There are several topical, procedural, and oral therapies to manage melasma during pregnancy. Hydroquinone is a prescription product to lighten skin or reduce skin pigmentation that occurs from melasma and chloasma, which can be brought on by pregnancy. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. 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. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. Commonly occurring during pregnancy, melasma is sometimes referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy because dark patches on the face can resemble a mask. After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesnt fade on its own. To determine a treatment plan, your healthcare provider will have to first figure out whats possibly causing the melasma. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy, Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. As youve likely already inferred from its alternate moniker, becoming pregnant puts you at a higher risk of developing pregnancy melasma. 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. Very common lumps found among women during pregnancy are clogged milk ducts. 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. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. Do I have melasma or another type of skin disorder? Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose melasma. What skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? Expect it to get worse and/or reoccur if you dont take steps such as avoiding the sun and makeups and soaps that irritate your skin. You may need to use different topicals or chemical peels to help get rid of stubborn pigment. Pregnancy is not the only cause of melasma. Those with a combination of ingredients that help using different pathways to diminish pigment.. Exposure to the sun can make melasma worse. Melasma is common during pregnancy, as it is believed to be caused by increased levels of oestrogen in the blood. 6.7 AOBBIY Hyperpigment Remover. There's no proven link between. Take preventative steps like avoiding sunlight to keep your melasma from getting worse or, if it does fade away, to keep it from coming back. Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. The best way to treat melasma is with a bleaching regimen such as hydroquinone. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. One of the only topical lightening ingredients thats considered safe to use during pregnancy, azelaic acid hasnt been linked to birth defects in animal studies. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy. PLoS Biol. The heart has to work harder during pregnancy to pump blood to both the mother and the growing fetus. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. and the condition. Other ways to diagnose melasma involve a special blacklight lamp, called a Woods lamp, which would quite literally shine a light on the different types of melasma we discussed. But, it has to be gentle enough and done by an experienced board-certified dermatologist. This is because lasers can also exacerbate melasma, he explains. Milk, almond milk, and orange juice can help too. . Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis. Melasma is so frequent in pregnant people that it's sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy." Theyll use a Woods lamp (a black light) to see changes in the color of your skin. No. Melasma is a harmless skin condition. Laser is a great option, he shares. What's more, skin that's already more pigmented such as your nipples, freckles, scars, and the skin of your genitals may become even darker during pregnancy. Its dark brown in color, has well-defined borders, glows under blacklight, and can respond well to treatment. 2019. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. Melasma appears in six locations or a combination of locations on your skin: Your healthcare provider will decide for sure if you have melasma or another type of skin disorder. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Look for noncomedogenic or hypoallergenic foundations, concealers, powders, and other products. 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. Dr. Arlo Miller answered Dermatology 17 years experience Avoid: I would not recommend it. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. Sometimes, however, it persists. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. Melasma can be slow to respond to treatment. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy | ACOG Skin Conditions During Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions Common Skin Changes Expand All What are some of the common skin changes that happen during pregnancy? Accessed 7/23/20. They usually fade in the first few months after . Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. Ali, S, Bali S, P S. Hormonal evaluation in females having melasma. Our. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for more information. Youre also more likely to develop melasma during pregnancy if someone in your family has had it, if you have naturally dark skin, or if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. LED light from your television, laptop, cell phone and tablet. However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". Undated. Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. To start treatment, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible when you see signs of melasma. Its always best to speak with your healthcare provider. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. Spots of melasma can sometimes be mistaken for freckles but they are not the same skin condition. Melasma is a skin condition that causes grayish-brown patches to appear, mostly on the face. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Melasma is hard to treat. Careful sun protection is key. Read our. Is it sunlight? Is there a specific sunscreen you recommend? They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, and thighs. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. 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%. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. Hormone treatments, specifically ones that involve estrogen. That said, it may take time possibly months for it to completely fade without any targeted treatment. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. Melasma is especially common in darker-skinned women or those of Asian and African descent, who have more pigment in their skin than fair-skinned people. If youre using concealer or foundation to cover your melasma, choose products developed for sensitive skin. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. 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. Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy? 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Melasma is not dangerous or cancerous, but it may affect how you feel about your appearance. Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? They are generally tan or brownish in color, but can look blue-gray on people with naturally darker skin color. 2. The hormonal and physiologic changes during pregnancy are unique in the life of women. 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. Fortunately, chloasma generally fades within a few months after giving birth. Yes. Melasma. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. Accessibility Retinoid treatments and many chemical peels sometimes used to treat hyperpigmentation in facial treatments are a no-go when youre expecting. (2020). Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. Freckles or scars, and dark skin around nipples and genitals may become even darker than usual during pregnancy. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. Study of Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer/Television Screens on Melasma. Your skin is made up of three layers. Exactly How to Treat the Skin Discoloration. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. The second path to take is topical medications. What medications and/or vitamins can I take to help heal my melasma? Related: Your guide to pregnancy-safe skin care. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. Careful sun protection is key. You can help make your sun protection efforts even more effective if you wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat, and sunglasses, and limit your time in the sun, especially between its peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Kalayc M. Pregnancy Mask: Melasma. There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. 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. When it appears on the upper lip, it's referred to as a, It's important for everyone to use sunscreen there's no exception for pregnancy. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. Remember that it's likely to go away after giving birth. 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. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. However, a skin-friendly diet including adequate amounts of vitamin D is likely to help. 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. A topical treatment isnt your only option. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. By Cat Matta Melasma is a skin condition in which some skin cells become darker. If you're breastfeeding or plan to get pregnant again soon, let your provider know and check with her before using any over-the-counter treatments. How Many Types of Pregnancy Melasma Are There? Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. Skin conditions during pregnancy. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Melasma. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. This increased workload can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, and it is essential to take breaks and rest when needed. This can occur when youre pregnant due to an increase in hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. Plus, you cant change your genetics. Melasma that appears during pregnancy usually does go away within a few months after you give birth. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Melasma can also develop on your arms or neck, though it's less common. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) These are red, tender-to-the-touch, hard lumps in your breasts. Were explaining why this occurs, below. Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy. The worse it gets, the harder it will be for treatments to work. 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. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Your birth control? Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. How many hours of sunlight do you recommend I receive? Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment. Look for products that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or other physical blockers (mineral sunscreens) versus those that rely on chemical blockers. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. Accessed 7/23/20. So easy and delicious. Melasma is a typically chronic disorder. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? This common condition occurs in 50-70% of pregnant women. Results: The prevalence of melasma was 15.8%[95% confidence interval (CI) 12.3-19.4]. Melasma is usually flat. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Ask them questions and voice your concerns. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. We'll tell you if it's safe. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. It usually goes away after you give birth. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says.