Q: What Can I Do to Treat Melasma When I’m Pregnant?
A: As high as 50 to 75 percent of expectant mothers get this so-called “mask of pregnancy” or “melasma”.
Melasma can happen in any stages of pregnancy. It can start as early as in the first trimester and continue throughout pregnancy. This is due to a surge in the hormones during pregnancy and this in turn stimulates the melanocytes (pigment producing cells) and increases the production of melanin (pigment).
Generally, the blotchy, brown patches of melasma are typically seen distributed on the forehead, upper lip and cheeks.
Apart from melasma, there is also a possibility of getting generalized darkening of the skin during pregnancy as well. Other places that can experience skin darkening are the areolas, the line of pigment on the belly (linea nigra), in folds of the skin or in places where there’s friction like under the arms or between the thighs.
As we can’t change our heredity or our hormones, therefore we can’t avoid melasma. But there are ways to keep it from darkening further. Apply SPF 50 physical sunblock with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Eating diet high in folate and zinc may help melasma.
Last but not least, using skincare containing natural skin lightening ingredients which are safe in pregnancy like rice extract, vitamin C and liquorice extract can help to lighten the pigmentation and prevent it from getting darker.
Our very own range of Alyaa Skincare (Cleanser, Essence, Moisturizer) contains rice extract and Et-VC™ which are safe to be used during pregnancy and breast feeding.
Et-VC™ is no ordinary vitamin C. It is a new generation of stable multi-functional vitamin C derivative that provides superb whitening effects, serves to promote collagen synthesis and with excellent anti-oxidation, free radical-scavenging effects that protects DNA damage. Its stability is superior to other ascorbic acid derivatives.
PM Elegance Clinic to learn more
