our editorial and medical review policies, dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), Skin Darkening and Discoloration During Pregnancy. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. See your dermatologist in that instance. How many hours of sunlight do you recommend I receive? There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. Melasma is a common skin disorder. AAD. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. Around 33% to 50% of people with the condition have a family member with iteven a majority of identical twins share melasma. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. People taking hormonal birth control - say you start taking the Pill again after you give birth - can also get melasma. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. 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. Melasma is a skin condition in which some skin cells become darker. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. (2008). Sometimes, however, it persists. Yes, its possible that your melasma will go away on its own within a few months. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. 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. The association between melasma and iron profile: A case-control study. American Academy of Dermatology Association. ), (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. Melasma can return. Pregnancy. Commonly occurring during pregnancy, melasma is sometimes referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy because dark patches on the face can resemble a mask. Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy? What causes these skin changes during pregnancy? Treatments for melasma include topical creams, chemical peels, as well as gentle skin resurfacing procedures. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Is there a history of melasma in your family? 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. And some treatment methods may not be safe or effective to use when pregnant. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. Nancy LeBrun is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning writer and producer who has been writing about health and wellness for more than six years. Its an organ the largest organ and it makes up about one-seventh of your body weight. Fortunately, melasma typically fades after about three months. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Retinoid treatments and many chemical peels sometimes used to treat hyperpigmentation in facial treatments are a no-go when youre expecting. There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. ClinicalTrials.gov. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Melasma can appear at any time during pregnancy, but it develops most often during the second or third trimester when certain hormone levels are increasing. American Academy of Dermatology. There are also other tactics you can try. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. Melasma can present with blotches or frecklesusually on the facethat are darker than the rest of your skin tone. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Eva Dasher writes, researches, and edits content on a wide variety of subjects, including parenting, medicine, travel, natural history, science, business, and the arts. 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. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition using a Woods lamp, which helps show whether a skin condition is bacterial, fungal, or otherwise concerning. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. Slather up with gentle products instead. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Discover what they are here. Changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery. How to understand chronic pain; Tools. (Youre beautiful all the same.). 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. Look for products that say fragrance-free, for sensitive skin, or non-comedogenic on the label. Fractional lasers are commonly used for treating melasma. Accessed 7/23/20. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness? During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Originally coined in Latin, it loosely translates into black spot. While melasma doesnt actually cause black spots to appear on the skin, it does create brown or blue-gray discolorations that are grouped together to form larger patches. 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. Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. Aside from pregnancy hormones, the suns UV rays, and genetics, there are other potential sparks that light the fire of melasma. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Can Fam Physician. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. Her go-to ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract, as well as hydroquinone and glycolic acid. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. 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. 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. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. Melasma is usually flat. Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. 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. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. (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.). This can be a trigger for melasma. 2021. Melasma can be slow to respond to treatment. Treatment once you have finished breast- feeding can take the normal course, which normally begins with topical bleaching . Experts think that increases in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may trigger melasma. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. When your skin heals from the treatment, it may cause even more discoloration. There are preventative measures you can take. 1st ed. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. Your soap? A dermatologist will be able to perform treatments that your usual healthcare provider may not be able to. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. 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. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Melasma is harmless, physically, but can have an emotional impact. 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. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? The second path to take is topical medications. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. Are you interested in prescriptions that may improve your melasma? If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. Hormones (including hormonal medications). These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . Do this by avoiding the sun, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps and birth control that includes hormones. Melasma appears most often during the second or third trimester, as hormonal changes increase. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. 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 Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2021. 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. 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. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. 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. Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? 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. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in the practice of both cosmetic and medical dermatology. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. The spots develop when the hormones trigger cells called melanocytes, which go into overdrive and produce more of a substance called melanin. 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. You can also try other camouflaging makeup and skincare products, like concealers, full-coverage foundation, and skin-brightening products. Many compacts come in a wide range of colors for all skin tones. 2019. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. 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. Certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. These are red, tender-to-the-touch, hard lumps in your breasts. Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vukovi A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisi G. Chloasmathe mask of pregnancy. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy. You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. 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. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. Melasma usually fades after a few months. Pregnancy comes with a host of emotions and physical changes. What Bodily Changes Can You Expect During Pregnancy? If the hormones in your contraception are the cause of your melasma then, yes, it may go away. 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. Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. Melasma. Results: The prevalence of melasma was 15.8%[95% confidence interval (CI) 12.3-19.4]. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. By Cat Matta Melasma is more common during pregnancy, affecting 15% to 50% of pregnant people. 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. This is because radiation from ultraviolet rays acts as a catalyst for melanin production. 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. She may suggest using a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone (and possibly sunscreen), a topical medication that contains tretinoin (Retin-A), or a chemical peel such as azelaic acid. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. Ahead, were discussing everything you need to know about pregnancy melasma, including what it is, what causes it, and how you can both treat and help prevent it. 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. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. 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. Fortunately, chloasma generally fades within a few months after giving birth. Some studies link melasma to deficiency in iron and possibly vitamin B12. PMID: 30998530. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. In addition to her extensive health and wellness writing, Nancy has written about many general interest topics for publications as diverse as Newsweek, Teen Vogue, abcnews.com, and Craftsmanship Quarterly. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). A safer choice would be azeleic acid which is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. Related: Your guide to pregnancy-safe skin care. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. 2015;4:13240-13247. There are dermatologists who can help you. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. 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. Laser is a great option, he shares. Other agents that are being studied to improve melasma include: Dermatitis is a side effect of hydroquinone and tretinoin.