloration in your skin? Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in the practice of both cosmetic and medical dermatology. What medications and/or vitamins can I take to help heal my melasma? Physical blocking sunscreens tend to offer broader protection and may be less irritating to the skin. You may be able to prevent or minimize melasma by wearing a high-SPF sunscreen and a hat with a brim when you are in the sun. Is there a history of melasma in your family? Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy. "Hydroquinone does not get absorbed systemically". Try the following home remedies to reduce the appearance of melasma after pregnancy; Mix a solution of half apple cider vinegar and half water to use as toner. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Melasma is a skin condition in which some skin cells become darker. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. American Academy of Family Physicians. Between 1.5% and 33% of the population may get melasma and it happens more often during a woman's reproductive years, and rarely happens during puberty. In fact, taking these precautions has been shown to lower your chance of getting melasma at any time in your life by 50%, and slashing your risk of pregnancy melasma by a whopping 90%. Its caused by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, which affect the skins pigment-producing melanocytes. Look on the label for words like noncomedogenic, sensitive, fragrance-free, or dermatologist approved if you get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle. Some of the topical options include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma. Although most skin-lightening ingredients are off-limits during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about whether you can apply topical azelaic acid to your skin for melasma. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. Your dermatologist may recommend one or more of the following: Hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin (Retin-A) are just a few of the many options used to treat melasma. Its an organ the largest organ and it makes up about one-seventh of your body weight. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. However, a skin-friendly diet including adequate amounts of vitamin D is likely to help. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. However, to keep your skin healthy in general, try a skin-healthy diet of foods rich in Vitamin D: Those with melasma are more likely to have a thyroid disease. Only a dermatologist will be able to tell you for sure if you have pregnancy melasma. The most important one is something you should be doing every day, year-round, anywaywearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and reapplying it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. 1. It's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. Nancy LeBrun is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning writer and producer who has been writing about health and wellness for more than six years. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Sunlight: When sunlight hits our skin, it triggers the body to produce more melanin. Melasma is a skin condition causing uneven, darkened areas or spots that look like freckles. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. Int J Womens Dermatol. Treatment once you have finished breast- feeding can take the normal course, which normally begins with topical bleaching . While pregnant, be careful to only use topical and oral treatments that are approved for pregnant women. Bring up any additional symptoms you have with your doctor. Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist seeing patients in New York, N.Y. She practices various aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic treatments, laser, injectables, skin cancer screening, general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and body contouring. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse. The heart has to work harder during pregnancy to pump blood to both the mother and the growing fetus. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. PLoS Biol. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. While pregnancy is a primary cause of melasma, eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep can prevent hormonal imbalances or vitamin deficiencies that arent pregnancy-related. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. Melasma is hard to treat. After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesnt fade on its own. Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. I use a variety of modalities to treat this conditionspecific topicals and chemical peels, she shares. What about the face? Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may administer the test. Whatever the case, your melanocyte-stimulating hormones react to these triggers by making an excess of protective pigments (dark patches) on the skin called melanin. Changes in hormones especially estrogen and progesterone is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. Sun exposure plays a role too. Your birth control? The darkened spots probably will fade within a year after delivery, and your skin should return to its normal shade, although sometimes the changes never completely disappear. Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. It's unlikely that a healthcare provider will recommend treatment, as melasma often goes away on its own a few months after giving birth. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. If you didnt see it in pictures or a mirror, you wouldnt even know you had itit doesnt itch, hurt, or cause any other sensation. They can help you with management and treatment of your melasma. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. Melasma may also occur when you either start or stop hormonal contraception, including birth control pills, or when you take hormone replacement therapy, says Dr. Gilchrest. The best way to treat melasma is with a bleaching regimen such as hydroquinone. Read our. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. People with more pigment in their skin for example, those of African, North African, Middle Eastern, Latin or Hispanic, Asian, Indian, or Mediterranean descent are more likely to develop chloasma, as they naturally have more active melanin production. Can Fam Physician. It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Pregnancy is not the only cause of melasma. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. First, apply the concealer to the patchy spots. Stay out of the sun when the rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And make a fashion statement by sporting glam sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when you leave the house. You can also try other camouflaging makeup and skincare products, like concealers, full-coverage foundation, and skin-brightening products. Yes. Melasma that appears during pregnancy usually does go away within a few months after you give birth. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Experts think that increases in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may trigger melasma. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. Your healthcare provider might test your vitamin D levels to make sure that youre getting enough of it from high vitamin D foods such as meat, cereals, oily fish and eggs. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. Vitamin D helps keep your skin healthy in general. She may suggest using a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone (and possibly sunscreen), a topical medication that contains tretinoin (Retin-A), or a chemical peel such as azelaic acid. 2015;4:13240-13247. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Applying this powerful antioxidant to your skin can help brighten melasma while providing other anti-aging benefits, like increased collegen production. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. If it doesn't, there are treatments to help fade melasma, though they can take some time to be effective, and sometimes it comes back. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. Were explaining why this occurs, below. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. Fractional lasers are commonly used for treating melasma. Your. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. Eat a variety of healthy, whole foods, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some melasma treatments are safe to begin during pregnancy. Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. During your pregnancy, avoid spending too much time in the sun. If youve noticed dark patches of skin on your face, you may have melasma. Accessed 7/23/20. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Ask your healthcare provider if youre concerned about another condition. ), (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/drug-induced-photosensitivity/), (https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview), (https://health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines/guidelines/appendix-12/), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279255/#:~:text=What%20does%20skin%20do%3F,as%20germs%20and%20toxic%20substances. It protects your bones, muscles, organs and everything else from the cold, from germs, sunshine, moisture, toxic substances, injury and more. Melasma. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. These are red, tender-to-the-touch, hard lumps in your breasts. However, it can make people self-conscious about their appearance. Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: Skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-skin-hair-nails-and-mucous-membranes-during-pregnancy [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. To start treatment, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible when you see signs of melasma. The mechanism that causes Melasma is not well understood, but there is a strong correlation between hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, ovarian cysts, etc. Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. Goodarzi A, et al. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. All rights reserved. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. Melasma that arises during pregnancy may go away on its own, but it wont happen overnight. Study of Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer/Television Screens on Melasma. Loosely translated, the word means black spot. If you have melasma youre probably experiencing light brown, dark brown and/or blue-gray patches on your skin. There are preventative measures you can take. Sometimes, however, it persists. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy.