It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. Chloasma: The mask of pregnancy. Sun exposure plays a role too. Yes. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. Related: Your guide to pregnancy-safe skin care. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. Melasma, which causes patchy areas of discoloration that sometimes resemble freckles, is most likely to appear on the cheeks, but it can also develop elsewhere. Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. Dealing with melasma during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. But, keep in mind that it can fade on its own after youre no longer pregnant, and there are other ways to help it along the way. General Health. Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. 2020. 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. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. You may see a line ( linea. 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. Hormones (including hormonal medications). Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. Melasma is harmless. He goes on to explain that the shape of the discolorations matters as well, since melasma coalesces in patches, as opposed to being distinct spotswhich would likely be other kinds of hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots. The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. ), document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), 2023 Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Anderson Cancer Center. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. Who is at risk of melasma? Make a mask with cooked oatmeal and honey, leave it on skin for about 10 min and wash it. When this increases the amount of melanin produced also increases creating patches of darkened skin. It may take several months for your hormones to balance and skin pigmentation to fade. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. 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. 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. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. Wear abroad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your face all day, every day, even if youre not going outside, since harmful rays can come right through your windows. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. Youre also at risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones. 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. You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. It also helps regulate your body temperature, prevent hydration and feel sensations like the warmth of the stove, the fur on your dogs belly and the pressure of someone elses hand holding yours. Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. Melasma is a super common skin condition characterized by hyperpigmentation on certain areas of the face, explains Dan Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the New York Dermatology Group in NYC. Ask them questions and voice your concerns. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Its dark brown in color, has well-defined borders, glows under blacklight, and can respond well to treatment. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. Melasma that appears during pregnancy usually does go away within a few months after you give birth. Can Melasma Be Prevented During Pregnancy? What causes these skin changes during pregnancy? Pregnancy. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. If youre exercising, try avoiding peak sun hours in your area, generally the middle of the day. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. During your pregnancy, avoid spending too much time in the sun. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. A safer choice would be azeleic acid which is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 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. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. The most effective way to treat pregnancy melasma is to see your dermatologist as soon as you start to see its hallmark patchwork appear. When Might Melasma Develop During Pregnancy? You could also take a vitamin D supplement. Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. 2011;57(6):665-667. Melasma can develop at any time during your pregnancy, however. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. Her go-to ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract, as well as hydroquinone and glycolic acid. 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. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. Melasma is typically a chronic disorder. 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. No. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. 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. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. 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. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of them 1 during their reproductive years, when they're 20 to 40 years old. How Many Types of Pregnancy Melasma Are There? Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. Melasma is a skin condition in which some skin cells become darker. Retinoid treatments and many chemical peels sometimes used to treat hyperpigmentation in facial treatments are a no-go when youre expecting. The following are common melasma triggers: In addition to the above, genetics play a crucial role. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy. Goodarzi A, et al. 3) Removing the melanin already present in the surface of the skin. Exposure to the sun can make melasma worse. 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. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. our editorial and medical review policies, dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), Skin Darkening and Discoloration During Pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may administer the test. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. If you opt for a spa treatment during pregnancy, be sure to let your esthetician know that youre pregnant. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Other possible causes of melasma include: Melasma causes light brown, dark brown, and/or bluish patches or freckle-like spots on your skin. Policy. Her favorite pastimes include experimenting with new foods, libations, and restaurants, as well as traveling the world with her two college-age children, husband, extended family, and friends. The primary symptom of chloasma is darkening of the skin on the face. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. There are several topical, procedural, and oral therapies to manage melasma during pregnancy. The three types are: Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that turns into cancer. You can live melasma-free with the right combination of treatments. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. Your soap? Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. Melasma is a common skin disorder. Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness? As a result, the blood volume in the body increases by up to 50%, and the heart rate may rise by 10 to 15 beats per minute. What makes breast cancer come back? Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. Not all laser therapies are ideal for treating discoloration. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. Melasma is more common in people with medium to darker skin and seems to run in families. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Its only symptom is the gradual development of mottled dark spots on your skin, typically on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip, though it can also appear on the forearms. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. 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. 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. Melasma is a typically chronic disorder. How to Identify & Treat a Melasma Mustache, What to Know Before Getting Melasma Laser Treatment, Understanding Pityriasis Rosea vs. Guttate Psoriasis, Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth: Everything to Know, Skin Discoloration: Causes and Treatments, Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review, A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. Sunlight: When sunlight hits our skin, it triggers the body to produce more melanin. Make a good concealer your best friend. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment. The mask of pregnancy technically called melasma appears when a steep rise in estrogen and progesterone levels stimulates excess melanin production, also known as hyperpigmentation. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. Thankfully, the only thing it interferes with is your skins appearance, and its not the kind of skin condition that causes cancer or can turn into cancer. Theyll use a Woods lamp (a black light) to see changes in the color of your skin. Accessibility Applying this powerful antioxidant to your skin can help brighten melasma while providing other anti-aging benefits, like increased collegen production. Can Fam Physician. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. What are stretch marks? Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Learn more about. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. Melasma that is triggered by pregnancy can fade after you have given . Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . Discover what they are here. Read our. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. StatPearls: Melasma. Doctors believe they may be caused by weight gain or extra hormones of pregnancy. Do I have melasma or another type of skin disorder? So easy and delicious. 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. 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. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. She has authored a book about documentary filmmaking, a screenplay about a lost civil rights hero, and ghostwritten several memoirs. Solar elastosis and elastic fiber fragmentation. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. Melasma: causes. That said, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so its important to see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Vitamin C is used in skin care as a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting the skin from sun damage. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? If you have dark skin, seek a provider who is experienced in laser treatment for people of color. Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. Melasma is not dangerous or cancerous, but it may affect how you feel about your appearance. During pregnancy or while youre breastfeeding, you should also avoid at-home peels, bleaches or other chemical-based lightening treatments, since they can all potentially penetrate the skin. 2021. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. This can occur when youre pregnant due to an increase in hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. Always be on the lookout for any allergic reactions. AAD. Sometimes melasma will return and needs further treatment. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. Int J Womens Dermatol. "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment. One reason is that it may resolve on its own. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. And some treatment methods may not be safe or effective to use when pregnant. There are dermatologists who can help you. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. I use a variety of modalities to treat this conditionspecific topicals and chemical peels, she shares. Your melasma is likely to go away when youre no longer pregnant. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy. Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. It is very likely that if you were going to get Melasma at the time of . It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. This doesnt mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. Bring up any additional symptoms you have with your doctor. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? Dermal melasma is light brown or bluish, with blurred borders. Even if its hot outside, loose-fitting clothing can be comfortable and protect your skin. 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. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2019. Nearly 50 to 70% of pregnant women show signs of a " mask of pregnancy". Face washes, lotions, and serums that irritate your skin may make melasma worse. Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview, acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy. Yes, but use cosmetics that include sunscreen and pay attention to any that may aggravate your melasma by irritating your skin. There are also other tactics you can try. 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. Look on the label for words like noncomedogenic, sensitive, fragrance-free, or dermatologist approved if you get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. Make-up labeled as non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic is less likely to irritate skin and worsen melasma. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. 2008;32(Suppl 2):139-141. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. Fortunately, chloasma generally fades within a few months after giving birth. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. 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. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. 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. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. All rights reserved. It is typically hormonally-triggered, much more common in women, and often arising or worsening in pregnancy or with birth control pills. The surge in hormones you experience when youre pregnant makes your skin more susceptible to sunlight and other pregnancy melasma triggers. In what stage of pregnancy does melasma occur? It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. The association between melasma and iron profile: A case-control study. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of themduring their reproductive years, when theyre 20 to 40 years old. 2021. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. 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.