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Pregnant after a Loss
Cow-girl
member
Skin discoloration on face...
Cow-girl
member
Please tell me I am not the only one dealing with this. I have had horrible brown blotches all over my face. Like a suntan only blotchy and not pretty. The dr said it is caused from pg and sun exposure. Something about increased estrogen levels causing your skin to blotch. I am horribly embarassed that my skin looks so bad. I have always prided myself on my "pretty clear skin" but its just ugly now. Even cover up isnt hiding it now.. There goes my "pregnancy glow".. Dr said it is normal, I just hate it! Have you experienced this?
I did some research and this is what I found...
Chloasma ("Mask of Pregnancy") During Pregnancy
What causes that blotchy discoloration on your face, and what you can do about it.
What it is chloasma (mask of pregnancy): Chloasma is splashes of darkened skin that may appear on the forehead, nose, and cheeks in a mask-like configuration on some pregnant women ? more often in dark-skinned women.
What causes chloasma (mask of pregnancy): Those mischievous pregnancy hormones are toying with you again, causing hyperpigmentation on many parts of your body. You might have noticed your freckles and moles are darker now, there's probably a dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), and your areolas are probably a deeper shade as well. (You might as well decide this is sexy.) Dark-skinned women usually notice such hyperpigmentation more, but light-skinned women aren't off the hook completely ? they too will get their fair share of darkening skin, though it may not be as noticeable.
What you need to know about chloasma: Rest assured, the age of darkness doesn't last forever, though you might find a few new freckles that are here to stay. Most skin discolorations ? including chloasma ? fade within a few months after you give birth; you'll still have a pale line, though, and lets face it ? your vulva's never the same.
What you can do about chloasma:
- Eat foods that contain folic acid (you'll also get plenty in your prenatal supplement), since studies have shown that a folate deficiency can be related to hyperpigmentation. Good choices include green leafy vegetables, oranges, whole-wheat bread, and whole-grain cereal.
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (sunlight can also intensify hyperpigmentation). A hat and long sleeves are a good idea if you're fair-skinned, headed to the beach, or have a historically sensitive complexion.
- If you like, use a good concealer to cover particularly pesky spots, but skip bleaches or other chemically based lightening treatments until after you give birth. No peels or lasers, either.
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Re: Skin discoloration on face...
I have a few spots that popped up on my cheeks, but they aren't bad. I've been wearing SPF everyday. I plan on trying the Clinique product for spots once LO is here or might have to use it after i'm done breastfeeding.
For some reason, concealer seems to intensify the spots so I use a little highlighter on them. Hugs, girl!
10/08 Clomid Cycle #1 = m/c 11/7/08 (6 weeks)
03/09 Clomid Cycle #2 = BFN
3 rounds of Femara + Ovidrel + IUI =BFN
10/18/09 2nd Break Cycle (post HSG) before IVF #1 = BFP!
? The world thought I had it all, but I was waiting for you. ?
Labor Buddy to Megjr8
I have it, but not as bad this pregnancy. I also get it when I am on BCP. Don't worry it fades away pretty quickly after the baby is delivered. It is amazing what hormones do to you body. I had a girl last time and now am having a boy and don't have half of the issues I had from my "girl hormones".
take care
From what I understand, it's fairly easy to have it taken care of with laser or creams.