Morning sickness, spontaneous cravings, weight gain—pregnant women learn to live with a number of frustrating side effects.  Beyond these well-known symptoms, pregnancy’s dramatic hormonal shifts can impact a woman’s skin and face, adding to pregnant women’s list of frustrations.

Melasma, a condition commonly recognized by the unwelcome appearance of brown and grey patches on the skin, primarily affects women, particularly during pregnancy. Women of color and women with darker complexions are much more likely to develop melasma, as well as men and women with a family history of melasma. Beyond pregnancy, sun exposure and certain cosmetics can also cause melasma symptoms. Daily sunscreen usage can lower the risk of melasma (as well as many, many other skin conditions!) 
 

While melasma isn’t dangerous or painful, many patients feel embarrassed and self-conscious by the state of their skin. Fortunately, various dermatological options can treat melasma and improve facial skin and other affected areas.

If you’re bothered by your melasma, consult with an experienced dermatologist to discuss your specific case and the best treatment options for your skin type. Topical medications, such as hydroquinone and tretinoin may be used as the first measure against melasma. If creams prove insufficient, more intensive procedures may be introduced. Chemical peels and vibradermabrasion have both proven extremely effective in reducing the signs of melasma. By removing layers of older and potentially damaged skin, these treatments improve skin texture, uneven skin tone, and overall skin quality.

During a chemical peel, a solution causes the top layers of skin to peel apart, resulting in the appearance of newer, smoother skin. Vibradermabrasion, a procedure similar to microdermabrasion without the use of messy crystal particles, exfoliates and conditions targeted areas.

Through these treatment options, melasma’s distinguishing brown patches are often severely diminished. If only curing morning sickness was so easy!

 
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