complexion changes during pregnancy and how to avoid or treat them

If you’re noticing a vivid change in your complexion during pregnancy, relax. It is a process that is natural in every pregnant woman. Ever heard of chloasma or melasma gravidarum? Well, it’s a kind of skin discolouration that happens commonly to women during pregnancy. They develop a brown tan or a number of blotches or patches on their skin, mostly the face. It is completely hormonal and hence, natural. Also known as the mask of pregnancy, it leads to skin darkening only around certain areas such as the forehead, nose, and sometimes the cheekbones and jawline, making it look like you’re wearing a dark mask. It isn’t irritable or itchy as such, but it might lead to freckles or ugly spots on your face. Sometimes these are developed on other body parts too, but it’s mostly on your face.

Cause:

Too much sun exposure during pregnancy

If you didn’t know this before, melanocytes, a type of skin cell, is responsible for the release of melanin (pigments). The function of this cell aggravates during pregnancy due to the excess of progesterone in the body. When exposed to the sun, further aggravation is caused, leading to darker pigmentation and hence, your face has a heavy tan.

It is also hormonal or genetic, with the same explanation in these cases as well.

You may also develop varicose veins, the swelling of your veins till they bulge around the skin. While a affected skin looks scary to touch or feel in this case, as it appears to be bluish or purplish in colour, it doesn’t really cause much discomfort.

So, now that you know a little about what happens and why, let us also tell you the cure or treatment for it.

Sunblock

Make sure you apply sunscreen with SPF 30 both outside and inside the house. Any amount of sun exposure isn’t good for your skin in this phase. Wear full sleeves whenever you step out.

Other remedies

– Apply aloe vera to the affected area and massage for 10-15 minutes everyday at least twice.

– Do not use harsh soaps on your face at all. Use milder cleansers.

– You can use banana masks too. There are several home remedies for chloasma.

Also, do not worry. These complexion changes are not permanent and fade away soon after delivery with regular care.