Unmasking melasma: a common pregnancy skin condition
Melasma may appear on your skin during pregnancy. We asked the experts if these dark patches can be prevented, and how to treat the condition if it does occur.
All pregnant women want that glow – the radiant skin so often associated with pregnancy.
What’s less desirable is the so-called “mask of pregnancy” or melasma (also known as chloasma).
A common condition, melasma is characterised by irregular brown or greyish patches that appear on the skin, often due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Who might be affected by melasma?
Usually found on areas of the face including the upper lip, forehead, chin and cheeks, melasma can affect all skin types, though it’s more common in women with darker skin.
It can also have a genetic component, so if you have a family member who has had melasma, you may get it too.
“The intrinsic hormones of pregnancy – progesterone and oestrogen – are the culprits at play, triggering ‘the mask of pregnancy’,” aesthetic physician Dr Maeve Anna Ahern says.
Is melasma preventable?
For some, melasma will resolve itself after childbirth but for others, the patches remain well after baby has arrived.
“As with most skin conditions, melasma can have a significant impact on self-esteem,” Dr Ahern says.
While melasma isn’t fully preventable, you can avoid some of the things that may cause flare-ups and recurrence.
“The best way to try to reduce the onset of melasma is not to have any other triggers, such as sun exposure on your face,” dermatologist Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs says.
“Also, some topical products can make melasma worse, such as fragrances.”
How to treat melasma
While foundation and concealer may help hide melasma, skin treatments can assist with managing the condition – but first check if they are deemed safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
“Some superficial chemical peels and procedures are acceptable in pregnancy, but this must be discussed with your obstetrician and treating doctor, as every person is different,” Dr Dawes-Higgs says.
There are several treatment options available, so please speak to your healthcare professional to find out more.
While some lightening products can be bought over the counter, it’s still a good idea to get a proper assessment of your skin rather than relying on Dr Google or ChatGPT.
“An accurate diagnosis is key – this requires an in-depth consultation and examination from your skin doctor, who will be able to guide you on which options are suitable for you,” Dr Ahern says.
“Using the wrong products and devices can actually make the pigment worse.”
It’s also worth being realistic about the results – you may find that some of your melasma fades or reduces in size, while other patches remain the same.
Will melasma recur?
If you’ve had melasma during your pregnancy, you may be wondering whether it will return for future pregnancies.
The answer? It’s best to be prepared for a reappearance.
“I have seen some patients who develop melasma in one pregnancy and not in another – though most of the time, it reappears in a subsequent pregnancy,” Dr Dawes-Higgs says.
Read more on wellness during pregnancy:
- Should you drink coffee during pregnancy?
- Why ‘eating for two’ is a pregnancy myth
- Pregnancy and exercise – what you should know
- Why paracetamol in pregnancy is cause for caution, not alarm
Written by Samantha Allemann.
