It usually goes away after you give birth. While not being harmful to the health of either mother or child, pregnancy melasma can be a source of embarrassment for some expecting mothers. 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. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. If you are exposed to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with iron oxides and a SPF of 30-50 applied every two hours, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. What are stretch marks? But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud, AM. Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Its always best to speak with your healthcare provider. 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. 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. Melasma is common during pregnancy, as it is believed to be caused by increased levels of oestrogen in the blood. Exposure to the sun can make melasma worse. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. What makes breast cancer come back? Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. Swap out face washes, lotions or creams that contain fragrances or coloring. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Around 33% to 50% of people with the condition have a family member with iteven a majority of identical twins share melasma. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. A Woods lamp that emits black light may be used to determine the depth of the pigment. It depends on the person and the medication used. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, and thighs. 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. Privacy Policy Look on the label for words like noncomedogenic, sensitive, fragrance-free, or dermatologist approved if you get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle. 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. So easy and delicious. Products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse. Is there a specific sunscreen you recommend? Ali, S, Bali S, P S. Hormonal evaluation in females having melasma. Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness? Pregnancy: An increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which occurs during pregnancy, is thought to trigger melasma. . Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. 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. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. 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. 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. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Skin conditions during pregnancy. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. (Typically only 2 messages sent per month. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. When this increases the amount of melanin produced also increases creating patches of darkened skin. Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. How to understand chronic pain; Tools. 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. Pregnancy. Many compacts come in a wide range of colors for all skin tones. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. They can help you with management and treatment of your melasma. However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. Study of Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer/Television Screens on Melasma. Melasma can sometimes be mistaken for another skin condition. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. We avoid using tertiary references. If youre susceptible to pregnancy melasma, unprotected sun exposure can worsen it. A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. After all, as it progresses, it gets more difficult to treat. 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. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. What causes these skin changes during pregnancy? 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. Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. She served as Chief Resident at one of the nations top dermatology programs The University of Texas at Houston and M.D. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. Hello. Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color (pigment) known as melanin. 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. They usually fade in the first few months after . Bolanca I, et al. Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. Your skin is your barricade. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. Youll be glowing again before you know it! 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. if not please suggest cream? 6.1 Neutrogena vitamin C complex serum. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Are the soaps Im using right now aggravating my melasma (come with a list if you need to)? Melasma that appears during pregnancy usually does go away within a few months after you give birth. Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy? (This can occur whether or not you choose to breastfeed, because estrogen and progesterone are not the hormones involved in lactationthose would be prolactin and oxytocin.). She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose melasma. But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. Int J Womens Dermatol. Melanin is what gives skin its color. 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. Therapeutic options. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. The best way to treat melasma is with a bleaching regimen such as hydroquinone. 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. If your melasma doesn't go away after you have your baby, you can discuss melasma treatment with your provider. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. The heart has to work harder during pregnancy to pump blood to both the mother and the growing fetus. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. They can be safely used with topical medications, but only by specialists who have experience treating melasma. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for more information. Estrogen coupled with blood vessel growth, sun exposure, genetics, and hormones deposit pigment in the skin. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? Melasma will not harm your baby. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. Sun exposure plays a role too. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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 a harmless skin condition. 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. Can Melasma Be Prevented During Pregnancy? 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. Fortunately, chloasma generally fades within a few months after giving birth. Melasma that arises during pregnancy may go away on its own, but it wont happen overnight. (2020). 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. Genetics? Do this by avoiding the sun, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps and birth control that includes hormones. The following are common melasma triggers: In addition to the above, genetics play a crucial role. 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. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. Certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems. 5 How to Prevent Melasma. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. In rare circumstances, specifically, when its harder to make a clear diagnosis, a small biopsy may be performed to be sure the discoloration isnt indicative of another skin condition, like melanoma, the scientific word for skin cancer. First, apply the concealer to the patchy spots. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. Face washes, lotions, and serums that irritate your skin may make melasma worse. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2) Stopping the transfer of that pigment to the surface of the skin where it appears as dark spots. There are three types of melasma, categorized by how deep the darker pigment goes into the skin: During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Its an organ the largest organ and it makes up about one-seventh of your body weight. Hormonal changes: The extra estrogen and progesterone your body makes during pregnancy can trigger melasma. The same increased production of melanin that causes the facial splotches of melasma also causes the linea nigra, or dark line that you may notice running down your belly. 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. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? 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. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. 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. Melasma will likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. 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. 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. Your skin is made up of three layers. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). 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. 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. What Bodily Changes Can You Expect During Pregnancy? our editorial and medical review policies, dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), Skin Darkening and Discoloration During Pregnancy. Melasma can be slow to respond to treatment. Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. Some of the topical options include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. 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. Epidermal melasma resides in the surface of the skin. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. Melasma can develop at any time during your pregnancy, however. Youre also at risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones. Theyll use a Woods lamp (a black light) to see changes in the color of your skin. 2021. Some people may feel embarrassed to allow others to see their skin condition. The good news: Pregnancy mask is usually temporary and fades after delivery or, in some cases, after you finish breastfeeding. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Are you interested in prescriptions that may improve your melasma? Is there a history of melasma in your family? 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. This also tends to happen in areas where friction is common, such as your underarms and inner thighs. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. 1. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. 2019. By Nancy LeBrun Bring up any additional symptoms you have with your doctor. Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vukovi A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisi G. Chloasmathe mask of pregnancy. 2015;4:13240-13247. Related: Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy. 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. Pregnancy woes: 4 common skin issues Melasma, or chloasma, as it's called during pregnancy, appears mostly on the face, on sun-exposed areas like your cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead, says Raymond. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? See a board-certified dermatologist to figure out the best and safest option for your skin. 2011;57(6):665-667. Doctors believe they may be caused by weight gain or extra hormones of pregnancy. Discover what they are here. Always listen to the advice of your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan carefully. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. 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. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. Although its a physically harmless skin condition, we know that it can be bothersome, even to the point of making you feel self-conscious in social settings. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because it frequently affects pregnant women. Its caused by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, which affect the skins pigment-producing melanocytes. We'll tell you if it's safe. Make a good concealer your best friend. Your healthcare provider may test your thyroid. Accessed 7/23/2020. That said, prescribing instructions note that it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. 2020. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Eat a variety of healthy, whole foods, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. Melasma sometimes resolves itself one hormonal balance is restored. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. Malar pattern . 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. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. What medications and/or vitamins can I take to help heal my melasma? Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. Plus, you cant change your genetics. 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? Hormones (including hormonal medications). Melasma is harmless. Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. There's no proven link between. Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. Eva Dasher writes, researches, and edits content on a wide variety of subjects, including parenting, medicine, travel, natural history, science, business, and the arts. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. You may experience cramping, morning sickness, and all sorts of unfamiliar aches and pains. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. StatPearls: Melasma. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. What about the face? Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. 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. 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. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. To determine a treatment plan, your healthcare provider will have to first figure out whats possibly causing the melasma. Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. (Other hormonal alterations, such as birth control medication and hormonal replacement therapy can also trigger melasma in nonpregnant people.). Only a dermatologist will be able to tell you for sure if you have pregnancy melasma. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. How much youre out in the sun or even the time of year when youre pregnant may also affect when you first notice it. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. Melasma. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body. Melasma can present with blotches or frecklesusually on the facethat are darker than the rest of your skin tone. This can be a trigger for melasma. Use sunscreen Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: 6 Cheeks (both sides) Chin Forehead Bridge of nose Above the upper lip Jawline Melasma can also develop on your arms or neck, though it's less common. Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. 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. Bonus: You can. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. 6.7 AOBBIY Hyperpigment Remover. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. See your dermatologist in that instance. When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. 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.