This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. If you opt for a spa treatment during pregnancy, be sure to let your esthetician know that youre pregnant. Slather up with gentle products instead. Look for noncomedogenic or hypoallergenic foundations, concealers, powders, and other products. And dont forget a stylish pair of sunglasses the bigger the better. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Melasma can also develop on your arms or neck, though it's less common. Vitamin C is used in skin care as a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting the skin from sun damage. Melasma is a skin condition that causes grayish-brown patches to appear, mostly on the face. Your healthcare provider may test your thyroid. A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. Melanin is what gives skin its color. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. That said, it may take time possibly months for it to completely fade without any targeted treatment. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. Is there a specific sunscreen you recommend? Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. Call your provider if you have changes in skin pigmentation as well as pain, tenderness, redness, or bleeding, or if you notice any changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. 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. 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. Epidermal melasma resides in the surface of the skin. So easy and delicious. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and thats why your skin darkens. There are dermatologists who can help you. There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. 2) Stopping the transfer of that pigment to the surface of the skin where it appears as dark spots. . Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. First, apply the concealer to the patchy spots. 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. Are you interested in prescriptions that may improve your melasma? It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Dermatol Surg. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. 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. 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. We'll tell you the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens so you and your, When you're expecting, pregnancy-safe skin care can help ensure the health of you and your baby. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. Can i use 2% hydro quinine during pregnancy for melasma. When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. 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. Coll Antropol. 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. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Sunlight: When sunlight hits our skin, it triggers the body to produce more melanin. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). If the hormones in your contraception are the cause of your melasma then, yes, it may go away. We even asked a couple of board-certified dermatologists to weigh in. Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. Skin care products that irritate your skin. Undated. Spots of melasma can sometimes be mistaken for freckles but they are not the same skin condition. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. Too much screen time? Retinoid treatments and many chemical peels sometimes used to treat hyperpigmentation in facial treatments are a no-go when youre expecting. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Those with a combination of ingredients that help using different pathways to diminish pigment.. Certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems. Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. This common condition occurs in 50-70% of pregnant women. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . During your pregnancy, avoid spending too much time in 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. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. Sun exposure plays a role too. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy? But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. It usually goes away after you give birth. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. Swap out face washes, lotions or creams that contain fragrances or coloring. Your skin is your barricade. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. Is it sunlight? 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. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. By Cat Matta Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. No. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Melasma will not harm your baby. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its often called the mask of pregnancy. Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. They are generally tan or brownish in color, but can look blue-gray on people with naturally darker skin color. Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. Look on the label for words like noncomedogenic, sensitive, fragrance-free, or dermatologist approved if you get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle. Its always best to speak with your healthcare provider. To start treatment, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible when you see signs of melasma. When this increases the amount of melanin produced also increases creating patches of darkened skin. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. People taking hormonal birth control - say you start taking the Pill again after you give birth - can also get melasma. Do this by avoiding the sun, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps and birth control that includes hormones. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. This is because radiation from ultraviolet rays acts as a catalyst for melanin production. There are preventative measures you can take. Only a dermatologist will be able to tell you for sure if you have pregnancy melasma. 6.7 AOBBIY Hyperpigment Remover. 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. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. When you are outside, reapply sunscreen once every two hours. 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. Pregnancy comes with a host of emotions and physical changes. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Melasma can even occur in men, although its far more common in women. Discover what they are here. If youre susceptible to pregnancy melasma, unprotected sun exposure can worsen it. Ali, S, Bali S, P S. Hormonal evaluation in females having melasma. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option. 3) Removing the melanin already present in the surface of the skin. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. Were explaining why this occurs, below. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Make-up labeled as non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic is less likely to irritate skin and worsen melasma. Melasma is usually flat. 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. Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. Melasma sometimes resolves itself one hormonal balance is restored. 2021. ), 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. 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. Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: Skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-skin-hair-nails-and-mucous-membranes-during-pregnancy [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. 1st ed. Not all laser therapies are ideal for treating discoloration. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. I look for symmetry, since it would be unusual to have melasma only or much worse on one side of the face.. Look for products that say fragrance-free, for sensitive skin, or non-comedogenic on the label. Plus, you cant change your genetics. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. Face washes, lotions, and serums that irritate your skin may make melasma worse. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. If someone in your family has had melasma, youre more vulnerable to the condition. It is very likely that if you were going to get Melasma at the time of . The hormonal and physiologic changes during pregnancy are unique in the life of women. ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Melasma. Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. Your healthcare provider may administer the test. In what stage of pregnancy does melasma occur? Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. Melasma is a common skin disorder. Always be on the lookout for any allergic reactions. Applying this powerful antioxidant to your skin can help brighten melasma while providing other anti-aging benefits, like increased collegen production. Hair changes with pregnancy. Choose a method of birth control that doesnt include hormones. U.S. National Library of Medicine. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. "Hydroquinone does not get absorbed systemically". (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.). But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. What are stretch marks? What medications and/or vitamins can I take to help heal my melasma? Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. 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. 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. 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. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. Policy. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. If the spots don't fade within a few months after having the baby, there are treatments to help fade them. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Melasma. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. Some studies link melasma to deficiency in iron and possibly vitamin B12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people.