Skin Discoloration During Pregnancy
Skin discoloration is a very common phenomenon during pregnancy. Know more about this condition, its causes and prevention, in this article.
Skin Darkening During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women develop brown patches on their skin. Redness of hands, face is also very common. The brown patches mostly develop on forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lips, chin, etc. These brown patches are termed as chloasma. Due to their peculiar shape, they are also called 'mask of pregnancy'. Skin darkening during pregnancy is also very common. Mostly, dark blotches are found in areas of high friction such as under arms, inner thighs, pubic area, etc. A brown line named linea nigra running down your belly button to your pubic bone, also becomes prominent during pregnancy. Prior to pregnancy, this line is called linea alba and is of the same color as the rest of your skin, hence is invisible. This line is brown in color and is about half a centimeter in width. It disappears within months of delivery. Some women may notice change in color of moles on the skin. Blotchy arms and legs are also a pretty common sight. Similarly, areolas around breast nipple also darken.
Causes of Skin Discoloration in Pregnancy
Hormonal shift is the main culprit of skin discoloration during pregnancy. The surge in estrogen increases melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for rendering dark color to your skin, hair and eyes. Besides, the sun damage often worsens the condition of the skin. Even the slightest amount of sun exposure can trigger the melanin production to a great extent. Fortunately, all these undesirable changes in the skin disappear after childbirth. However, in some women it may take years for these marks to disappear, while in rare cases, the skin never regains its original appearance. Normally, such marks should disappear after you stop breastfeeding.
How to Control Skin Discoloration During Pregnancy
Although, there is little you can do about hormonal shift or melanin production in the skin, you can certainly take some precautions so as to keep skin discoloration to bare minimum. Avoiding direct sun exposure is the first thing you should remember if you wish to keep the dark blotches under control. Use a sunscreen with a good sun protection factor, all the time. Even if you are going to stay indoors, you should still dab a generous amount of sunscreen. The sunlight entering through windows is just as capable of doing damage as outdoors. Besides, cover your face with a scarf and wear full sleeved clothes, if you must go out in sun. Wide brimmed hats, large sunglasses are a must have gear if you do occasionally step out in sun during pregnancy.
Some experts believe that skin discoloration is also attributable to the deficiency of folic acid. Hence, make sure you regularly take folic acid supplements throughout your pregnancy. However, do not forget to consult your physician before you start with the supplements. It is not recommended that you take any supplements on your own, during your pregnancy. Meanwhile, you can also do something to camouflage the existing blotches. Use a good quality non comedogenic concealer for this purpose. If the concealer induces other problems such as oily skin or rash, then go for pressed powder, which is available for almost every skin tone. Do not go for any so-called skin discoloration treatments such as peels, laser, etc., as they penetrate deep inside the skin and bring about irreversible damage. Also, stay away from bleaches during the entire gestation period.
Do not let skin discoloration affect your confidence and joy of motherhood. Remember, this is a temporary phase, which will soon go away on its own. Until, then trust your makeup and keep looking as good as ever.
Like This Article?
Follow:
Post Comment