The Skin Becomes Darker When Pregnant. Normal

In addition to an enlarged abdomen, weight gain, hair loss, swollen feet, there is one more change that can be experienced by pregnant women, namely the skin color becomes darker. Mother might be wondering, is this normal? Will the skin return to normal after giving birth? Come on, find the answer, Bun.

Mother may have found the skin to be darker than usual and black spots or spots appear on the skin during pregnancy. Though Mother felt rarely out of the house and rarely exposed to sunlight. Mother does not need to worry if you experience this condition. Because these conditions are very reasonable and experienced by many other pregnant women.

Why Does My Skin Become Darker When Pregnant?

In the medical world, one condition that causes the skin to appear darker during pregnancy is called melasma. This condition is usually triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy that stimulate melanin production in the body. Melanin itself is the body's natural pigment that gives color to the eyes, skin and hair.

Melasma is characterized by the appearance of darker colored patches around the nose, upper lip, forehead, and cheekbones, neck, jaw, arms, and other parts exposed to sunlight. Likewise, parts of the skin that often experience friction, such as the inside of the thighs and armpits. Melasma often resembles the shape of a face mask, so this condition is often referred to as a pregnancy mask or chloasma gravidarum.

When you experience melasma, don't be surprised if other parts of the body that are already dark in color, such as scars, nipples, and skin around the genitals, will become darker. It is better to avoid excessive sun exposure, because it can worsen the skin condition.

No need to worry, Melasma might disappear, how come!

Melasma can go away on its own after giving birth, so you don't need to worry that your skin will darken forever. There are several ways you can do to reduce and help reduce the risk of melasma, including:

• Use sunscreen


Sunscreen can protect the skin from UVA and UVB exposure when Mother is outdoors. Choose those with a minimum SPF of 30.


• Use clothes that cover the skin



Wearing clothes and a long hat can protect the skin from sun exposure when outdoors activities.



• Limit outdoor activities during the day


As much as possible, avoid sun exposure at 10 to 2 pm. Because the sun at that hour is very dangerous for the skin.


• Do not carelessly use facial cleansers


We recommend using a facial cleanser with a mild formulation, and does not contain too many chemicals, in order to prevent the condition of melasma getting worse.


• Don't wax



Waxing to remove hair from the skin can make melasma worse, so it's best to avoid it.



• Disguise melasma with make-up


If you feel disturbed by the appearance of black patches on the skin, you can work around this with powder or other make-up. Make sure the ingredients for make-up are safe to use for pregnant women.

If the skin color has not returned to its original state for several months after giving birth, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe topical medications such as creams, or oral medication if needed. However, the drugs given need to be consulted first if they are to be used while Mother is still breastfeeding.

After skin color returns to normal, it doesn't hurt if you always use sunscreen to protect your skin from sun exposure, especially if you want to do outdoor activities during the day. That way, you don't have to worry about your skin turning dark because of the sun.