Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)

I had a very dark, very large pregnancy mask with my third child. I actually had a woman in store ask if someone had beat me up! It took heavy make-up to cover & was quite ego-shattering. My GP had said that it would come back if I had more pregnancies & it would probably come back sooner. I am happy to report she was completely wrong. I have a 4th child who is 11 months old now, and it never came back with her. It does show up lightly if I get any sun exposure, so wear sunblock if you're outside.

Mine went away after both pregnancies, but took a while. They were still there just a little bit, but not as bad.

My dark spots all went away. But if they don't, you could just use a little concealor.

I had melasma when I stopped BF after my first 2 pregnancies. The first time was never treated and lasted about a year. The 2nd time I used Lustra AF and it lasted about a year. I just had my 3rd baby and so far no signs of melasma but I am still BF so who knows if it will show up once I'm finished. I wouldn't worry too much, it does eventually go away!

Hi K.,

I am a Licensed Master Esthetician and deal with Melasma frequently. The bleaching cream your derm gave you is probably Rx strength (4%)Hydroquinone (HQ) and may have other ingredients as your doc saw fit to include. HQ is the only FDA appraved pigment lightner on the market in the US however it is banned in other countries based on a few limited studies that it may be a carcinagen, so I would recommend only using HQ after you're done BF and not while pregnant. Then it should only be used 8 weeks on and 8 weeks off to get the maximum effectiveness. It will help, however when you become pregnant again the Melasma may return or worsen....there is no way to predict...it usally does return.

I recommend wearing an spf every day no matter what....UV light will increase-heighten melasma's appearance.

Use the HQ as you see fit but if using it be faithful to it and remember the SPF.

If, after your pregnancies it's still a problem you can undergo a series of chemical peels to lift and lighten melasma but I would only recommend this after the pregnancies.

There are so natural pignmant brightners on the market with ingredients like kojic acid (derived from mushrooms) and stone crop (a succulent plant) that are terrific for the skin as well, but none are as effective as HQ.

HTH,

G.~~~

K., I have not had this problem, however as an older person, when I get burned, insect bites, cuts, bruising etc, I don't seem to heal as fast as I did when I was younger. What helps me is a high grade and the purest grade of Tea Tree Oil I can find. Putting this on daily, 2 to 3 times, really helps and I have an old scar, from a burn and scratched on that it by a child before the burn healed properly is also fading away, which really has shocked my spouse, because he thought that scar would be there forever. I received that burn about 5-years ago. I think it has taken longer for fade, because a part of the arm on a place I just don't see at continously daily. Only if I bring my hand up to my face, it can be seen.

If you use something that is going to bleach it, make sure you check on the toxicity of the product and what kind of possible damages it could cause your body in the future, even if it is a prescription drug. Even doctors and scientist are paying more attention to the long term effects. I.E. drug commercials on TV are cautioning us about side effects of drugs. Thank God they are doing that cause for many years they didn't. I really believe in the safest way for health.

If you want to know more about the product I used email me at ____@____.com.