Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. Fractional lasers are commonly used for treating melasma. But, it has to be gentle enough and done by an experienced board-certified dermatologist. This is because lasers can also exacerbate melasma, he explains. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. Changes in hormones especially estrogen and progesterone is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option. Melasma usually fades after a few months. It is very likely that if you were going to get Melasma at the time of . It depends on the person and the medication used. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Choose a method of birth control that doesnt include hormones. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Hair changes with pregnancy. 6.1 Neutrogena vitamin C complex serum. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. 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. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. 3) Removing the melanin already present in the surface of the skin. Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. If you have dark skin, seek a provider who is experienced in laser treatment for people of color. Eat a variety of healthy, whole foods, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. (Typically only 2 messages sent per month. Melasma. Your skin is your barricade. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. Originally coined in Latin, it loosely translates into black spot. While melasma doesnt actually cause black spots to appear on the skin, it does create brown or blue-gray discolorations that are grouped together to form larger patches. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. 2021. It is not cancerous and does not become cancerous, nor does it have any effect on your pregnancy. 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. Hormone treatments, specifically ones that involve estrogen. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Other possible causes of melasma include: Melasma causes light brown, dark brown, and/or bluish patches or freckle-like spots on your skin. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. The second path to take is topical medications. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. if not please suggest cream? You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. 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. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. 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. 2011;57(6):665-667. American Academy of Family Physicians. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Yes. 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. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. 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. 2015;4:13240-13247. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. A topical treatment isnt your only option. Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. If the hormones in your contraception are the cause of your melasma then, yes, it may go away. Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. They can look similar! Can Fam Physician. Your soap? 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. Melasma is hard to treat. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. This frittata is high in protein and rich in essential nutrients your body needs to support a growing baby. Other people may have melasma for just a short time, such as during pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for more information. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. They can be safely used with topical medications, but only by specialists who have experience treating melasma. Your birth control? Privacy Policy Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Related: Your guide to pregnancy-safe skin care. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. And dont forget a stylish pair of sunglasses the bigger the better. our editorial and medical review policies, dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), Skin Darkening and Discoloration During Pregnancy. That said, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so its important to see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis. "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. And make sure youre getting the right treatment by confirming the diagnosis with your healthcare provider. 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. They can help you with management and treatment of your melasma. While pregnant, be careful to only use topical and oral treatments that are approved for pregnant women. 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. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment that will automatically make melasma disappear. During pregnancy, the body goes through significant hormonal changes. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. 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. 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 concealer causes other problems for example, if youve got oily or sensitive skin turn to pressed powder to lighten the spots. Melasma is more common during pregnancy, affecting 15% to 50% of pregnant people. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. While not being harmful to the health of either mother or child, pregnancy melasma can be a source of embarrassment for some expecting mothers. Melasma: Management https://www.uptodate.com/contents/melasma-management [Accessed September 2020]. She has authored a book about documentary filmmaking, a screenplay about a lost civil rights hero, and ghostwritten several memoirs. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. But, melasma patches are almost always larger than what we call age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. 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. An Bras Dermatol. 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. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. We even asked a couple of board-certified dermatologists to weigh in. 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. Int J Womens Dermatol. You may see a line ( linea. Examples of tyrosinase inhibitors and other types of helpful agents include: The combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a moderate topical steroid has had the best effect on melasma. Hello. Melasma is typically a chronic disorder. Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. 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. There are preventative measures you can take. And ask your doctor about any potential vitamin deficiencies. Melasma is harmless. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Why do dark spots and patches appear on the skin during pregnancy? 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. Melasma sometimes resolves itself one hormonal balance is restored. 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. 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. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. 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. Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. Its always best to speak with your healthcare provider. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. NIH. Pregnancy is not the only cause of melasma. 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. Melasma will not harm your baby. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesnt fade on its own. The primary symptom of chloasma is darkening of the skin on the face. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Melasma does not cause any itching or pain and has no other physical symptoms. 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. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. Where are the discolorations located on your body? Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. However, it is not likely to go away while youre pregnant or taking hormone contraceptives. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Melasma is a common skin disorder. I look for symmetry, since it would be unusual to have melasma only or much worse on one side of the face.. Yes, its possible that your melasma will go away on its own within a few months. Other ways to diagnose melasma involve a special blacklight lamp, called a Woods lamp, which would quite literally shine a light on the different types of melasma we discussed. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. Youll be glowing again before you know it! You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. 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. But, keep in mind that it can fade on its own after youre no longer pregnant, and there are other ways to help it along the way. If your melasma doesn't go away after you have your baby, you can discuss melasma treatment with your provider. Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. 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. So easy and delicious. Always be on the lookout for any allergic reactions. 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. Changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery. ), 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. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. Chloasma: The mask of pregnancy. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? Your. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. Its impossible to prevent melasma with certainty, but there are ways to reduce your risk or minimize the appearance of your melasma. It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. How many hours of sunlight do you recommend I receive? Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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. A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. Are you interested in prescriptions that may improve your melasma? 1st ed. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Does pregnancy melanoma go away on its own? Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. 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. Melasma can be slow to respond to treatment. 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. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. Melanin is what gives skin its color. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". Kalayc M. Pregnancy Mask: Melasma. 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. Her go-to ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract, as well as hydroquinone and glycolic acid. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? 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. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy. You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. For many people, pregnancy melasma can improve after youre no longer pregnantonce your hormonal levels return to their normal, pre-pregnant levels. Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose melasma. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2020). Anderson Cancer Center. 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. Were explaining why this occurs, below. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. Bring up any additional symptoms you have with your doctor. There are dermatologists who can help you. Bonus: You can. Careful sun protection is key. How Many Types of Pregnancy Melasma Are There? Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. Its an organ the largest organ and it makes up about one-seventh of your body weight. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Skin conditions during pregnancy. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. What skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? During your pregnancy, avoid spending too much time in the sun. (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.). You might have your thyroid checked because there does seem to be an association between thyroid disease and melasma. Malar pattern . 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. During pregnancy or while youre breastfeeding, you should also avoid at-home peels, bleaches or other chemical-based lightening treatments, since they can all potentially penetrate the skin. Returns 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. Is there a history of melasma in your family? 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. 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. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition using a Woods lamp, which helps show whether a skin condition is bacterial, fungal, or otherwise concerning. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. One reason is that it may resolve on its own. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). 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. That said, prescribing instructions note that it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. By Cat Matta Estrogen and progesterone, which are thought to trigger it, start building after 12 weeks and peak around 32 weeks. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. 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 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. There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. (Youre beautiful all the same.). American Academy of Dermatology. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Melasma can also develop on your arms or neck, though it's less common. Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy? The side effects of melasma treatments aren't entirely understood, and treatments may not be safe for you to use while you're pregnant. If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a pregnancy mask, is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. 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. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. 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. People with more pigment in their skin for example, those of African, North African, Middle Eastern, Latin or Hispanic, Asian, Indian, or Mediterranean descent are more likely to develop chloasma, as they naturally have more active melanin production. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. 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. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. 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. Make a good concealer your best friend. 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. LED light from your television, laptop, cell phone and tablet. I use a variety of modalities to treat this conditionspecific topicals and chemical peels, she shares. The darkened spots probably will fade within a year after delivery, and your skin should return to its normal shade, although sometimes the changes never completely disappear.