' EXPERIENCING SKIN DISCOLORATION DURING PREGNANCY? | Muslim keys of health

EXPERIENCING SKIN DISCOLORATION DURING PREGNANCY?

EXPERIENCING SKIN DISCOLORATION DURING PREGNANCY?
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO

EXPERIENCING SKIN DISCOLORATION DURING PREGNANCY

Have you notices patches of dry skin appearing on your face or arms? Have your nipples, scars, and freckles gotten darker? Though you may not exactly be thrilled, the good news is, you are not alone!

WHAT IS IT?

It is fairly common for pregnant women to develop blotches of dry skin called Chloasma or Melasma Gravidarum, commonly referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. These patches can appear around your upper lip, nose, cheekbones, forehead, cheeks, or along your jawline. You may also get dark patches on your forearms and others parts of your body that are regularly exposed to the sun.

The parts of your skin that are already more pigmented such as your nipples, freckles, scars, and the skin of your genitalia may become even darker. The same tends to happen to the areas of skin prone to friction, such as your underarm and inner thighs.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

Skin discoloration and darkening, also called hyperpigmentation, may be caused by any of the following reasons:

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy which stimulate a temporary increase in the production of melanin which is responsible for giving color to your hair, skin, and eyes.
  • If chloasma runs in your family.
  • Women with darker complexions are more prone to have discoloration than women with lighter complexion.
  • Depression or excessive stress during pregnancy.
  • This is your first pregnancy.
  • If you have prolonged sun exposure.

The affected areas of the skin usually begin to return to their normal shade within a few months after delivery, although in some women the discoloration never completely disappears. It is worth noting at this point that the effects of chloasma may become more pronounced with each pregnancy.

WHAT ABOUT THE DARK LINE ON MY BELLY?

The dark line running down your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra. It is not something new. You have always had it. Its just that you never noticed it because it was the same color as the rest of your skin.

Due to increased production of melanin during pregnancy, just like your freckles and scars this line has also darkened and become visible. With a little bit of attention from you now, it will hopefully fade back to its original color within a few months after your delivery.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

There is really nothing that can be done to prevent skin discoloration during or pigmentation during pregnancy. It is one of those unwanted gifts that come along with the pregnancy such as morning sickness and fatigue.

However, we never give in! These are some things you can do to help keep skin discoloration to a minimum.

  1. Wear a natural sunscreen before going out, even if it is not summer season and the sun is not too strong.
  2. Wear full sleeve shirts and long pants or skirts to minimize exposure to the sun. For extra protection against the sun, carry an umbrella or cover exposed parts of your skin with a light scarf.
  3. Do not use new products on your skin during this time.
  4. Try and stay indoors as much as possible a few weeks after delivery. Sitting in the sun or walking outside can worsen the condition.
  5. Breastfeed for as long as possible; the longer the better.

NATURAL REMEDIES

There are treatments available for skin discoloration but they are either chemical treatments or really expensive cosmetic procedures. We don’t recommend either. Instead there are things you can do at home which are much safer and cheaper, and probably more effective.

Below is an exhaustive list of time-tested natural remedies. Select one or two which work best for you and then stick to them until you begin to see desired results.

  1. Aloe Vera Gel
    Aloe Vera is renowned for its magical effect on skin and hair. It can help lighten dark spots on the skin. Apply the gel on the affected area for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Repeat daily for as long as needed.
  2. Tomato or Cucumber Juice
    Tomato and cucumber juice have soothing effect on the skin and they are natural skin toners. They are suitable for all skin types. Apply the juice with a cotton ball onto the affected areas of the skin and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Apply 2 to 3 times a day for as long as needed.
  3. Papaya
    1. Face Mask
      Take 2 tablespoon papaya (pulped), 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon Aloe gel. Mix the ingredients well and massage onto the pigmented areas of the skin. Rinse after 30 minutes.
    2. Papaya with Yogurt
      Take ½ cup of ripe papaya pulp, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey and ¼ cup of yogurt. Mix the ingredients well and apply a thick layer of the paste on the affected areas of the skin. Leave on the skin for 25-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
  1. Potato
    Potatoes can do wonders for discolored skin. Simply cut a potato in half and rub one half of it gently on the affected areas of your skin in circular motion. Do it for 5 to 10 minutes and then leave it to dry for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. You can also juice a potato and apply the juice onto your skin.
  2. Mint
    Make a thick paste by blending fresh mint leaves with some water. Apply it onto the affected areas of the skin like a mask and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Use it 2 to 3 times a week for best results.
  3. Turmeric & Milk
    Add milk to turmeric powder to form a thick paste; add some sandalwood powder if available, though the mask will be effective without as well. Make enough to cover the affected area. Gently massage it on the skin and leave for 15-20 minutes. Wash with warm water. Apply daily for as long as needed.
  4. Lemon
    Scrub lemon directly onto the affected area of the skin or juice it and apply the juice with a cotton ball. It is not recommended for people with sensitive skin as it may cause them irritation.
  5. Avocadoes
    Avocadoes are very effective against hyper-pigmentation of the skin. Make a smooth paste of avocado and apply it on the affected area. Gently massage it in for a few minutes and then leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Apply 2 to 3 times a week.
    Note: Avocadoes may cause allergic reaction in people who have latex allergy. In this case it is best to avoid avocadoes entirely.
  6. Castor Oil & Vitamin E
    Castor Oil and Vitamin E are both highly nourishing for the skin. Mix equal amounts of castor oil and Vitamin E and apply on the affected area every day. It will slowly remove the hyper-pigmentation from the skin, making your skin smooth and free of patches.
  7. Greens & Water
    Last but not least, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Your body is 60% water. If you don’t drink enough good quality pure water, your body will never be able to perform at its optimal level and neither will it look its best.
    Along with that you must eat healthy. This means lots of colors! Colorful fruits and vegetables contain various enzymes, vitamins and minerals which help nourish the body at its cellular level and help remove toxins from the body. This helps restore the optimal function of the internal organs, as well as the youthfulness of the skin.

CAN SKIN DISCOLORATION BE A SIGN OF ILLNESS?

Certain types of discoloration can be caused by medical conditions, including skin cancer. If your skin discoloration is accompanied by pain, redness, swelling, blistering, moles formation (or increase in the size of an already existent mole), tenderness, or bleeding, you should immediately consult your physician.

Overall, proper care, rest, healthy diet, exercise, and plenty of water should keep you glowing throughout your pregnancy. As always, we recommend that you take all natural remedies with the consultation of your naturopath or herbalist. And don’t forget to let us know what worked best for you!

Tags: female health, prenatal, postnatal, beauty, skin