Melasma in Pregnancy: Your Guide to Managing the Mask of Pregnancy
Understanding Melasma in Pregnancy and How to Treat It
Melasma is a common skin condition many pregnant women experience. Melasma, often called the "mask of pregnancy," appears as dark, irregular patches on the face. It’s driven by hormonal changes and genetic predisposition.
However a recent study on melasma involving 22 melasma patients showed that blue light induced melanogenesis both in the lesional and the neighboring skin, suggesting that blue light stimulated the onset and progression of melasma for the first time…
As so few women are getting sun in pregnancy and are missing out on the red and NIR light it’s quite likely that sitting in front of a screen all day and our devices at night could be a big contributing factor and not sunlight as was previously thought.
Image - Jack Kruse blog - https://jackkruse.com/cpc-35-the-woman-code-food-skin-makeup/
However there are natural ways to manage it, and we’ll cover some effective treatments here.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations (including birth control), especially an increase in estrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, leading to those dark patches.
How to Naturally Reduce Melasma
Sun Access: Early morning sun is best - without sunscreen.
Light Therapy: Amber, Red and NIR are recommended.
Diet and Hydration: Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can help. Foods high in vitamins C and E, and staying well-hydrated, support overall skin health.
Topical Treatments: Natural topical treatments like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and green tea extracts can help lighten melasma. These have soothing properties and can reduce pigmentation over time.
Gentle Skincare: Use gentle, non-irritating skincare products. Avoid harsh chemicals and exfoliants that can aggravate your skin.
1 session NIR 940 nm weekly for 8 weeks with pulsing mode 50% duty cycling
Photobiomodulation (PBM) for Melasma
One exciting and non-invasive treatment for melasma is Photobiomodulation (PBM). This involves using low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to treat skin conditions.
How Does PBM Work?
PBM uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and reduce pigmentation. It’s shown to be effective in managing melasma by:
Modulating the activity of melanocytes (the cells that can overproduce this protective pigment).
Reducing inflammation and improving dermal structure.
Decreasing the appearance of blood vessels and redness associated with melasma.
Recommended Protocols and Wavelengths
According to recent studies, effective wavelengths for treating melasma include:
Red Light (630 nm)
Amber Light (585-590 nm)
Infrared Light (830-850 nm)
(Note - avoid using blue light products in the evening especially during pregnancy as it interferes with Melatonin production and increases the risk of developing Gestational Diabetes - including your smartphone/Laptop).
The treatments usually involve low radiant exposures between 1 and 20 J/cm². These wavelengths help reduce melanin production and improve skin texture.
Clinical Studies
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of PBM in reducing melasma. For example, weekly treatments with 585 nm light for eight weeks showed significant improvement in melasma and erythema (redness). Another study using 830 nm light reduced melanin synthesis and improved skin appearance without any adverse effects.
Melasma in pregnancy can be challenging, but with proper sun protection, a healthy diet, and gentle skincare, you can manage it effectively. Photobiomodulation therapy offers a promising, non-invasive option to reduce pigmentation and improve skin health. Always consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Embrace your pregnancy glow, and don’t let melasma dim your shine!
Tracy
