Pregnancy is that phase of a woman’s life when her body experiences significant physical changes/ transformations, some being good while some being worse. One of the noticeable changes seen in up to 50% of pregnant women, especially those with dark skin tone, is the dark spots/patches on the skin of the face, neck, and arms. These patches are probably an outcome of one of the hyperpigmentation disorders- melasma. The condition prevails for even years after the child\’s birth. Although it\’s not serious, it is bothersome due to its impact on aesthetics. Thankfully, there are some expert tips and treatments by which dermatologists can help manage this skin problem. Keep reading to learn more about post-pregnancy melasma and ways to reclaim a radiant complexion with melasma treatment in Hyderabad with insights shared by dermatologist at Celestee Skin, Hair And Laser Clinic.
What is Melasma?
Melasma, even referred to as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, is a skin pigmentation disorder, a harmless, cosmetic condition featuring brown or gray-brown patches on the skin. Although the condition typically affects the facial skin, expectant mothers with melasma even show symptoms on their neck and arms as well as nipp-les/areolas or ge-nitals.
What Causes Postpartum Melasma?
In general, melasma is a pigmentation irregularity resulting from extra melanin pigment production by specialized skin cells called melanocytes. Excess melanin deposits in certain areas of the skin are a sign of hyperpigmentation disorder, the melasma. There is no definite reason behind it known to date. However, experts believe that the potential causes or triggers of melasma are:
- Fluctuating hormone levels– The rise in the level of female sex hormones- the es-trogen and proge-sterone, which is normally produced at the time of pregnancy can stimulate the production of melanin- that is responsible to give skin its color (natural). Those women who again start taking hormonal birth control pills post-childbirth can even experience the same.
- Sun exposure– Melanin pigment in the skin acts as a natural sun/UV protection. It absorbs the sun’s UV rays and so on sun exposure, melanin is produced in excess. The recurrence of melasma patches in sun-lit months or their worsening are all due to sun exposure.
- Side effects of certain drugs– Although less common, some medications like antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and NSAIDs may trigger melasma in some pregnant women by increasing their skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
Can Melasma Self-Resolve?
The dark/brown patches that develop during pregnancy generally fade within a few months of childbirth or post-breastfeeding at variable times. That’s possible because of a drop in the progesterone and es-trogen hormone levels, back to normal, which stops melanin production. The skin darkening seen in pregnancy all fades but the patches may not completely disappear from the skin. However, in some cases, pigmentation changes may return on the use of contraceptive containing es-trogen or on sun exposure, if prone to them.
How to Get Melasma Managed After Pregnancy?
Although melasma patches fade out over time post-delivery, there are treatments available to improve skin appearance and effectively address postpartum melasma. Consultation with the best dermatologist or a melasma doctor is crucial to be guided for safe and effective treatment of melasma.
Melasma treatment can be challenging, but by patiently choosing amongst the dermatologist\’s prescription options, the skin concern is manageable. For any treatment plan, practicing sun protection with good sunscreen and sun-protective clothing is crucial, as UV exposure can exacerbate the melasma patches.
The treatments available for melasma after pregnancy include:
- Prescription topicals– The consistent, daily use of skin products containing ingredients like hydroquinone- a bleaching agent; tretinoin- to encourage skin regrowth; azelaic acid- a mild skin exfoliant; or corticosteroid- to suppress skin’s melanin production can help lighten the areas of the skin affected with melasma.
- Chemical peeling– Depending on the depth of pigmentation in melasma patches, a suitable acid solution is applied to peel off the pigmented layers and reveal a clearer complexion. The chemical peel even causes controlled skin injury so the skin responds naturally by producing fresh collagen and promoting skin cell regeneration, further adding to brighter, smoother, healthier skin.
- Light or laser therapy– Phototherapy or the use of lasers can be useful in thermally destroying the extra melanin pigments in the melasma patches. These pigments later get cleared from the skin with the help of the immune cells. Simultaneously, the light or laser treatment on melasma patches even boosts collagen skin remodeling and skin regeneration.
- Microdermabrasion– This skin resurfacing technique is preferred to reduce the appearance of melasma patches by gentle exfoliation of the skin with the help of a device having an abrasive tip or spraying fine abrasive crystals. The procedure helps peel off the pigmented skin layers and even encourages new cell growth, which fades out the melasma patches.
Is Melasma After Pregnancy Preventable?
Yes. The best plan of action for melasma during pregnancy may be prevention. Maintenance of a proper skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle are the basis for avoiding melasma.
Here is a detailed breakdown of tips for preventing or minimizing melasma patches and even avoiding the worsening of the condition:
- Staying indoors or seeking shade when outdoors. One must avoid going outdoors unnecessarily during peak hours of the sun for long periods. Also, limit sunbathing or use of tanning beds as overexposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to excess melanin production and skin darkening.
- Wearing sunblock. During pregnancy and otherwise, apply mineral sunscreen of SPF 30+ on the exposed areas, after every 2 hours to keep the skin sun protected. If swimming or sweating, be more frequent with the application of sunscreen.
- Covering the exposed skin. Try to cover the body and face as much as possible with proper UV protective clothing or SPF rash guards. Don’t forget to UV protect the eyes with sunglasses.
- Be careful when purchasing or using skincare products. Use only those skincare products that are labeled “non-comedogenic”, “hypoallergenic”, “dermatologist-approved”, “sensitive”, or “fragrance-free” to avoid skin irritation and resulting darkening.
- Avoiding waxing. Do not consider waxing for removing unwanted hair in areas with skin prone to melasma or having melasma as waxing can cause inflammation.
- Considering contraceptives other than those based on es-trogen. es-trogen-based birth control pills, patches, or rings may worsen melasma. Thus, it’s recommended to use an intrauterine device, prog-estin-only mini pill, proges-terone injections, birth control implants, or the diaphragm for contraception.
FAQs on Melasma After Pregnancy
Will melasma go away after pregnancy?
Yes, in many cases it often fades on its own, but this takes several months to years, and sometimes it is permanent.
Is melasma harmful or just cosmetic?
It\’s a harmless skin concern and is a common skin cosmetic condition.
Can I treat melasma while brea-stfeeding?
Yes, but one must opt for only dermatologist-recommended melasma treatment.
What triggers melasma and causes it to worsen?
Factors that can worsen melasma are sun exposure, changes in hormone, stress, poor skin care, and extreme heat can worsen this skin issue.
Pregnancy-related changes in the body may be frustrating to deal with. However, melasma can fade out post-pregnancy when the hormone levels come back to normal and the affected woman follows proper sun protection. With proper skin care and sun protection, melasma occurrence and worsening during pregnancy can be avoided. Otherwise, the condition is manageable with treatments recommended by a dermatologist. For further details on melasma management book a visit at Celestee Skin, Hair And Laser Clinic for melasma treatment in Hyderabad today!
