Top 15 Home Remedies For Treating Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy

What is Skin Pigmentation?

Pigmentation is the darkening of the natural color of our skin. There are some conditions like pregnancy or excessive sun exposure, which cause changes in skin color. When skin becomes dark in color, it is known as hyperpigmentation and if it becomes lighter than its natural color it is called hypopigmentation.

When you are expecting, hormones are largely at play, and they can make dark patches called ‘chloasma’ appear on the face. It usually appears in the area below the eyes and the nose.

Women also develop linea nigra, which is actually a dark, vertical line, crossing at the navel in the middle of the stomach. The linea nigra is caused by the stretching of the abdominal muscles which develop pigmentation in pregnancy.

Pigmentation during pregnancy also affects the nipples and moles around the genitalia and perineum, but this will subside with the passage of time after the birth of the baby.

 Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy

Does skin really change color during pregnancy? What is the sign of skin darkening during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, many women develop blotches of dark skin on the upper lip, nose, cheekbones, and forehead, which resemble somewhat the shape of a mask. Medically known as Chloasma or Melasma Gravidarum, this condition is fairly more pronounced in women who have darker skin.

Hereditary factors are also assumed to play a role. Parts that are exposed to the sun may also develop dark patches, like the forearms and the feet. Apart from the linea nigra, you may also find that your nipples, genitals, and other sensitive parts also appear darker.

These pigmented areas will be normal after a few months of pregnancy when the skin color resumes. However, in some women, it may take somewhat longer or may never completely disappear.

Causes of Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy

Generally, the pigmentation in pregnancy is melasma and chloasma. It is commonly called the “Mask of Pregnancy”. Mostly the dark spots are seen on the face of a pregnant woman like on the forehead or cheeks. However, these blotches can appear elsewhere on the body as well.

During pregnancy, the increased production of hormones results in increased pigmentation. These spots go away most of the time after pregnancy (but not immediately) but some discoloration has often been observed. You are more prone to developing pigmentation in pregnancy if:

• This is your first pregnancy.
• You have been depressed or are feeling low during your pregnancy.
• You have regular exposure to sunlight.

Why Does the Neck Become Dark During Pregnancy?

You can see a number of pregnant women with their necks darker than the rest of their bodies. The neck is one of the common areas to be affected by pigmentation in pregnancy.

Though there are beliefs that this type of pigmentation in pregnancy can indicate you are pregnant with a boy, there is no scientific backup to this claim. If you want to know how to lighten dark necks during pregnancy, read on for some tips to reduce as well as prevent pigmentation during pregnancy.

Prevention of Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy

If you are wondering how to avoid pigmentation during pregnancy, there’s hardly anything that can be done to prevent it– blame it on the same thing that causes morning sickness, and fatigue. However, if you have been asking “how can I reduce pigmentation during pregnancy?” here are a few tips:

• Pigmentation in pregnancy can be slightly minimized by using sunscreen, even when you are not out in the sun.
• Avoiding the sun goes a big way to getting your complexion back.
• If you are out in the sun, use sunscreen with SPF 30, and cover yourself properly with a dupatta, saree pallu, or a scarf to avoid direct sun rays falling on the skin.
• Do not use new products on your skin during this time – stick to the ones that you are confident about.
• If you are planning to take any medication, make sure you run it through your doctor first. Pregnancy is a delicate situation so do not self-medicate at all.
• You could also use a light-tinted bronzer or concealer to hide the patches if they seem to make you uncomfortable.
• Try and stay indoors after you have delivered- do not venture out in the sun. Walking out, sitting in the sun, or even a ride in the car can make your skin exposed to harmful UV rays that can cause and even worsen skin pigmentation.
• Breastfeed – the longer the better.

Top 15 Home Remedies for Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy

You may not love this skin change, especially when you want to glow during your pregnancy. Because you are pregnant, any chemical treatment is out of the question. However, some women do take a series of anti-pigmentation facials and beauty treatments.

So, if you do not have time and are not willing to spend much on the treatment and want to know how to reduce melanin during pregnancy, you can always try some effective home remedies given below for pigmentation during pregnancy:

1. Aloe Gel For Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy

This has magical properties which help to lighten any dark spots. Apply it on the affected area for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off using warm water. For immediate results, repeat on a daily basis.

2. Tomato or Cucumber Juice

The juice mixed with milk, when applied to pigmented skin, gives great results. It can be applied to any skin type and also gives you a soothing effect.

3. Almonds and Honey

Mix some almonds and honey and make a fine paste. Apply it on the skin and wash it after 15-20 minutes

4. Vitamin E For Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy

Vitamin E is very essential for the skin so try taking a diet that contains Vitamin E. You can also massage the affected area using Vitamin E-based oil.

5. Papaya

Papaya is beneficial for the skin. Using a face pack consisting of papaya helps to reduce pigmentation. Prepare a pack with 2 tbsp Papaya, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp aloe pulp. Apply it on pigmented skin and wash it off after 30 minutes. Papaya helps to break down dead cells and treat pigmentation.

6. Papaya Face Mask With Yogurt

This helps to lighten the dark spots. Make a face mask by adding ½ cup of mashed ripe papaya pulp, 1 tsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of honey, and a ¼th cup of yogurt, and apply a thick layer over the skin. Wash it off after 30 minutes with warm water and pat dry.

7. Potato For Skin Darkening

Potato can do wonders to your pigmented skin if applied over pigmented skin on a daily basis. You may cut the potato into two pieces and gently rub it on the skin or just grate it and squeeze the juice on pigmented skin.

8. Mint Leaves

Make a paste of mint leaves using some water. Apply it over the dark spots and rinse off after 15 minutes. Repeat twice or thrice a week for better results.

9. Paste with Sandalwood and Turmeric Powder

Add some quantity of sandalwood powder, turmeric powder, and milk to make a paste. Spread it gently on the affected area. Wash after some time.

10. Avocados

Mashed avocados or their juice, if applied on pigmented skin on a regular basis, give noticeable results.

11. Orange Peel For Skin Darkening

Collect some orange peels and crush them to make a powder. Add some amount of raw milk. Apply this paste on the skin and wash after 15-20 minutes.

12. Lemon

Lemon can be used directly on pigmented skin, but only if your skin is okay with it.

13. Papaya Pulp

You may directly apply papaya pulp on the skin; it gives good results.

14. Exfoliate

Once in a week, exfoliate your skin to remove the dead cells on its surface. Take plenty of water to remove toxins from your body.

15. Eat healthily

Along with these packs and remedies, you need to eat healthy to make your skin glow, and shine and get rid of pigmentation.

Conclusion 

If you want to know how to remove pigmentation in the face during pregnancy, the above-mentioned natural remedies can help. Though these remedies are quite effective, expecting instant results will not help. If you are breastfeeding, or plan to get pregnant soon, it would be best to avoid any OTC medication and take the doctor’s advice.

If you feel your skin is extremely affected by pigmentation during pregnancy and the dark spots are not reducing even after birth, consult a dermatologist. You may take some treatment and get your skin back, the way you love it!

FAQ’s

1. Is Skin Pigmentation Common During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is very common. It goes away after delivery for some. For some women, it stays on even after delivery.

2. Why Does my Skin Have Patches During Pregnancy?

It is the hormones. Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause skin pigmentation. It will mostly subside after delivery.

3. Can I Use Turmeric Powder to Treat Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can. Turmeric helps lighten skin color. It is an excellent antiseptic too.

4. Can I Use Raw Potatoes on my Discolored Skin?

Yes, you can. Raw potatoes help remove tans. It can help restore skin color.