the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Melasma is more common in people with medium to darker skin and seems to run in families. If youve noticed dark patches of skin on your face, you may have melasma. However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. 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. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). "Hydroquinone does not get absorbed systemically". Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. 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. Dermal melasma is light brown or bluish, with blurred borders. Is it sunlight? NIH. 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. 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. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. . Can Fam Physician. Policy. Melasma is usually flat. (Youre beautiful all the same.). That said, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so its important to see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. Its caused by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, which affect the skins pigment-producing melanocytes. Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. Laser is a great option, he shares. Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. Some of the topical options include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. 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. (2020). 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. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. Pregnancy melasma, and melasma in general, fall into three categories based on how deep into the skin the dark spots are: epidermal, dermal, and mixed. Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy? There's no proven link between. 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. If you have melasma, your freckles and moles may also look darker, there's probably a dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra) and your areolas could be a deeper shade. Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Your skin is made up of three layers. Malar pattern . Plus, you cant change your genetics. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. They can be safely used with topical medications, but only by specialists who have experience treating melasma. 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. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose melasma. 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. It's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Melasma can sometimes be mistaken for another skin condition. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. 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. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. ), (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. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. Who is at risk of melasma? It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. Not all laser therapies are ideal for treating discoloration. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. Are you interested in prescriptions that may improve your melasma? It doesn't affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. Use sunscreen Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. What are stretch marks? American Academy of Family Physicians. 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. 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. Coll Antropol. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Experts think that increases in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may trigger melasma. Changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. Melasma is hard to treat. Chloasma: The mask of pregnancy. 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. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. 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. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. Theyll use a Woods lamp (a black light) to see changes in the color of your skin. 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. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. Your healthcare provider may test your thyroid. We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. The hormonal and physiologic changes during pregnancy are unique in the life of women. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. See a board-certified dermatologist to figure out the best and safest option for your skin. 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. PMID: 30998530. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. They include medications, makeup, and cosmetics that irritate your skin or make it more sensitive to sunlight, the blue light emitted from your devices, and underlying thyroid disease. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Cheeks . Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. 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. Why do dark spots and patches appear on the skin during pregnancy? Results: The prevalence of melasma was 15.8%[95% confidence interval (CI) 12.3-19.4]. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. There are several topical, procedural, and oral therapies to manage melasma during pregnancy. Freckles or scars, and dark skin around nipples and genitals may become even darker than usual during 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. Study of Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer/Television Screens on Melasma. 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. This increased workload can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, and it is essential to take breaks and rest when needed. Therapeutic options. Is there a history of melasma in your family? In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. 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. Melasma appears slowly, and the spots are usually larger than those from sun damage or age. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. Can i use 2% hydro quinine during pregnancy for melasma. 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. Hello. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". Privacy Policy Melasma. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. 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. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. Some people may feel embarrassed to allow others to see their skin 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. However, it can make people self-conscious about their appearance. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. 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. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. 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. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. Accessed 7/23/20. 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. The spots develop when the hormones trigger cells called melanocytes, which go into overdrive and produce more of a substance called melanin. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? One reason is that it may resolve on its own. 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%. Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. A topical treatment isnt your only option. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. Melasma is a typically chronic disorder. Accessed 7/23/20. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. No. There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. So easy and delicious. The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. Other agents that are being studied to improve melasma include: Dermatitis is a side effect of hydroquinone and tretinoin. Products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse. Fortunately, melasma typically fades after about three months. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. This may . 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. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. There are three main methods of treatment for melasma: 1) Slowing down or stopping the creation of the pigment melanin. 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. Between 50% to 70% of all melasma cases are among those who are pregnant. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. Melasma. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 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. As youve likely already inferred from its alternate moniker, becoming pregnant puts you at a higher risk of developing pregnancy melasma. How much youre out in the sun or even the time of year when youre pregnant may also affect when you first notice it. In pregnant people, melasma often goes away on its own within a few months after giving birth. A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. This is because radiation from ultraviolet rays acts as a catalyst for melanin production. It also helps regulate your body temperature, prevent hydration and feel sensations like the warmth of the stove, the fur on your dogs belly and the pressure of someone elses hand holding yours. 2) Stopping the transfer of that pigment to the surface of the skin where it appears as dark spots. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy. Treatment of Melasma During Pregnancy. Its impossible to prevent melasma with certainty, but there are ways to reduce your risk or minimize the appearance of your melasma. Can Melasma Be Prevented During Pregnancy? 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. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. Melasma. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. 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. Exposure to sunlight can make it more noticeable. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. Stay out of the sun when the rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And make a fashion statement by sporting glam sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when you leave the house. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. 5 How to Prevent Melasma. Ask your healthcare provider if youre concerned about another condition. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. Always be on the lookout for any allergic reactions. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Do this by avoiding the sun, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps and birth control that includes hormones. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. 6.2 Eucerin Anti-Pigment Reducer Night Cream. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. 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. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Melasma will likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. 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. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. Melasma is a harmless skin condition. Accessibility Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. 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. Undated. 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. 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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. It is not cancerous and does not become cancerous, nor does it have any effect on your pregnancy. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. Sometimes, however, it persists. It depends on the person and the medication used. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. 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. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? American Academy of Family Physicians. Melasma is harmless, physically, but can have an emotional impact. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and thats why your skin darkens.