If you’ve noticed dark, splotchy patches of skin on your face during your pregnancy, you’re not the only one. The American Pregnancy Association estimates that this condition, which is called melasma or chloasma, occurs in almost 50 percent of all pregnancies. Other estimates place the incidence of melasma during pregnancy as high as 70 percent.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is characterized by a darkening of the skin, most commonly on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin. It’s such a common skin condition during pregnancy that some people refer to it as “the mask of pregnancy.” It isn’t harmful to women or their developing babies, but many women dislike the way the skin discoloration looks and are eager to find a way to cover it or get rid of it.
Why is Melasma Common During Pregnancy?
The exact cause of melasma is unknown, but it’s believed to be related to hormone changes (birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also cause melasma in some women). During their second and third trimesters of pregnancy, women experience increased levels of estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. This increase in hormone levels may make the skin more prone to pigmentation (darkening) after exposure to UV light.
Some women may also be genetically predisposed to experience melasma during pregnancy. About 40 percent of people with this skin condition report having at least one relative who has also experienced melasma.
How is Melasma Treated?
Melasma seems to be at least in part triggered by UV light, so you can reduce your risk of developing or exacerbating this condition during pregnancy by limiting your sun exposure. When you do go outside, try to remember to wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Reapply sunscreen at least once every two hours (and more frequently if you are sweating a lot or in the water).
If you’ve already noticed melasma on your skin in spite of your best efforts to prevent it, your doctor may recommend using a topical cream to treat your melasma. Tri-Luma is a commonly prescribed treatment that contains three active ingredients:
- Fluocinolone acetonide-- a mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation
- Hydroquinone-- a depigmenting agent that helps lighten skin tone
- Tretinoin-- an exfoliating agent that that increases the rate of skin cell turnover
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| Tri-Luma Drug |
If your doctor does prescribe Tri-Luma for melasma, you’ll likely need to apply it to your affected skin just once daily, at least half an hour before going to bed.
Melasma may not look great, but fortunately, it’s a condition that you can manage relatively easily. If you’re one of the many women who has noticed patches of skin on your face darkening and pigmentation during pregnancy, talk to your OB/GYN or dermatologist about treatment and prevention measures for pregnancy skin conditions.
