Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for more information. Melanin is what gives skin its color. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Anderson Cancer Center. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 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. If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. 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. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. She has authored a book about documentary filmmaking, a screenplay about a lost civil rights hero, and ghostwritten several memoirs. If the spots don't fade within a few months after having the baby, there are treatments to help fade them. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. 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. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. 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. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a " pregnancy mask," is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. Too much screen time? Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. Many women notice their hair becomes thicker during pregnancy. 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. Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care: What to Use and What to Avoid - Healthline What Is Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)? Causes, Pictures We'll tell you if it's safe. Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? Is it sunlight? 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. Melasma is typically a chronic disorder. 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. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. When melasma occurs during pregnancy, it is also called chloasma, or "the mask of pregnancy."Pregnant women experience increased estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. 5 How to Prevent Melasma. Those with a combination of ingredients that help using different pathways to diminish pigment.. Even if its hot outside, loose-fitting clothing can be comfortable and protect your skin. Some people may feel embarrassed to allow others to see their skin condition. Melasma sometimes resolves itself one hormonal balance is restored. If youve noticed dark patches of skin on your face, you may have melasma. Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of themduring their reproductive years, when theyre 20 to 40 years old. Who is at risk of melasma? This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. Pregnancy and your body. : Richard Lorenzo, DO: OB-GYN our editorial and medical review policies, dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), Skin Darkening and Discoloration During Pregnancy. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy - ACOG Freckles or scars, and dark skin around nipples and genitals may become even darker than usual during pregnancy. 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. Melasma Treatment: Home Remedies, Prescriptions, & Procedures 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. Some of the topical options include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. Remember that it's likely to go away after giving birth. Youll be glowing again before you know it! Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. They are generally tan or brownish in color, but can look blue-gray on people with naturally darker skin color. If youre using concealer or foundation to cover your melasma, choose products developed for sensitive skin. Make a mask with cooked oatmeal and honey, leave it on skin for about 10 min and wash it. 2021. 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. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. Eat a variety of healthy, whole foods, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. The second path to take is topical medications. 2020. Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. 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. 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. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. 2. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. The three types are: Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that turns into cancer. Between 50% to 70% of all melasma cases are among those who are pregnant. Learn about special offers, current clinical research studies, and more. Do I have melasma or another type of skin disorder? 2021. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. 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 skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. Melasma on breast | HealthTap Online Doctor Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. The best course of treatment may actually be prevention, with the help of a few lifestyle changes. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. 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. Retinoid treatments and many chemical peels sometimes used to treat hyperpigmentation in facial treatments are a no-go when youre expecting. How to understand chronic pain; Tools. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Nearly 50 to 70% of pregnant women show signs of a " mask of pregnancy". It depends on the person and the medication used. The most important one is something you should be doing every day, year-round, anywaywearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and reapplying it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. 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. Can Melasma Be Prevented During Pregnancy? Melasma can return. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. 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. 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. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. An Bras Dermatol. And make sure youre getting the right treatment by confirming the diagnosis with your healthcare provider. 2015;4:13240-13247. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. Can i use 2% hydro quinine during pregnancy for melasma. Melasma: Management https://www.uptodate.com/contents/melasma-management [Accessed September 2020]. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? Melasma is a skin condition causing uneven, darkened areas or spots that look like freckles. Slather up with gentle products instead. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. 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. Exactly How to Treat the Skin Discoloration. Breastfeeding Safe Skincare: What to Avoid & Use on Skin Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. 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. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy | AAFP Melasma can present with blotches or frecklesusually on the facethat are darker than the rest of your skin tone. Melasma is a common skin disorder. 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. . . Unmasking the causes and treatments of melasma - Harvard Health When this increases the amount of melanin produced also increases creating patches of darkened skin. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. No. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and thats why your skin darkens. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. 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. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. Its often called the mask of pregnancy. Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Face washes, lotions, and serums that irritate your skin may make melasma worse. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Melasma During Pregnancy - Causes, Signs & Prevention Sometimes, however, it persists. Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. beneath the breasts during late pregnancy. 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.