Pregnancy and Skin Care: How To Take Off The 'Mask of Pregnancy'
Before you begin to worry, remember that uneven skin tone is something 50% to 70% of women have difficulty with while they're pregnant. This uneven skin tone is commonly referred to as the "mask of pregnancy," or in technical terms melasma gravidarum (or just melasma) or chloasma.
What causes this skin problem, and what can pregnant women do to fight it? Keep reading to find out how to take off the mask of pregnancy and regain that youthful glow.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma (or chloasma) is defined by splotches of dark skin that appear on your forehead, cheekbones, upper lip, nose, stomach, or around already-pigmented areas such as freckles and breasts. This is often caused by the sudden increase of hormones in the body as your baby grows. Increased hormone development causes increased melanin, which then causes melasma. Some dermatologists believe these dark patches can help protect your skin from ultraviolet light, but many women feel uncomfortable with uneven skin tone.
Dark skinned women or those with darker complexions are more likely to experience melasma during pregnancy, but it's most common in women who have a family history of the condition. However, while the increase in melanin may protect you from some ultraviolet light, it does not protect the body from the harms of sunburn. Therefore, apply sunscreen during sunny days to protect yourself from burns regardless of your skin tone.
How Can I Get Rid Of Melasma?
Melasma can disappear within a few months after delivery, but in some cases your skin can remain blotchy. Talk to a dermatologist to see which options may work best for you if you're breastfeeding. Your dermatologist may recommend using anti aging products, which often contain vitamins that are great for your skin, or an organic lightening cream. The best face lightening creams use herbs and vitamins to treat the discolored pigmentation of your skin.
When going through something as tough as pregnancy, you shouldn't have to worry about skin imperfections. For an organic face lightening cream and other skin lightening products that balance out the discoloration of your skin, discover Tonique Skin Care today.