Prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy 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. 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. Its only symptom is the gradual development of mottled dark spots on your skin, typically on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip, though it can also appear on the forearms. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. That said, prescribing instructions note that it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. 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. Accessibility The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. Changes in hormones especially estrogen and progesterone is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 2. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. 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. beneath the breasts during late pregnancy. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). All rights reserved. Some of the skin conditions you may notice, such as stretch marks and melasma (dark spots and patches), are caused by pregnancy, and will fade over the next few months. Treatment of Melasma During Pregnancy. How to Prevent and Treat Melasma During Pregnancy It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. 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. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy. And make sure youre getting the right treatment by confirming the diagnosis with your healthcare provider. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. Int J Womens Dermatol. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. How Is Melasma Treated During Pregnancy? - Cary OBGYN Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. Look for products that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or other physical blockers (mineral sunscreens) versus those that rely on chemical blockers. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy. Youre also at risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones. So easy and delicious. Where are the discolorations located on your body? Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment Skin conditions during pregnancy. Your. Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy. Coll Antropol. 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. For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. Solar elastosis and elastic fiber fragmentation. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Is it sunlight? Melasma During Pregnancy - Causes, Signs & Prevention 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. When your skin heals from the treatment, it may cause even more discoloration. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Plus, you cant change your genetics. . This frittata is high in protein and rich in essential nutrients your body needs to support a growing baby. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. (2020). All rights reserved. The heart has to work harder during pregnancy to pump blood to both the mother and the growing fetus. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. 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. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. However, a skin-friendly diet including adequate amounts of vitamin D is likely to help. Your birth control? PMID: 30998530. 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. Dr. Arlo Miller answered Dermatology 17 years experience Avoid: I would not recommend it. Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. Melasma is a super common skin condition characterized by hyperpigmentation on certain areas of the face, explains Dan Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the New York Dermatology Group in NYC. Not all laser therapies are ideal for treating discoloration. The same increased production of melanin that causes the facial splotches of melasma also causes the linea nigra, or dark line that you may notice running down your belly. Exposure to sunlight can make it more noticeable. Unmasking the causes and treatments of melasma - Harvard Health 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Melasma After Pregnancy (Causes, Prevention, Treatments) 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. 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. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Lasers, which can be irritating especially during pregnancy, are no-nos too. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. We'll tell you if it's safe. Breastfeeding Safe Skincare: What to Avoid & Use on Skin Melasma is usually flat. Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Cheeks . Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. When did see the discoloration in your skin? Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. Accessed 7/23/2020. Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? 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. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 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. Melasma on face: How to treat chloasma postpartum | BabyCenter Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. 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. You can live melasma-free with the right combination of treatments. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) Melasma is a typically chronic disorder. Melasma Treatment: Home Remedies, Prescriptions, & Procedures If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. This common condition occurs in 50-70% of pregnant women. Nancy LeBrun is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning writer and producer who has been writing about health and wellness for more than six years. Skin problems in pregnancy | DermNet 2020. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. How much youre out in the sun or even the time of year when youre pregnant may also affect when you first notice it. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. For many people, pregnancy melasma can improve after youre no longer pregnantonce your hormonal levels return to their normal, pre-pregnant levels. Melasma usually fades after a few months. Your skin is your barricade. Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud, AM. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. 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. 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. Face washes, lotions, and serums that irritate your skin may make melasma worse. In any case, continue to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen every day, wearing protective clothing, and staying out of the sun during peak hours. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. 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. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Her go-to ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract, as well as hydroquinone and glycolic acid. Medications that may cause or worsen melasma. In pregnant people, melasma often goes away on its own within a few months after giving birth. It mimics discoloration of other skin conditions, and should be diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist MD/DO to prevent misdiagnosis and incorrect treatments.. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. During your pregnancy, avoid spending too much time in the sun. A safer choice would be azeleic acid which is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although most skin-lightening ingredients are off-limits during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about whether you can apply topical azelaic acid to your skin for melasma. Melasma can develop at any time during your pregnancy, however. 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. 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. Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose melasma. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Study of Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer/Television Screens on Melasma. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. 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. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. Slather up with gentle products instead. As a result, the blood volume in the body increases by up to 50%, and the heart rate may rise by 10 to 15 beats per minute. This can be a trigger for melasma. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. NIH. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. There are preventative measures you can take. 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 likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. Your skin is made up of three layers. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. If you have dark skin, seek a provider who is experienced in laser treatment for people of color. Melasma in Pregnancy: Treatment and Causes - Healthline The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. It's unlikely that a healthcare provider will recommend treatment, as melasma often goes away on its own a few months after giving birth. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. Use sunscreen Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. You may need to use different topicals or chemical peels to help get rid of stubborn pigment. The worse it gets, the harder it will be for treatments to work. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. Look on the label for words like noncomedogenic, sensitive, fragrance-free, or dermatologist approved if you get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle. A dermatologist will be able to perform treatments that your usual healthcare provider may not be able to. 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. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. Does pregnancy melanoma go away on its own? 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. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. You could also take a vitamin D supplement. 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. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because it frequently affects pregnant women. Always listen to the advice of your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan carefully. Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy? American Academy of Dermatology. Make a good concealer your best friend. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. 2019. Some of the topical options include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. Returns 6.1 Neutrogena vitamin C complex serum. Bolanca I, et al. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. They can be safely used with topical medications, but only by specialists who have experience treating melasma. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. Careful sun protection is key. You can help make your sun protection efforts even more effective if you wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat, and sunglasses, and limit your time in the sun, especially between its peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 2008;32(Suppl 2):139-141. Too much screen time? ), (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. Fractional lasers are commonly used for treating melasma. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. DermNet NZ; Science SourceA pregnancy mask may appear as dark, blotchy, brown, confetti-like patches of skin. 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. General Health. Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. 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. In pregnant women, it most often appears on the: Forehead Cheeks Upper lip Nose Chin Other skin changes often occur with melasma during pregnancy, including: Darkened nipples, armpits, and genitals Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. Many compacts come in a wide range of colors for all skin tones. And dont forget a stylish pair of sunglasses the bigger the better. If youre exercising, try avoiding peak sun hours in your area, generally the middle of the day. Sun exposure plays a role too. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy? Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 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. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, and thighs. Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis. 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. An Bras Dermatol. Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment - Verywell Health Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. 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.