darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. Not all laser therapies are ideal for treating discoloration. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). Melasma during pregnancy is very common. What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? In what stage of pregnancy does melasma occur? Laser is a great option, he shares. 1. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. A topical treatment isnt your only option. Melasma appears slowly, and the spots are usually larger than those from sun damage or age. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy. 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. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis. This common condition occurs in 50-70% of pregnant women. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). They are generally tan or brownish in color, but can look blue-gray on people with naturally darker skin color. Milk, almond milk, and orange juice can help too. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. ), 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. Accessed 7/23/2020. If youre susceptible to pregnancy melasma, unprotected sun exposure can worsen it. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing 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. Ask your healthcare provider if youre concerned about another condition. If you're breastfeeding or plan to get pregnant again soon, let your provider know and check with her before using any over-the-counter treatments. There are several topical, procedural, and oral therapies to manage melasma during pregnancy. AAD. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Careful sun protection is key. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. Some melasma treatments are safe to begin during pregnancy. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. If concealer causes other problems for example, if youve got oily or sensitive skin turn to pressed powder to lighten the spots. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. Its impossible to prevent melasma with certainty, but there are ways to reduce your risk or minimize the appearance of your melasma. Your skin is made up of three layers. 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. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 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. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This doesnt mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. The heart has to work harder during pregnancy to pump blood to both the mother and the growing fetus. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, and thighs. This frittata is high in protein and rich in essential nutrients your body needs to support a growing baby. 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. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. 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. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. Hormone treatments, specifically ones that involve estrogen. 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. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). 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. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. 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. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. 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. 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. 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. Sometimes melasma will return and needs further treatment. 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 not visible under blacklight and is much more challenging to treat. 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. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for more information. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. Melanin is what gives skin its color. 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. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. if not please suggest cream? Make-up labeled as non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic is less likely to irritate skin and worsen melasma. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. For many people, pregnancy melasma can improve after youre no longer pregnantonce your hormonal levels return to their normal, pre-pregnant levels. Report all side effects to your healthcare provider. Solar elastosis and elastic fiber fragmentation. You can live melasma-free with the right combination of treatments. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. They can look similar! Around 33% to 50% of people with the condition have a family member with iteven a majority of identical twins share melasma. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color (pigment) known as melanin. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Melasma is a harmless skin condition. Melasma is common during pregnancy, as it is believed to be caused by increased levels of oestrogen in the blood. It mimics discoloration of other skin conditions, and should be diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist MD/DO to prevent misdiagnosis and incorrect treatments.. Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vukovi A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisi G. Chloasmathe mask of pregnancy. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. It depends on the person and the medication used. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. Melasma is a common skin disorder. Study of Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer/Television Screens on Melasma. PLoS Biol. The worse it gets, the harder it will be for treatments to work. 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. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. You can also try other camouflaging makeup and skincare products, like concealers, full-coverage foundation, and skin-brightening products. If youve noticed dark patches of skin on your face, you may have melasma. 2021. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. 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? Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . Even after melasma is treated and improved, I recommend use of a daily topical cream and oral antioxidants to maintain results long-term, advises Dr. Nazarian. Therapeutic options. You may see a line ( linea. Are you interested in procedures that may improve your melasma? All changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery, but you can do a few things to safely minimize darkened spots on your skin during pregnancy: Melasma usually fades without treatment after you have your baby. The three types are: Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that turns into cancer. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=169&itemtype=document), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/pigment-disorders/melasma#:~:text=Melasma%20is%20dark%20brown%20patches,an%20examination%20of%20the%20skin. If you have dark skin, seek a provider who is experienced in laser treatment for people of color. 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. I look for symmetry, since it would be unusual to have melasma only or much worse on one side of the face.. If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. 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. You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. 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. American Academy of Dermatology Association. The spots develop when the hormones trigger cells called melanocytes, which go into overdrive and produce more of a substance called melanin. A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma. 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 will likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. Your body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy. Too much screen time? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Estrogen and progesterone, which are thought to trigger it, start building after 12 weeks and peak around 32 weeks. You may be able to prevent or minimize melasma by wearing a high-SPF sunscreen and a hat with a brim when you are in the sun. 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. Fractional lasers are commonly used for treating melasma. Choose a method of birth control that doesnt include hormones. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Yes, its possible that your melasma will go away on its own within a few months. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud, AM. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Pregnancy: An increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which occurs during pregnancy, is thought to trigger melasma. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a " pregnancy mask," is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. This can be a trigger for melasma. Accessed 7/23/2020. In fact, melasma can affect any part of your skin that is exposed to sunlight. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. 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. 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. Melasma is a typically chronic disorder. Learn more about. Vitamin C is used in skin care as a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting the skin from sun damage. Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. Melasma is more common in people with medium to darker skin and seems to run in families. Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist seeing patients in New York, N.Y. She practices various aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic treatments, laser, injectables, skin cancer screening, general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and body contouring. Your healthcare provider might test your vitamin D levels to make sure that youre getting enough of it from high vitamin D foods such as meat, cereals, oily fish and eggs. A Woods lamp that emits black light may be used to determine the depth of the pigment. There are a few tricks you can try to minimize melasma, including the following: Exposure to the sun will make your pregnancy mask more pronounced. Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. 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. 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. The best way to treat melasma is with a bleaching regimen such as hydroquinone. Sun exposure plays a role too. 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. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. 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. Melasma usually fades after a few months. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. Skin care products that irritate your skin. Accessed 7/23/20. Your soap? It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. 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. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. . 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Melasma will not harm your baby. Treatment of Melasma During Pregnancy. Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy? Related: Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases. 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. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? Dermatol Surg. While pregnancy is a primary cause of melasma, eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep can prevent hormonal imbalances or vitamin deficiencies that arent pregnancy-related. But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. Very common lumps found among women during pregnancy are clogged milk ducts. The most effective way to treat pregnancy melasma is to see your dermatologist as soon as you start to see its hallmark patchwork appear. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). If your skin is still blotchy a few months after giving birth and it's bothering you, talk to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist about treatment options for melasma. 3) Removing the melanin already present in the surface of the skin. Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. Why do dark spots and patches appear on the skin during pregnancy? They can be safely used with topical medications, but only by specialists who have experience treating melasma. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. Our. There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. Youre also more likely to develop melasma during pregnancy if someone in your family has had it, if you have naturally dark skin, or if you spend a lot of time in the sun. 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. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Your melasma is likely to go away when youre no longer pregnant. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. All rights reserved. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. You might have your thyroid checked because there does seem to be an association between thyroid disease and melasma. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip, describes Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. 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. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. Can Fam Physician. 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. 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. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. What are stretch marks? What causes these skin changes during pregnancy? 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. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. Kalayc M. Pregnancy Mask: Melasma. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. NIH. 6.3 Paula's Choice facial exfoliant. We avoid using tertiary references. Do I have melasma or another type of skin disorder? See your dermatologist in that instance. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. Nearly 50 to 70% of pregnant women show signs of a " mask of pregnancy". American Academy of Dermatology. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Yes, but use cosmetics that include sunscreen and pay attention to any that may aggravate your melasma by irritating your skin. 2 However, there's not enough info to recommend aloe or turmeric as melasma treatments, and conventional treatments work faster and grant better end results. Where are the discolorations located on your body? Are the soaps Im using right now aggravating my melasma (come with a list if you need to)? 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. You may need to use different topicals or chemical peels to help get rid of stubborn pigment. Its caused by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, which affect the skins pigment-producing melanocytes. Changes in hormones especially estrogen and progesterone is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Sometimes, however, it persists. As youve likely already inferred from its alternate moniker, becoming pregnant puts you at a higher risk of developing pregnancy melasma. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. PMID: 30998530. Her go-to ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract, as well as hydroquinone and glycolic acid. Melasma is usually flat. You could also take a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D helps keep your skin healthy in general. 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. 6.2 Eucerin Anti-Pigment Reducer Night Cream. Melasma is harmless. Treatment once you have finished breast- feeding can take the normal course, which normally begins with topical bleaching . Anderson Cancer Center. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because it frequently affects pregnant women. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. 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. There are dermatologists who can help you.