Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy.
Most pregnancy-related skin hyperpigmentation is benign and is usually resolved after delivery (usually within a year), although women may be concerned [1,2,5]. Medical treatment is rarely required.
Some of the dark patches may fade after pregnancy as hormonal levels decrease although some may be permanent. Avoid having excessive exposure to the sun as that can worsen the pigmentation. Use sunscreen every day even if you are staying indoors.
Epidermal hypermelanosis will appear tan, brown, or dark brown and may take months to years to resolve without treatment. Hyperpigmentation within the dermis has a blue-gray appearance and may either be permanent or resolve over a protracted period of time if left untreated.
Conventional treatment of melasma focuses on topical formulations of retinoids, lightening agents such as hydroquinone, and corticosteroids, sometimes used in combination, with mild to moderate success. Patients are also recommended to consistently use sunscreen to prevent UV damage and avoid irritant cosmetics.
It's often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Melasma usually fades after a few months.
Much of the hyperpigmentation will fade sometime in the year after you give birth or when you finish breastfeeding. But it's also completely normal for it to not fade entirely.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, from pregnancy hormones and birth control pills to acne and sun exposure. Depending upon the cause of your hyperpigmentation, it may eventually go away on its own, but melasma—the type that's caused by hormones—is the most stubborn.
It's safe to say growing and birthing a baby does “some things” to the body. And while many of those changes are temporary, like strange skin conditions experienced during pregnancy, some may be more permanent, like altered DNA.
Yes, it is possible to tighten loose skin after pregnancy. There are several different ways to achieve this, including exercise, diet, and certain skincare treatments. However, it's important to remember that it took you nine months for this skin to loosen. There is no magic formula to tighten it immediately.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
Hyperpigmentation and pregnancy mask can be aggravated by sun exposure. To protect yourself, you can use sunscreen (see Sunscreen). Hyperpigmentation and pregnancy mask clear up after the birth of the baby and generally disappear altogether within a year.
Vitamin C is great for all skin types, especially people who experience hyperpigmentation. Because it is unstable, it is typically paired with vitamin E when creating topical skincare formulations. This combination of vitamin C and vitamin E limits chronic UV damage.
Vitamin C is a naturally occurring substance and an essential nutrient. It has various biological and pharmaceutical functions. It inhibits melanin synthesis through downregulation of tyrosinase enzyme activity.
Any dark patches you developed during pregnancy usually fade within a few months of delivery, as your hormone levels return to normal and your body stops producing so much skin pigment.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains natural bleaching agents like citric acid that can help lighten underarm skin. Apply it for 10-15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Potato: Potato slices or potato juice applied to the underarms can help reduce pigmentation due to its natural bleaching properties.
Melasma is more common in females than in males. Persons with light-brown skin types from regions of the world with high sun exposure are more prone to the development of melasma. Approximately 50% report a positive family history of the condition.