What is Melasma in Pregnancy and What You Can Do About It

What is melasma in pregnancy? Why is this common in pregnancy? How do I prevent it? Let’s discover the answers to these questions, Mama!

Melasma is a condition where the surface of the skin darkens and looks uneven. Melasma is caused by excessive exposure to UVA/UVB rays, which causes the skin to become hyperpigmented. Generally, melasma appears on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, chin, and around the nose.

What is melasma in pregnancy?

Melasma, often referred to as the Mask of Pregnancy, is a common skin problem that can affect anyone, but it tends to appear more during the beautiful journey of pregnancy.

Did you know that according to research from the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, almost 70% of pregnant women have the potential to experience melasma? This is because the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the skin increase drastically, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.y.

As a result of these hormonal fluctuations, the skin reveals telltale signs of melasma during pregnancy.

What causes Melasma?

If you’re pregnant, an increase in estrogen and progesterone hormones is believed to be the trigger for melasma. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, there could also be a multitude of factors, such as:

1. Sun exposure

Exposure to sunlight, whether a little or a lot, can trigger the pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) to work more actively, resulting in producing too much pigment in certain areas of the skin such as the face, neck, and arms.

2. Skin color

People who have brown or darker skin tones are more at risk of developing melasma than Caucasians because they have more melanocytes in their skin.

3. Stress

Several studies show that stress is one of the triggers that can cause melasma on the skin. Because when you are stressed, your body will produce more of the hormone cortisol, and the increase in cortisol can trigger melasma.

4. Thyroid disease

The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, functions to produce thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism in the body. If there is a disturbance or problem with these glands, this can increase the risk of developing melasma.

5. Use of certain medications

Use of the following medications can trigger melasma in some people: anti-seizure medications, birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills), as well as medications that can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure, such as retinoids, some blood pressure medications, and certain antibiotics.

What are the symptoms of Melasma?

Having a darker color is not the only symptom of melasma. So, what are the symptoms of melasma?

Difference between Normal Skin and Melasma

1. Dark spots appear on the face

Dark spots very easily gather on the cheek area. Apart from affecting your confidence, this condition also thins your skin.

2. Uneven skin tone

Uneven skin tone is of course the most common thing that occurs when frequently exposed to sunlight. Using sunscreen every morning will help prevent this from happening.

3. Dry to scaly skin

Hormones also make the skin drier and itch more easily. In some mothers, the surface of the skin even feels scaly and no longer smooth. To prevent this, Mama must use a moisturizer every day.

4. Sensitive skin

Increased hormones have a big impact on skin sensitivity. The skin becomes ‘sensitive’ and does not have as strong a resistance as when it was not pregnant. If you experience this, immediately anticipate it with treatment using natural ingredients. Use it regularly, every day.

5. Premature aging

Fine wrinkles, wrinkles on thin parts of the skin, and black spots can also be symptoms of melasma. Before everything continues, Mama must use the right moisturizer and skincare products every day.

So how do you treat melasma?

So, what’s a mama to do? Discover effective facial treatments to bid farewell to those unwelcome melasma marks and embrace a radiant pregnancy glow!

To fade and eliminate it, one way is to do self-care at home. Usually, a dermatologist will recommend using sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as well as a serum that can help fade black spots.

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One sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that could be effective for addressing melasma is Mama’s Choice Daily Protection Face Moisturizer. This type of mineral sunscreen has been proven to be safe and effective for use by mamas who are pregnant and breastfeeding.

Containing SPF 20 PA++ with rice extract and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer can protect and nourish the skin to prevent signs of aging, black spots (melasma), as well as dull and dry skin.

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Apart from using sunscreen, you also need to use a daily skincare ally that is free from artificial fragrances, paraben, and other harmful chemicals. One serum that ticks all these boxes is Mama’s Choice Advanced Brightening Serum.

The first brightening serum specially formulated for pregnant & breastfeeding women, this serum is packed with the best natural ingredients such as Peony Extract, Vitamin C, Ceramide NP, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronan 11 Multi-Complex that improves the skin and boosts the skin’s hydration.

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So when it comes to battling dark spots, look no further than Mama’s Choice Advanced Brightening Serum, which is loved by Filipino mamas too!

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“Used it already for my dark spots for 2 weeks now. And so far, effective talaga siya. Hiyang skin ko and napansin ko nag lighten talaga. Thanks mamas choice!” – Lazada customer

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