How to cure skin pigmentation for pregnant mothers, difficult or easy?

Melasma is the appearance of dark areas on the skin, about 50-75% of pregnant women experience this condition. So is there a way to treat skin pigmentation in pregnant mothers to be both safe and effective?

Usually, a 'pregnancy mask' is a term for the skin pigmentation that develops during a woman's pregnancy.

Signs of the "mask of pregnancy" usually begin about 3 months onwards with the appearance of brown or gray-brown, brown or gray-brown, spots, converging patches, concentrated in frequently exposed skin areas. In direct sunlight such as the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, lips, or even hands or neck.

Causes of pigmentation during pregnancy

Pregnancy is the period when a woman's body has many disturbances in organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, veins, and nerves and causes a lot of anxiety, especially hormonal changes, leaving lasting consequences on the skin. skin such as: large pores, oily skin, dull skin color, pigmentation on both cheeks ... ( 1 )

Hormonal changes in the body cause skin pigmentation disorders. The cause of skin pigmentation during pregnancy is due to a sudden increase in female hormonal factors such as estrogen and progesterone.

A spike in levels of these hormones as well as an increased blood flow stimulates the formation of the molecules tyrosine and melanocytes (melanin precursors), leading to increased production of melanin and expression. appears as spots, melasma on the skin.

These manifestations are more common in women of color or people of Asian and African descent who already have pigmentation. Exposure to sunlight can make melasma during pregnancy worse.

However, this condition is temporary and usually goes away after childbirth or after breastfeeding. Melasma during pregnancy is just a common physiological phenomenon and can completely cure melasma during pregnancy, so women don't need to worry too much about their health.

Learn more:  5 common skin problems during and after pregnancy

Some measures to limit pigmentation during pregnancy

Although the aforementioned skin symptoms will disappear during pregnancy, most women do not want to see increasingly widespread and dark spots on their skin. Women can apply the following measures:

1. Folic acid supplement:

Studies have shown that folate deficiency may be related to skin pigmentation. Therefore, women should supplement a full amount of folic acid for the body that is very good for pregnancy health and skin care. Dark green vegetables, cereals, bread, oranges, butter, ... contain a lot of folic acid so they are regularly added to the daily diet.

2. Avoid the sun:

UVA and UVB rays are the main causes that stimulate the formation of melanin pigments that cause skin pigmentation. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid the sun during the harshest times of the day from 10am to 3pm as well as protect the skin by covering the skin and using sunscreen when out in the sun. . ( 2 )

Use a sunscreen with a high SPF of at least 15 but preferably above 30 for facial skin all day and maintain it throughout the week, even if you are not going out as harmful rays can pass through windows and harmful to pregnant mother skin.

If you must leave the house, be sure to shield your skin by wearing sunglasses, a mask, a wide-brimmed hat, and a sunscreen when you leave the house.

3. Cover melasma and freckles:

Melasma makes many women feel inferior in communication. If you have an important appointment tomorrow and want those blemishes to go away, please refer to the makeup tips to cover dark spots and freckles below.

The first basic makeup step to help you perfectly hide spots and freckles is to make the most of the effect of foundation cream. You should choose a foundation with the same skin tone as your own for a natural makeup look!

To perfectly conceal melasma and freckles, in addition to using foundation, you should use concealer. You take a small amount of concealer out of the brush and dab it on the skin with freckles and freckles, then use your hand to apply the cream again evenly.

You should choose a concealer with a lighter tone than the foundation's color tone to lighten the area to be covered. Use non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic foundation and concealer designed specifically for skin pigmentation.

If concealer is causing other problems (if you have oily or sensitive skin), switch to using makeup that lightens the spots - most of these products come in a variety of colors. skin tones.

4. Use melasma cream:

Most skin whitening products contain 2% hydroquinone, and some also contain sunscreen. Retin A (tretinoin) is a popular treatment option. Tretinoin (retinoic acid) is one of the most powerful topical vitamin A derivatives (also known as retinoids), approved and put into use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). in use since 1971 under the name Retin-A.

However, according to research shows that the vast majority of pregnancy creams on the market today contain more or less peeling ingredients.

In particular, the higher the rate of toxic chemicals with uncontrolled floating products. Therefore, when impacted, the skin will cause unpredictable reactions, mild irritation will cause atopic dermatitis and skin cancer affecting the health of consumers. In the case of pregnancy also affects the baby in the womb.

Therefore, you should avoid using melasma cream products for pregnant women without the appointment of experts and doctors, and make sure the cream you use is safe for your baby and not listed in the Drug and Drug Administration of America ( FDA )

Natural treatment for skin pigmentation

1. Apple cider vinegar

Very popularly used as a miracle treatment for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is used as a common ingredient in natural hair masks for frizzy and damaged hair as well as as one of the functional home remedies for skin pigmentation.

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar makes it a natural bleaching agent that helps to remove skin spots and make skin brighter and smoother. In addition, it also removes toxins from the skin. Applying apple cider vinegar to the affected area once or twice a day can help gradually treat dark spots.

2. Lemon juice

When it comes to improving skin naturally, there is no better remedy than fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice is considered a powerful natural skin lightener that easily peels off the damaged outer layer of the skin, thus removing pigmentation.

You should take lemon juice and rub gently for 2 minutes on all melasma for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Repeat this process 2 times a day for a few weeks to see great results.

3. Horseradish

Widely used for natural skin care because of its ability to reduce all types of skin pigmentation, blemishes and scars. This remedy works by whitening and brightening the skin. Horseradish helps to peel damaged skin and reveal healthy skin.

Applying horseradish on discolored areas and leaving it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water can be effective for this purpose. However, horseradish is not recommended to eat or use it in alcohol form during pregnancy to avoid side effects.

4. Grapefruit seed extract

The vitamin C and antioxidants in grapefruit seed extract can help fight skin problems if applied regularly. However, the skin-lightening effects of grapefruit seed extract have not been conclusively evident.

5. Essential oils

Various essential oils, such as tea tree oil and lavender essential oil, are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which are very beneficial in treating various skin conditions. However, you should consult your doctor or midwife before using any of these essential oils to avoid any serious side effects associated with using essential oils while using these oils. pregnant.

6. Banana mask

Applying fresh bananas on the affected skin areas, leaving it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water can help reduce dark spots for brighter and smoother skin.

7. Aloe / Aloe

Aloe vera gel is a popular ingredient in many skin care products and is one of the most beneficial natural remedies for melasma because of its excellent moisturizing properties. Aloe vera is also used to treat many skin diseases and it is a powerful cure for ringworm treatment.

Pure aloe vera gel contains mucous polysaccharides that lighten dark spots caused by excessive sun exposure and discoloration. Aloe vera gel's powerful antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from damage caused by oxidative stress. Applying fresh aloe vera or aloe vera gel to areas of discolored skin is a useful natural treatment for melasma.

Melasma treatment is NOT recommended for pregnant women

Chemical masks: these chemicals are not safe to use during pregnancy because they contain various chemicals that can penetrate the skin into your bloodstream, eventually entering the baby's body. . Alpha hydroxy acids (lactic and glycolic acids), salicylic acids and retinoids are all potentially harmful;

Laser treatments : these are also not good for both mother and baby, as they can cause skin irritation, especially during pregnancy;

Prescription creams and ointments: most prescription creams contain 4% hydroquinone along with other ingredients that are anti-hyperpigmentation phenol agents, retinoic acid (tretinoin), nonphenol whitening agent, azelaic acid and kojic acid. These products are not recommended for pregnant women because of the high percentage of hydroquinone, as well as other ingredients that can lead to serious damage to the baby.