American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose 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. Dr. Arlo Miller answered Dermatology 17 years experience Avoid: I would not recommend it. What skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. AAD. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Melasma: causes. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. 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. beneath the breasts during late pregnancy. Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. Bolanca I, et al. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. Report all side effects to your healthcare provider. Can Fam Physician. 6.7 AOBBIY Hyperpigment Remover. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. Discover what they are here. She served as Chief Resident at one of the nations top dermatology programs The University of Texas at Houston and M.D. The spots develop when the hormones trigger cells called melanocytes, which go into overdrive and produce more of a substance called melanin. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. Lasers, which can be irritating especially during pregnancy, are no-nos too. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? Policy. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Vitamin C is used in skin care as a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting the skin from sun damage. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Your soap? This also tends to happen in areas where friction is common, such as your underarms and inner thighs. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. 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. We'll tell you if it's safe. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a pregnancy mask, is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. You might have your thyroid checked because there does seem to be an association between thyroid disease and melasma. All rights reserved. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. Many women notice their hair becomes thicker during pregnancy. "Hydroquinone does not get absorbed systemically". Who is at risk of melasma? Plus, you cant change your genetics. Hormonal changes: The extra estrogen and progesterone your body makes during pregnancy can trigger melasma. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. Melasma is more common during pregnancy, affecting 15% to 50% of pregnant people. Melasma. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. 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 During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. 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. Melasma is harmless, physically, but can have an emotional impact. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Melasma can return. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. Physical blocking sunscreens tend to offer broader protection and may be less irritating to the skin. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. These are red, tender-to-the-touch, hard lumps in your breasts. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. Anderson Cancer Center. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. 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. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Hydroquinone is a prescription product to lighten skin or reduce skin pigmentation that occurs from melasma and chloasma, which can be brought on by pregnancy. 2015;4:13240-13247. Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. 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. Applying this powerful antioxidant to your skin can help brighten melasma while providing other anti-aging benefits, like increased collegen production. When Might Melasma Develop During Pregnancy? Your hair and skin may also go through a transformation for the better or worse. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because it frequently affects pregnant women. Yes, its possible that your melasma will go away on its own within a few months. We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. It is not visible under blacklight and is much more challenging to treat. Coll Antropol. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. Melasma is not dangerous or cancerous, but it may affect how you feel about your appearance. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back, Dr. Belkin cautions. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. Melasma can present with blotches or frecklesusually on the facethat are darker than the rest of your skin tone. Hello. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. There's no proven link between. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. There are preventative measures you can take. 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. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. Some melasma treatments are safe to begin 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. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. 2 Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Melasma is a skin condition causing uneven, darkened areas or spots that look like freckles. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. 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. 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. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. 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. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. Fractional lasers are commonly used for treating melasma. When you are outside, reapply sunscreen once every two hours. These hormones are thought to contribute to your 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. A topical treatment isnt your only option. To tell the difference between skin conditions, your healthcare provider may perform a biopsy, which is where a small piece of your skin is removed and examined. And make sure youre getting the right treatment by confirming the diagnosis with your healthcare provider. Experts think that increases in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may trigger melasma. Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. You can live melasma-free with the right combination of treatments. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. Sometimes, however, it persists. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. And ask your doctor about any potential vitamin deficiencies. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Treatment of Melasma During Pregnancy. Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy? They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, and thighs. By Cat Matta 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. In what stage of pregnancy does melasma occur? A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition using a Woods lamp, which helps show whether a skin condition is bacterial, fungal, or otherwise concerning. Its caused by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, which affect the skins pigment-producing melanocytes. 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. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. Read our. Milk, almond milk, and orange juice can help too. Eva Dasher writes, researches, and edits content on a wide variety of subjects, including parenting, medicine, travel, natural history, science, business, and the arts. Careful sun protection is key. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. As youve likely already inferred from its alternate moniker, becoming pregnant puts you at a higher risk of developing pregnancy melasma. Although its a physically harmless skin condition, we know that it can be bothersome, even to the point of making you feel self-conscious in social settings. How much youre out in the sun or even the time of year when youre pregnant may also affect when you first notice it. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. If youre exercising, try avoiding peak sun hours in your area, generally the middle of the day. Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. Skin conditions commonly confused with melasma include: If you have melasma, the results of the biopsy will typically reveal the following: The severity of your melasma can be measured by using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). 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. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. If someone in your family has had melasma, youre more vulnerable to the condition. 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. If concealer causes other problems for example, if youve got oily or sensitive skin turn to pressed powder to lighten the spots. 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. 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. Make a mask with cooked oatmeal and honey, leave it on skin for about 10 min and wash it. After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesnt fade on its own. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. Melasma will not harm your baby. Returns Sun exposure plays a role too. . 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. Were explaining why this occurs, below. Accessed 7/23/20. . Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. When your skin heals from the treatment, it may cause even more discoloration. 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. At this time no foods or drinks are known by experts to directly cause, magically cure or worsen melasma. Study of Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer/Television Screens on Melasma. 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. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Skin care products that irritate your skin. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Women commonly experience changes in the appearance of the skin during pregnancy, including: dark spots on the breasts, nipples and inner thighs melasma linea nigra stretch marks acne spider. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. 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. 2020. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Melasma can also develop on your arms or neck, though it's less common. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. Pregnancy. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. 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. When did see the discoloration in your skin? Melasma is so frequent in pregnant people that it's sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy." Are you interested in procedures that may improve your melasma? 1st ed. Choose a method of birth control that doesnt include hormones. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. It doesn't affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. If you opt for a spa treatment during pregnancy, be sure to let your esthetician know that youre pregnant. Malar pattern . This may . When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. 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. 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. Kalayc M. Pregnancy Mask: Melasma. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Melasma sometimes resolves itself one hormonal balance is restored. Dermatol Surg. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable.