They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. PLoS Biol. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. The association between melasma and iron profile: A case-control study. Goodarzi A, et al. Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. Look for products that say fragrance-free, for sensitive skin, or non-comedogenic on the label. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. If you opt for a spa treatment during pregnancy, be sure to let your esthetician know that youre pregnant. 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. Accessibility Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. The most effective way to treat pregnancy melasma is to see your dermatologist as soon as you start to see its hallmark patchwork appear. 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. Dermatol Surg. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). Your soap? Melasma is common during pregnancy, as it is believed to be caused by increased levels of oestrogen in the blood. Treatments for melasma include topical creams, chemical peels, as well as gentle skin resurfacing procedures. Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis. Melasma sometimes resolves itself one hormonal balance is restored. 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. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. 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. PMID: 30998530. Melasma, which causes patchy areas of discoloration that sometimes resemble freckles, is most likely to appear on the cheeks, but it can also develop elsewhere. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Sun exposure plays a role too. You can live melasma-free with the right combination of treatments. 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. Melasma does not cause any itching or pain and has no other physical symptoms. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose melasma. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. First and foremost, try to resist the urge to self-diagnose. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. It's unlikely that a healthcare provider will recommend treatment, as melasma often goes away on its own a few months after giving birth. Your skin is made up of three layers. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. Returns If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. American Academy of Dermatology. This also tends to happen in areas where friction is common, such as your underarms and inner thighs. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a pregnancy mask, is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. Epidermal melasma resides in the surface of the skin. Yes. Melasma is hard to treat. Your body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy. The second path to take is topical medications. Pregnancy: An increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which occurs during pregnancy, is thought to trigger melasma. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? 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. 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 The following are common melasma triggers: In addition to the above, genetics play a crucial role. But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. (2008). Plus, you cant change your genetics. Melasma. Remember that it's likely to go away after giving birth. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. Yes, its possible that your melasma will go away on its own within a few months. Always be on the lookout for any allergic reactions. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. 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. Dr. Arlo Miller answered Dermatology 17 years experience Avoid: I would not recommend it. When you are outside, reapply sunscreen once every two hours. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Read our. Freckles or scars, and dark skin around nipples and genitals may become even darker than usual during pregnancy. What about the face? Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. Thats why most people with melasma notice that their symptoms worsen during the summer months. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. Is there a history of melasma in your family? Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Pregnancy comes with a host of emotions and physical changes. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? 2011;57(6):665-667. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? 2) Stopping the transfer of that pigment to the surface of the skin where it appears as dark spots. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a " pregnancy mask," is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. If the spots don't fade within a few months after having the baby, there are treatments to help fade them. Other possible causes of melasma include: Melasma causes light brown, dark brown, and/or bluish patches or freckle-like spots on your skin. However, a skin-friendly diet including adequate amounts of vitamin D is likely to help. If your melasma doesn't go away after you have your baby, you can discuss melasma treatment with your provider. A safer choice would be azeleic acid which is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Its often called the mask of pregnancy. Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. If someone in your family has had melasma, youre more vulnerable to the condition. 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. Dealing with melasma during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hello. And ask your doctor about any potential vitamin deficiencies. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. Accessed 7/23/2020. 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. 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. So easy and delicious. 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. NIH. 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. Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light. There are dermatologists who can help you. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". Related: Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. Melasma is a common skin disorder. 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. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment. Medications that may cause or worsen melasma. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. 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 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What causes these skin changes during pregnancy? Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. 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. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. Some of the topical options include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. "Hydroquinone does not get absorbed systemically". 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. Other people may have melasma for just a short time, such as during pregnancy. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. In pregnant people, melasma often goes away on its own within a few months after giving birth. Are you interested in procedures that may improve your melasma? 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. It depends on the person and the medication used. Dendritic (branched) pigmented melanocytes. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. 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. The spots develop when the hormones trigger cells called melanocytes, which go into overdrive and produce more of a substance called melanin. And make sure youre getting the right treatment by confirming the diagnosis with your healthcare provider. Were explaining why this occurs, below. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. There are also other tactics you can try. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition using a Woods lamp, which helps show whether a skin condition is bacterial, fungal, or otherwise concerning. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Melasma can be slow to respond to treatment. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Learn more about. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. 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. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. What Bodily Changes Can You Expect During Pregnancy? By Cat Matta Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? It mimics discoloration of other skin conditions, and should be diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist MD/DO to prevent misdiagnosis and incorrect treatments.. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. That said, it may take time possibly months for it to completely fade without any targeted treatment. We'll tell you if it's safe. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The primary symptom of chloasma is darkening of the skin on the face. Malar pattern . 2. 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 concealer causes other problems for example, if youve got oily or sensitive skin turn to pressed powder to lighten the spots. What skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? StatPearls: Melasma. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. While not being harmful to the health of either mother or child, pregnancy melasma can be a source of embarrassment for some expecting mothers. 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. 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. 6.2 Eucerin Anti-Pigment Reducer Night Cream. It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. 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 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. But, melasma patches are almost always larger than what we call age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. Kalayc M. Pregnancy Mask: Melasma. When this increases the amount of melanin produced also increases creating patches of darkened skin. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). Experts think that increases in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may trigger melasma. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. 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. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. Your. Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness? Fractional lasers are commonly used for treating melasma. A dermatologist will be able to perform treatments that your usual healthcare provider may not be able to. 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. It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. Your healthcare provider may administer the test. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. Melasma is a skin condition in which some skin cells become darker. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 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. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. Make-up labeled as non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic is less likely to irritate skin and worsen melasma. 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. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. Yes, but use cosmetics that include sunscreen and pay attention to any that may aggravate your melasma by irritating your skin. This increased workload can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, and it is essential to take breaks and rest when needed. 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. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Vitamin C is used in skin care as a strong antioxidant, especially in regard to protecting the skin from sun damage. It doesn't affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. Pregnancy. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. 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. Its often used to treat hyperpigmentation as well as rosacea and acne during pregnancy and is available in prescription form and over-the-counter gels, foams and creams.