Melasma. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The best course of treatment may actually be prevention, with the help of a few lifestyle changes. Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment within a few months. Melasma is not dangerous or cancerous, but it may affect how you feel about your appearance. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). Read our. Melasma is harmless, physically, but can have an emotional impact. 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. Your hair and skin may also go through a transformation for the better or worse. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. (2008). The good news: Pregnancy mask is usually temporary and fades after delivery or, in some cases, after you finish breastfeeding. Int J Womens Dermatol. Were explaining why this occurs, below. See your dermatologist in that instance. Melasma that is triggered by pregnancy can fade after you have given . If youve noticed dark patches of skin on your face, you may have melasma. 2 Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. 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. Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview, acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy. Melasma. The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. General Health. 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. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. Melasma appears most often during the second or third trimester, as hormonal changes increase. American Academy of Dermatology. Learn about special offers, current clinical research studies, and more. Warm compresses (running warm water over your breasts in the shower or applying a warm washcloth) and massages will probably clear the duct in a few days. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. It may take several months for your hormones to balance and skin pigmentation to fade. Melasma can present with blotches or frecklesusually on the facethat are darker than the rest of your skin tone. Genetics? Between 50% to 70% of all melasma cases are among those who are pregnant. When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. (Youre beautiful all the same.). Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. What skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? 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. Melasma will not harm your baby. AAD. The second path to take is topical medications. (2020). Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. However, to keep your skin healthy in general, try a skin-healthy diet of foods rich in Vitamin D: Those with melasma are more likely to have a thyroid disease. Accessed 7/23/2020. 2. Only a dermatologist will be able to tell you for sure if you have pregnancy melasma. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Your body goes through tremendous changes during 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. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. Her go-to ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract, as well as hydroquinone and glycolic acid. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. You could also take a vitamin D supplement. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. What's more, skin that's already more pigmented such as your nipples, freckles, scars, and the skin of your genitals may become even darker during pregnancy. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Melasma is a skin condition that causes grayish-brown patches to appear, mostly on the face. 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. When you are outside, reapply sunscreen once every two hours. All rights reserved. We avoid using tertiary references. beneath the breasts during late pregnancy. While pregnant, be careful to only use topical and oral treatments that are approved for pregnant women. They can be safely used with topical medications, but only by specialists who have experience treating melasma. 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. Your. You can live melasma-free with the right combination of treatments. 5 How to Prevent Melasma. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. 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. Melasma is so frequent in pregnant people that it's sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy." This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). Does pregnancy melanoma go away on its own? American Academy of Dermatology Association. 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. Discover what they are here. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. The mechanism that causes Melasma is not well understood, but there is a strong correlation between hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, ovarian cysts, etc. How much youre out in the sun or even the time of year when youre pregnant may also affect when you first notice it. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Always be on the lookout for any allergic reactions. 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. 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. If concealer causes other problems for example, if youve got oily or sensitive skin turn to pressed powder to lighten the spots. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. 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. Melasma is typically a chronic disorder. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. Are the soaps Im using right now aggravating my melasma (come with a list if you need to)? Its dark brown in color, has well-defined borders, glows under blacklight, and can respond well to treatment. Related: Your guide to pregnancy-safe skin care. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. 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. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. Report all side effects to your healthcare provider. The most common type, mixed melasma, is exactly what it sounds likeits both brown and bluish in appearance, has a mixed pattern under black light, and is somewhat responsive to treatment. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. Epidermal melasma resides in the surface of the skin. Ask your healthcare provider if youre concerned about another condition. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Cheeks . Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. Accessibility Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud, AM. 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. For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. 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. 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. Careful sun protection is key. Your melasma is likely to go away when youre no longer pregnant. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. 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. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? Changes in hormones especially estrogen and progesterone is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. You may see a line ( linea. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. Skin conditions during pregnancy. (Other hormonal alterations, such as birth control medication and hormonal replacement therapy can also trigger melasma in nonpregnant people.). Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? What Causes a Melasma Mustache and How to Treat It, Your Guide to a Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Routine, Why You May Get Skin Tags During Pregnancy, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, What Are the Symptoms of Hyperovulation?, Pregnancy Friendly Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt, What You Should Know About Consuming Turmeric During Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Friendly Recipe: Herby Gruyre Frittata with Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes, The Best Stretch Mark Creams and Belly Oils for Pregnancy in 2023. Some melasma treatments are safe to begin during pregnancy. Bolanca I, et al. How many hours of sunlight do you recommend I receive? An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. They can look similar! Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. Since melasma often goes away on its own within a few months of giving birth, your healthcare provider may recommend that you don't treat it. Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. Melasma: Management https://www.uptodate.com/contents/melasma-management [Accessed September 2020]. 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%. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition using a Woods lamp, which helps show whether a skin condition is bacterial, fungal, or otherwise concerning. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. 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. In pregnant people, melasma often goes away on its own within a few months after giving birth. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Make-up labeled as non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic is less likely to irritate skin and worsen melasma. 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. It's unlikely that a healthcare provider will recommend treatment, as melasma often goes away on its own a few months after giving birth. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. Always listen to the advice of your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan carefully. Accessed 7/23/2020. Face washes, lotions, and serums that irritate your skin may make melasma worse. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). That said, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so its important to see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis. Y. ou can also be sure to eat a healthy, skin-friendly diet that contains plenty of nutrients and vitamin D. Foods that fit the bill include eggs (only if theyre fully cooked), yogurt, meat (fully cooked), fish high in fatty acids (also fully cooked), and mushrooms. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. Undated. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? Products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse. 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. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. and the condition. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. Fortunately, melasma typically fades after about three months. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. 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. PMID: 30998530. But, melasma patches are almost always larger than what we call age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. ), 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. Make a good concealer your best friend. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If the spots don't fade within a few months after having the baby, there are treatments to help fade them. What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? 1. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. StatPearls: Melasma. Skin care products that irritate your skin. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. 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. 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. Look on the label for words like noncomedogenic, sensitive, fragrance-free, or dermatologist approved if you get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle. Doctors believe they may be caused by weight gain or extra hormones of pregnancy. I use a variety of modalities to treat this conditionspecific topicals and chemical peels, she shares. Melasma. You can also try other camouflaging makeup and skincare products, like concealers, full-coverage foundation, and skin-brightening products. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. If you didnt see it in pictures or a mirror, you wouldnt even know you had itit doesnt itch, hurt, or cause any other sensation. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. U.S. National Library of Medicine. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Melasma can also develop on your arms or neck, though it's less common. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. That said, prescribing instructions note that it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Where are the discolorations located on your body? Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. Melasma usually fades after a few months. Melasma can even occur in men, although its far more common in women. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. One of the only topical lightening ingredients thats considered safe to use during pregnancy, azelaic acid hasnt been linked to birth defects in animal studies. 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 appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. If you do opt for treatment for your pregnancy melasma, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a topical skin-lightening cream, with pregnancy-safe ingredients, like hydroquinone. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. It mimics discoloration of other skin conditions, and should be diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist MD/DO to prevent misdiagnosis and incorrect treatments.. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. The three types are: Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that turns into cancer. 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. First, apply the concealer to the patchy spots. 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. Vitamin C is used in skin care as a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting the skin from sun damage. Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. (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.). Changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery. Certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. 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. It usually goes away after you give birth. I look for symmetry, since it would be unusual to have melasma only or much worse on one side of the face.. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a pregnancy mask, is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester.