Vitamin D helps keep your skin healthy in general. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Chloasma: The mask of pregnancy. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Accessibility Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. 2015;4:13240-13247. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in the practice of both cosmetic and medical dermatology. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and thats why your skin darkens. 2 Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. There are dermatologists who can help you. our editorial and medical review policies, dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), Skin Darkening and Discoloration During Pregnancy. Slather up with gentle products instead. If youve noticed dark patches of skin on your face, you may have melasma. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. Melasma is a skin condition in which some skin cells become darker. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Discover what they are here. Certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems. Make a good concealer your best friend. 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. Skin conditions during pregnancy. Genetics? There's no proven link between. Can Melasma Be Prevented During Pregnancy? Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. By Nancy LeBrun Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. It depends on the person and the medication used. Your body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy. 6.1 Neutrogena vitamin C complex serum. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body. Why do dark spots and patches appear on the skin during pregnancy? Laser is a great option, he shares. To tell the difference between skin conditions, your healthcare provider may perform a biopsy, which is where a small piece of your skin is removed and examined. Policy. When melasma occurs during pregnancy, it is also called chloasma, or "the mask of pregnancy."Pregnant women experience increased estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Its often used to treat hyperpigmentation as well as rosacea and acne during pregnancy and is available in prescription form and over-the-counter gels, foams and creams. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. When your skin heals from the treatment, it may cause even more discoloration. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for more information. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis. Fortunately, melasma typically fades after about three months. Ask them questions and voice your concerns. . 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. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. Its always best to speak with your healthcare provider. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. . The primary symptom of chloasma is darkening of the skin on the face. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. General Health. Undated. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition using a Woods lamp, which helps show whether a skin condition is bacterial, fungal, or otherwise concerning. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. It usually goes away after you give birth. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. If youre exercising, try avoiding peak sun hours in your area, generally the middle of the day. How to understand chronic pain; Tools. First and foremost, try to resist the urge to self-diagnose. Youll be glowing again before you know it! Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. See a board-certified dermatologist to figure out the best and safest option for your skin. 2019. Milk, almond milk, and orange juice can help too. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. 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. (Youre beautiful all the same.). Melasma will likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. Dendritic (branched) pigmented melanocytes. Use the treatment and management advice from your dermatologist or another healthcare provider. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Melanin is what gives skin its color. 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. Hello. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment within a few months. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. Too much screen time? Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. 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. Always be on the lookout for any allergic reactions. All rights reserved. Is it sunlight? Spots of melasma can sometimes be mistaken for freckles but they are not the same skin condition. 3) Removing the melanin already present in the surface of the skin. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. Accessed 7/23/20. They usually fade in the first few months after . 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy. It is not visible under blacklight and is much more challenging to treat. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. Examples of tyrosinase inhibitors and other types of helpful agents include: The combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a moderate topical steroid has had the best effect on melasma. The most common type, mixed melasma, is exactly what it sounds likeits both brown and bluish in appearance, has a mixed pattern under black light, and is somewhat responsive to treatment. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? Some melasma treatments are safe to begin during pregnancy. If you do opt for treatment for your pregnancy melasma, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a topical skin-lightening cream, with pregnancy-safe ingredients, like hydroquinone. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, and thighs. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. Treatment once you have finished breast- feeding can take the normal course, which normally begins with topical bleaching . It doesn't affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. 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. 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. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. When this increases the amount of melanin produced also increases creating patches of darkened skin. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Where are the discolorations located on your body? They include medications, makeup, and cosmetics that irritate your skin or make it more sensitive to sunlight, the blue light emitted from your devices, and underlying thyroid disease. Related: Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases. American Academy of Dermatology Association. There are also other tactics you can try. Between 1.5% and 33% of the population may get melasma and it happens more often during a womans reproductive years, and rarely happens during puberty. A safer choice would be azeleic acid which is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Melasma is a skin condition causing uneven, darkened areas or spots that look like freckles. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. If your skin is still blotchy a few months after giving birth and it's bothering you, talk to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist about treatment options for melasma. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". It protects your bones, muscles, organs and everything else from the cold, from germs, sunshine, moisture, toxic substances, injury and more. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. Melasma will not harm your baby. While not being harmful to the health of either mother or child, pregnancy melasma can be a source of embarrassment for some expecting mothers. We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. 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. Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light. Therapeutic options. 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. Skin conditions commonly confused with melasma include: If you have melasma, the results of the biopsy will typically reveal the following: The severity of your melasma can be measured by using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). Hormones (including hormonal medications). Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy. Other people may have melasma for just a short time, such as during pregnancy. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Cheeks . Some people may feel embarrassed to allow others to see their skin condition. You might have your thyroid checked because there does seem to be an association between thyroid disease and melasma. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. That said, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so its important to see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis. The three types are: Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that turns into cancer. Privacy Policy 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. Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. Melasma can develop at any time during your pregnancy, however. Coll Antropol. Results: The prevalence of melasma was 15.8%[95% confidence interval (CI) 12.3-19.4]. 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. Estrogen and progesterone, which are thought to trigger it, start building after 12 weeks and peak around 32 weeks. Pregnancy is not the only cause of melasma. ), (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. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. Pregnancy comes with a host of emotions and physical changes. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. 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. 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. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. 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. Make a mask with cooked oatmeal and honey, leave it on skin for about 10 min and wash it. A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma. But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. PMID: 30998530. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. If youre susceptible to pregnancy melasma, unprotected sun exposure can worsen it. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. Int J Womens Dermatol. You could also take a vitamin D supplement. Ask your healthcare provider if youre concerned about another condition. and the condition. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. In pregnant women, it most often appears on the: Forehead Cheeks Upper lip Nose Chin Other skin changes often occur with melasma during pregnancy, including: Darkened nipples, armpits, and genitals All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions. If the hormones in your contraception are the cause of your melasma then, yes, it may go away. Estrogen coupled with blood vessel growth, sun exposure, genetics, and hormones deposit pigment in the skin. Eva Dasher writes, researches, and edits content on a wide variety of subjects, including parenting, medicine, travel, natural history, science, business, and the arts. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. 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. A topical treatment isnt your only option. Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. Look for products that say fragrance-free, for sensitive skin, or non-comedogenic on the label. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. 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. NIH. Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. We'll tell you if it's safe. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. Plus, you cant change your genetics. Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. She served as Chief Resident at one of the nations top dermatology programs The University of Texas at Houston and M.D. Many compacts come in a wide range of colors for all skin tones. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? If you opt for a spa treatment during pregnancy, be sure to let your esthetician know that youre pregnant. Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. And, if youre pregnant, its appearance may improve on its own around three months after your baby arrives and your surge in pregnancy hormones stabilizes. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Look for products that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or other physical blockers (mineral sunscreens) versus those that rely on chemical blockers. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. After all, as it progresses, it gets more difficult to treat. When did see the discoloration in your skin? 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. Make-up labeled as non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic is less likely to irritate skin and worsen melasma. Products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse. Goodarzi A, et al. 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? You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. Read our. 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. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. Theyll use a Woods lamp (a black light) to see changes in the color of your skin. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. 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. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Melasma can also develop on your arms or neck, though it's less common. If youve noticed new, dark skin splotches on your face, youve probably got melasma which is often called the mask of pregnancy. But youre not alone this condition affects an estimated 50 to 75 percent of expectant mothers. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. You may see a line ( linea. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back, Dr. Belkin cautions. Does pregnancy melanoma go away on its own? However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). During pregnancy, the body goes through significant hormonal changes. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. ClinicalTrials.gov. Changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery. 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 melasma often goes away on its own within a few months of giving birth, your healthcare provider may recommend that you don't treat it. 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. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. 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. 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. To determine a treatment plan, your healthcare provider will have to first figure out whats possibly causing the melasma. In any case, continue to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen every day, wearing protective clothing, and staying out of the sun during peak hours. Melasma: causes. 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. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()).