15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of themduring their reproductive years, when theyre 20 to 40 years old. 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. Many compacts come in a wide range of colors for all skin tones. Melasma is a skin condition causing uneven, darkened areas or spots that look like freckles. 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. It is not cancerous and does not become cancerous, nor does it have any effect on your pregnancy. (Other hormonal alterations, such as birth control medication and hormonal replacement therapy can also trigger melasma in nonpregnant people.). The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. DermNet NZ; Science SourceA pregnancy mask may appear as dark, blotchy, brown, confetti-like patches of skin. PMID: 30998530. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. 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. Many women notice their hair becomes thicker during pregnancy. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. So easy and delicious. Its only symptom is the gradual development of mottled dark spots on your skin, typically on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip, though it can also appear on the forearms. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. Who is at risk of melasma? What Bodily Changes Can You Expect During Pregnancy? 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. If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. Vitamin D helps keep your skin healthy in general. In fact, melasma can affect any part of your skin that is exposed to sunlight. Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? Does pregnancy melanoma go away on its own? Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. Some studies link melasma to deficiency in iron and possibly vitamin B12. 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. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. Its dark brown in color, has well-defined borders, glows under blacklight, and can respond well to treatment. The heart has to work harder during pregnancy to pump blood to both the mother and the growing fetus. Hair changes with pregnancy. Physical blocking sunscreens tend to offer broader protection and may be less irritating to the skin. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. Melasma is not dangerous or cancerous, but it may affect how you feel about your appearance. Accessed 7/23/20. Melasma can even occur in men, although its far more common in women. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Melasma can return. Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. 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. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. It is very likely that if you were going to get Melasma at the time of . 6.2 Eucerin Anti-Pigment Reducer Night Cream. If the hormones in your contraception are the cause of your melasma then, yes, it may go away. Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. Skin conditions during pregnancy. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment that will automatically make melasma disappear. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. Hormone treatments, specifically ones that involve estrogen. Even if its hot outside, loose-fitting clothing can be comfortable and protect your skin. Between 1.5% and 33% of the population may get melasma and it happens more often during a woman's reproductive years, and rarely happens during puberty. Careful sun protection is key. You can help make your sun protection efforts even more effective if you wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat, and sunglasses, and limit your time in the sun, especially between its peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ), 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. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. Melasma appears slowly, and the spots are usually larger than those from sun damage or age. And some treatment methods may not be safe or effective to use when pregnant. This can be a trigger for melasma. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 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. Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. Why do dark spots and patches appear on the skin during pregnancy? At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. While pregnant, be careful to only use topical and oral treatments that are approved for pregnant women. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. If the spots don't fade within a few months after having the baby, there are treatments to help fade them. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. Melasma appears in six locations or a combination of locations on your skin: Your healthcare provider will decide for sure if you have melasma or another type of skin disorder. What skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? . It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. (2020). Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? Look for noncomedogenic or hypoallergenic foundations, concealers, powders, and other products. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. 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. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. AAD. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. Lasers, which can be irritating especially during pregnancy, are no-nos too. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). Most importantly, try and remind yourself that you likely notice and dwell on your pregnancy melasma more than anyone else, and that youre far from alone in experiencing it. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. 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. It depends on the person and the medication used. 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. This also tends to happen in areas where friction is common, such as your underarms and inner thighs. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. Thankfully, the only thing it interferes with is your skins appearance, and its not the kind of skin condition that causes cancer or can turn into cancer. Plus, you cant change your genetics. Where are the discolorations located on your body? 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. 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. 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. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. Discover what they are here. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Youll be glowing again before you know it! However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness? The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy, Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. 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. A topical treatment isnt your only option. Report all side effects to your healthcare provider. All rights reserved. You could also take a vitamin D supplement. They can help you with management and treatment of your melasma. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. Melasma will likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. Freckles or scars, and dark skin around nipples and genitals may become even darker than usual during pregnancy. You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. Vitamin C is used in skin care as a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting the skin from sun damage. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. (Youre beautiful all the same.). If you opt for a spa treatment during pregnancy, be sure to let your esthetician know that youre pregnant. The side effects of melasma treatments aren't entirely understood, and treatments may not be safe for you to use while you're pregnant. Ali, S, Bali S, P S. Hormonal evaluation in females having melasma. 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. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy? Melasma is harmless, physically, but can have an emotional impact. Between 50% to 70% of all melasma cases are among those who are pregnant. They can look similar! If concealer causes other problems for example, if youve got oily or sensitive skin turn to pressed powder to lighten the spots. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017. 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. Since the sun may trigger the development of more pigment, its a good idea to stay out of its rays, especially for long periods of time. 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. Estrogen coupled with blood vessel growth, sun exposure, genetics, and hormones deposit pigment in the skin. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. When Might Melasma Develop During Pregnancy? "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. Very common lumps found among women during pregnancy are clogged milk ducts. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. "Hydroquinone does not get absorbed systemically". Therapeutic options. 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. 2021. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for more information. Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Melasma: causes. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). 5 How to Prevent Melasma. 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. It's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. 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 The primary symptom of chloasma is darkening of the skin on the face. The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. 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. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. You might have your thyroid checked because there does seem to be an association between thyroid disease and melasma. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. The hormonal and physiologic changes during pregnancy are unique in the life of women. Melasma appears most often during the second or third trimester, as hormonal changes increase. Pregnancy. 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. Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud, AM. But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. 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. 6.3 Paula's Choice facial exfoliant. The darkened spots probably will fade within a year after delivery, and your skin should return to its normal shade, although sometimes the changes never completely disappear. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. 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. Applying this powerful antioxidant to your skin can help brighten melasma while providing other anti-aging benefits, like increased collegen production. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. Dendritic (branched) pigmented melanocytes. Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vukovi A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisi G. Chloasmathe mask of pregnancy. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. The three types are: Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that turns into cancer. When it appears on the upper lip, it's referred to as a, It's important for everyone to use sunscreen there's no exception for pregnancy. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions. 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. Accessed 7/23/2020. If youre using concealer or foundation to cover your melasma, choose products developed for sensitive skin. Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. Its an organ the largest organ and it makes up about one-seventh of your body weight. What makes breast cancer come back? 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. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. You may also develop dark patches on your cheeks, along your jawline, or on your forearms and other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. 6.7 AOBBIY Hyperpigment Remover. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. and the condition. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. If you have dark skin, seek a provider who is experienced in laser treatment for people of color. There are three main methods of treatment for melasma: 1) Slowing down or stopping the creation of the pigment melanin. Accessibility We even asked a couple of board-certified dermatologists to weigh in. If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. There are preventative measures you can take. Use the treatment and management advice from your dermatologist or another healthcare provider. Anderson Cancer Center. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? 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. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. Your healthcare provider may administer the test. Dealing with melasma during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. In fact, taking these precautions has been shown to lower your chance of getting melasma at any time in your life by 50%, and slashing your risk of pregnancy melasma by a whopping 90%. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. 2011;57(6):665-667. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. Your skin is your barricade. 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.