Unveiling The Pregnancy Mask: A Challenge For Women

Have you ever wondered why pregnant women get darker skin pigmentation during their pregnancy? The darkening pigmentation, called chloasma or the mask of pregnancy (also known as melasma), is associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This may also be attributed to race, because women who have darker skin tones are more prone to skin changes. The skin disorder is very common especially for those young women with brownish skin tones and is characterized by tan or brown blotches in the face.

Although chloasma is just a common skin disorder, this can be a real cosmetic issue for women because the discoloration of the skin is found on the sun-exposed area of the face. This also affects the face symmetrically, particularly in the cheeks, nose, forehead and upper lip. For pregnant women, the skin brownish blotches appears in their forearms and other body areas that are exposed to the sun. Also, pregnancy increases melanin production that is why pregnant women are more exposed to skin discoloration especially at the latter stage of the pregnancy period. Further, studies show that 70% of pregnant women are affected with chloasma. In fact, three out of the four pregnant women experiences the darkening of the skin tone during pregnancy. Moreover, one third of women who took birth control pills or oral contraceptives have the same skin changes because of the amount of estrogen and progesterone intake during birth control.

Since skin discoloration is

not just for pregnant women, can we in any ways avoid masked by chloasma? Check out the following tips:

1. Protection against the sun is still the leading prevention against chloasma. We still need sun exposure, best in the early morning but sun exposure from midday? Think twice! Make sure that you do not expose yourself to sun more often than necessary.

2. You can use sunscreen everyday as this also prevents skin cancer and wrinkles. Use sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection or against both UVA and UVB rays. Use protection not only during sunny days but whenever you are outdoors. Apply strong sunscreen if you are outdoors. Make use of even a handy umbrella, it is your last option when all shades are gone.

3. You may try using concealing make-ups. Another options are the skin care products that have combination of tretinoin cream or bleaching creams that contain hydroquinone. However, always consult your dermatologist before trying out these products or you may want to solicit an expert’s medical opinion on this.

4. Be cautious in using birth control pills after your pregnancy. Consult your doctor immediately if you noticed changes in your skin tone. You might consider switching to another birth control option.

5. Ask referral from your doctor for a dermatologist if you noticed that your skin tone is still darkening and blotchy after your pregnancy. You may want to try alternative medications from your dermatologist like combinations of

tropical medications etc.

6. If you are planning to become pregnant soon or again, continue to protect your skin against the sun and make sure that you consult your doctor before trying out any medical treatment.

7. When you notice any changes in your skin tone, immediately consult your doctor for possible symptoms of skin cancer or other medical problems. In that case, appropriate treatment will be made if deemed necessary.

Since skin discoloration affects anyone, it is recommended that we take care of our skin and make sure that we do not expose ourselves in too much sunlight. For pregnant women, it is expected that after the pregnancy, skin discoloration will eventually disappear. It is true that we have various skin care products that would help us protect our skins. However, we must always consider the fact that these skin care products cannot replace personal care specifically, sun exposure avoidance.

About the Author:

For up to date links and information about Pregnancy, please go to: http://PregnancyClue.com

Pregnancy Back Pain
Appropriate Posture And Exercises Are The Best Remedy: ...

A Few Quick Pregnancy Fatigue Tips
If your pregnancy is anything like mine were, you are...

How To Treat Acne During Pregnancy?
If a drug for a particular type of disease causes side effects, what...

Yoga For Pregnant Women
Master your mind! Gain control over your body! Be relieved of your...