Melasma During Pregnancy: What Do You Need to Know

Prapti Chauhan
Aug 30, 2024
2 min read

The more your belly expands during pregnancy, the more blood volume increases in the body. As a result of which, you may feel nauseous, achy, depressed, and anxious. Along with this, you will see a lot of transition in your hair and skin. The skin and hair may feel dry or oily.

At the same time, you will notice several dark patches on your skin. Such a condition is known as Melasma. Melasma or “Mask of Pregnancy” is aesthetically worrisome for a mom-to-be. There are asymmetrical dark patches on the forehead, cheeks, lips, nose, etc. The more you’re exposed to the sun, there will be more dark patches near the neck, forearms, etc.

Continue reading to understand why melasma occurs on your skin in pregnancy and how can it be treated.

The Causes of Melasma in Pregnancy

Nearly 50% to 70% of mums-to-be develop melasma during pregnancy. You may feel achy, itchy, or sore as you experience melasma in pregnancy. But what are the reasons behind developing melasma during pregnancy?

This is hormonal: The rising pregnancy hormones are linked with melasma, which stimulates the production of melanin thus resulting in dark patches on the skin.
This is genetic: Pregnant mums with dark brown skin are more prone to bear melasma in pregnancy.
The sun’s exposure: The sun’s ultraviolet produces melanin and gives rise to this skin condition during pregnancy.

The Ways to Treat Melasma in Pregnancy

While visiting the healthcare practitioner – dermatologist and taking pregnancy-safe medicines to reduce melasma is essential, you can try out safe and effective home remedies.

Limit your exposure to the sun: Going under the sun may trigger the pigments across the body. Therefore, it is a very good idea to stay away from the sun for a long time. Alternatively, you can use an umbrella whenever you’re going out. If you’re exercising, avoid the peak hours of the day. Be active in the early hours of the morning. Apply pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+.
Apply gentle skin care products: Apply fragrance–free, and dermatologist–approved gentle pregnancy-safe skin care products.

Use natural products on your skin: Take half fresh lemon juice and half cucumber juice or water and slather it across your face. Or, mix half apple cider vinegar as well as water or oatmeal and honey and apply it on your face.
Eat in balance: You’re already filling your stomach with a nutritious diet with veggies, fresh fruits, meat, and fish, have a healthy diet rich in vitamins, like vitamins C and E. Along with this don’t forget to include Omega – 3 supplements, and stay hydrated.

Dealing with melasma is yet another pregnancy challenge, but it’s just a matter of time. It is going to fade away after nine months. After giving birth to your child you will be glowing again.

Till then, happy pregnancy to you!

Pregnancy Newborn Care

Melasma During Pregnancy: What Do You Need to Know

The Causes of Melasma in Pregnancy

This is hormonal: The rising pregnancy hormones are linked with melasma, which stimulates the production of melanin thus resulting in dark patches on the skin.

This is genetic: Pregnant mums with dark brown skin are more prone to bear melasma in pregnancy.

The sun’s exposure: The sun’s ultraviolet produces melanin and gives rise to this skin condition during pregnancy.

The Ways to Treat Melasma in Pregnancy

Apply gentle skin care products: Apply fragrance–free, and dermatologist–approved gentle pregnancy-safe skin care products.

Use natural products on your skin: Take half fresh lemon juice and half cucumber juice or water and slather it across your face. Or, mix half apple cider vinegar as well as water or oatmeal and honey and apply it on your face.

Eat in balance: You’re already filling your stomach with a nutritious diet with veggies, fresh fruits, meat, and fish, have a healthy diet rich in vitamins, like vitamins C and E. Along with this don’t forget to include Omega – 3 supplements, and stay hydrated.

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