Here's Why Your Rosacea Worsens in the Winter — and How We Can Help
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The Mask of Pregnancy: Does Melasma Clear Up on its Own After Childbirth?
Pregnancy comes with enough challenges without adding skin issues to the mix. The blotchy, dark patches of melasma, often called the “mask of pregnancy,” can make you feel self-conscious and frustrated.
Melasma doesn’t have to be a permanent irritant in your life, though, because there are ways to manage it.
At Hines Dermatology Associates, Yvonne Hines, MD, and our clinical team know you want to get rid of melasma as quickly as possible after pregnancy. But does it go away on its own, or can you expect to need treatment?
Let’s explore exactly what melasma is, whether it resolves after pregnancy, and what you can do if it doesn’t.
Why your skin looks different during pregnancy
You’ve probably heard of the pregnancy glow — it’s one of the physical changes women often await eagerly. But many pregnant women also experience a type of hyperpigmentation called melasma that can diminish the joy of bright, glowing skin.
Melasma causes dark or discolored patches to appear on your face. You might notice it on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, but it can also affect other areas that are exposed to the sun. Hormonal changes during pregnancy trigger an overproduction of melanin, which leads to these blotchy patches.
While melasma is harmless, it can impact how you feel about your appearance. Sun exposure, genetics, and certain skincare products can make it worse. That’s why taking proactive steps during and after pregnancy can help manage it.
Will melasma fade over time?
Yes. Melasma usually fades once your hormone levels return to normal after pregnancy. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean it goes away completely. Depending on your skin tone and the severity of your melasma, these pesky pigmented patches can linger for months, even years, after childbirth.
What to do about melasma after pregnancy
Our team offers treatments based on scientifically backed options at Hines Dermatology Associates:
Hydroquinone
Often considered the gold standard for treating melasma, hydroquinone in concentrations of 2%-4% can effectively lighten dark patches. Combining hydroquinone with topical retinoids and steroids, such as the Kligman formula (commercially known as Tri-luma®), enhances its effectiveness.
Azelaic and kojic acid
These ingredients can improve skin tone and reduce discoloration, especially when combined with other treatments.
Sun protection
Daily use of a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. Avoiding sun exposure between 10am and 4pm and reapplying sunscreen every two hours can prevent further darkening of the skin.
Protective clothing, such as UPF 50-rated hats and tightly woven fabrics, provides added defense.
These treatments focus on gently reducing pigmentation to minimize irritation and avoid complications like scarring.
Book your melasma consultation today
Dr. Hines and our team are here to help you say goodbye to melasma for good. Call our office in Attleboro, Massachusetts, today, or book your appointment online.
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