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Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. 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. 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. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a pregnancy mask, is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Around 33% to 50% of people with the condition have a family member with iteven a majority of identical twins share melasma. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. 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. Pregnancy Melasma (Pregnancy Mask): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, and thighs. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. Report all side effects to your healthcare provider. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). Accessed 7/23/20. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. 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. Make-up labeled as non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic is less likely to irritate skin and worsen melasma. Does pregnancy melanoma go away on its own? Treatment of Melasma During Pregnancy. Your skin is made up of three layers. Melasma usually fades after a few months. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. 2019. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? beneath the breasts during late pregnancy. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Melasma is more common during pregnancy, affecting 15% to 50% of pregnant people. 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Estrogen coupled with blood vessel growth, sun exposure, genetics, and hormones deposit pigment in the skin. Prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy Other people may have melasma for just a short time, such as during pregnancy. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. 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. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Melasma After Pregnancy (Causes, Prevention, Treatments) Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. All rights reserved. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. Melasma is a common skin disorder. And ask your doctor about any potential vitamin deficiencies. However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. Fortunately, chloasma generally fades within a few months after giving birth. 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. Its dark brown in color, has well-defined borders, glows under blacklight, and can respond well to treatment. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. Applying this powerful antioxidant to your skin can help brighten melasma while providing other anti-aging benefits, like increased collegen production. Not all laser therapies are ideal for treating 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It usually goes away after you give birth. 1. 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. What medications and/or vitamins can I take to help heal my melasma? Bolanca I, et al. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. For many people, pregnancy melasma can improve after youre no longer pregnantonce your hormonal levels return to their normal, pre-pregnant levels. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. Skin conditions during pregnancy: Causes, symptoms and treatment 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. Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment that will automatically make melasma disappear. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. This doesnt mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. 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. What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color (pigment) known as melanin. Eat a variety of healthy, whole foods, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. Read our. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Its impossible to prevent melasma with certainty, but there are ways to reduce your risk or minimize the appearance of your melasma. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. 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. Plus, you cant change your genetics. 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. Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. 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. Changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery. Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. 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. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment - Verywell Health It's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Accessed 7/23/20. We avoid using tertiary references. If youre susceptible to pregnancy melasma, unprotected sun exposure can worsen it. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Melasma is hard to treat. Pregnancy and your body. : Richard Lorenzo, DO: OB-GYN Its caused by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, which affect the skins pigment-producing melanocytes. Treatment once you have finished breast- feeding can take the normal course, which normally begins with topical bleaching . Melasma: Causes, symptoms, pictures & treatment - Medical News Today Wear abroad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your face all day, every day, even if youre not going outside, since harmful rays can come right through your windows. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. Melasma is common during pregnancy, as it is believed to be caused by increased levels of oestrogen in the blood. 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. 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. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 6.2 Eucerin Anti-Pigment Reducer Night Cream. 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. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Pregnancy: An increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which occurs during pregnancy, is thought to trigger melasma. A Woods lamp that emits black light may be used to determine the depth of the pigment. 6.3 Paula's Choice facial exfoliant. While pregnant, be careful to only use topical and oral treatments that are approved for pregnant women. The best way to treat melasma is with a bleaching regimen such as hydroquinone. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while 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. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. 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. By Nancy LeBrun Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. Fortunately, melasma typically fades after about three months. 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. (Typically only 2 messages sent per month. 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. They can look similar! While pregnancy is a primary cause of melasma, eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep can prevent hormonal imbalances or vitamin deficiencies that arent pregnancy-related. Do I have melasma or another type of skin disorder? Exposure to sunlight can make it more noticeable. If the hormones in your contraception are the cause of your melasma then, yes, it may go away. Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. In what stage of pregnancy does melasma occur? Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. Use the treatment and management advice from your dermatologist or another healthcare provider. While not being harmful to the health of either mother or child, pregnancy melasma can be a source of embarrassment for some expecting mothers. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. It is typically hormonally-triggered, much more common in women, and often arising or worsening in pregnancy or with birth control pills. The surge in hormones you experience when youre pregnant makes your skin more susceptible to sunlight and other pregnancy melasma triggers. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. That said, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so its important to see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis. Dendritic (branched) pigmented melanocytes. Melasma: Causes - American Academy of Dermatology 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. There are also other tactics you can try. Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". This may . Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. Melasma: Management https://www.uptodate.com/contents/melasma-management [Accessed September 2020]. 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. What Is Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)? Causes, Pictures The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. 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. Spots of melasma can sometimes be mistaken for freckles but they are not the same skin condition. 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. Melasma does not cause any itching or pain and has no other physical symptoms. 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. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and thats why your skin darkens. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. Skin problems in pregnancy | DermNet The worse it gets, the harder it will be for treatments to work. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment 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. Your hair and skin may also go through a transformation for the better or worse. What Causes Melasma During Pregnancy? - MedicineNet 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. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. If someone in your family has had melasma, youre more vulnerable to the condition. Can Melasma Be Prevented During Pregnancy? It depends on the person and the medication used. Returns Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. She has authored a book about documentary filmmaking, a screenplay about a lost civil rights hero, and ghostwritten several memoirs. It doesn't affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. 1st ed. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017. "Hydroquinone does not get absorbed systemically". 5 How to Prevent Melasma. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Melasma During Pregnancy: Is Hydroquinone Safe? If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. 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. 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. Melasma can develop at any time during your pregnancy, however. Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness? These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. 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. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesnt fade on its own. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. Accessed 7/23/2020. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. 2 However, there's not enough info to recommend aloe or turmeric as melasma treatments, and conventional treatments work faster and grant better end results. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because it frequently affects pregnant women. Anderson Cancer Center. In fact, melasma can affect any part of your skin that is exposed to sunlight. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Are you interested in prescriptions that may improve your melasma? 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. This can be a trigger for melasma. 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. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. What skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. Our. Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vukovi A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisi G. Chloasmathe mask of pregnancy. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. First and foremost, try to resist the urge to self-diagnose. It is very likely that if you were going to get Melasma at the time of . Melasma can be slow to respond to treatment. Solar elastosis and elastic fiber fragmentation. You may need to use different topicals or chemical peels to help get rid of stubborn pigment. Where are the discolorations located on your body? There are three main methods of treatment for melasma: 1) Slowing down or stopping the creation of the pigment melanin. Only a dermatologist will be able to tell you for sure if you have pregnancy melasma. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. 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. Your healthcare provider may administer the test. Many women notice their hair becomes thicker during pregnancy. Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. Sometimes melasma will return and needs further treatment. Doctors believe they may be caused by weight gain or extra hormones of pregnancy. Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. It's unlikely that a healthcare provider will recommend treatment, as melasma often goes away on its own a few months after giving birth. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. There are dermatologists who can help you. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. 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. All rights reserved. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. 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. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. 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. Medications that may cause or worsen melasma. Those with a combination of ingredients that help using different pathways to diminish pigment.. Dermal melasma is light brown or bluish, with blurred borders. (2008). Always listen to the advice of your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan carefully. 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. Is there a specific sunscreen you recommend? Why do dark spots and patches appear on the skin during pregnancy? What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Dermatol Surg. Melasma During Pregnancy - Causes, Signs & Prevention 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. Use sunscreen Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. 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. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of themduring their reproductive years, when theyre 20 to 40 years old. 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 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. 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. Nearly 50 to 70% of pregnant women show signs of a " mask of pregnancy". Hyperovulation has few symptoms, if any. During pregnancy, the body goes through significant hormonal changes. Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) 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. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. Too much screen time? 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. Are the soaps Im using right now aggravating my melasma (come with a list if you need to)?