Melasmas: Pregnancy Spots

During pregnancy, hormonal changes in a woman's body can cause a skin hyperpigmentation. The much higher rate of estrogen, the hormone responsible for pregnancy, increases sensitivity to sunlight. That's where spots called melasmas or chloasmas.

They are brownish and usually appear on the face (cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip), lap and arms. The belly can also get spots during pregnancy, forming that well-marked line that extends from the navel towards the pubic region.

What causes skin blemishes in pregnancy?

The main factor responsible for the emergence of spots in pregnancy It is sun exposure, but the genetic predisposition and hormonal changes characteristic of pregnancy also contribute.

Therefore, there is no way to predict whether the woman will have spots or not during pregnancy. It is best to strengthen prevention and redouble skin care, paying particular attention to daily application of sunscreen. You need to protect your skin all year round, even on cloudy days.

Is it possible to remove pregnancy stains?

When pigmentation is restricted to the epidermis, which is the most superficial layer of the skin, it is much easier to eliminate the blemishes of pregnancy. But if the pigmentation has already reached the dermis, ie deeper, it is more difficult to correct the problem.

O treatment to remove melasmas It can start in pregnancy and should be made of glycolic acid, ceramides 3B and sunscreen, which are weaker substances. Only after weaning can the mother initiate stronger and more effective treatment. Mild peelings based on retinoic acid, kojic acid, fidic acid, licorice, arbutin and hydroquinone are the most suitable.

In addition to the procedures in the dermatologist's office, treatment continues at home with the application of a maintenance formula. Depending on the intensity of the blemishes, two or three sessions, done every 15 or 20 days, are usually sufficient for optimal results.

Can melasmas reappear?

If the treatment is done correctly, the melasmas disappear completely. But remember that once the skin is blemished, all care is little and is always best to prevent.

Unprotected sun exposure can be fatal to women. pregnancy spots reappear. Contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, or another pregnancy can also leave the skin all smudged again.

Therefore, it is ideal to use a mildly acidic liquid pH soap to cleanse the face and moisturize the skin with a SPF-25 cream.

Skin Conditions in Pregnancy with Dr Rob Butler (April 2024)