Skin dullness and hyperpigmentation are common skin issues observed during pregnancy. Skin pigmentation typically occurs in the form of patches or patterns on the skin. Some common places where you might notice these patches include linea nigra (a dark line moving across your belly), dark spots on your face (melasma), and the dullness of the areola.
Skin pigmentation is more prominent among those with darker skin. This condition may also lead to the dullness of freckles, birthmarks, and scars during pregnancy. But don’t worry there are several home remedies that you can try to nix the stubborn dark spots and prevention methods that stop the apperance of pigmentation in the first place and even out your skin texture without leaving it dry or flaky.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation During Pregnancy?
While the exact cause of skin dullness and discolouration is not exactly known, its appearance is often attributed to increased levels of certain hormones during pregnancy such as progesterone, estrogen, and melanocyte-stimulating hormones. Also, stretching of the skin can aggravate these changes.
Some other factors that may increase the possibility of skin dullness during pregnancy include:
- Pre-existing conditions such as hyperthyroidism.
- Environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Heredity factors (if pigmentation or melasma runs in the family).
9 Home Remedies To Manage Hyperpigmentation During Pregnancy
Turmeric
Curcumin, a polyphenol compound present in turmeric, is reported to suppress the activity of melanocytes, thereby, reducing the dark spots. Turmeric also helps build healthy skin cells and prevents the transfer of pigment within cells.
How to use:
- Mix raw turmeric with lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to the affected areas.
- Let it dry completely and then rinse with water.
- Repeat this remedy twice a week.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains an active ingredient called aloin, which is known for its skin-lightening properties. The topical application of aloe vera over pigmented areas can soothe and hydrate the skin and lighten the marks over time.
How to use:
- Apply natural aloe vera gel to the pigmented skin areas before going to bed.
- Leave it overnight and rinse it in the morning using lukewarm water.
- Repeat daily, till you see a noticeable difference in your skin colour.
Lemon
Lemon is a potent bleaching agent with skin-lightening properties. Applying lemon juice to your skin can reduce dark spots and blemishes. However, be informed that lemon juice can irritate certain skin types. Therefore, conduct a patch test before using this remedy.
How to use:
- Dilute two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in water.
- Dip a cotton pad into the solution and apply over the affected areas.
- Leave it on for a while and then wash it off with water.
- Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a week.
Potato
Potato contains azelaic acid that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and blemishes caused by acne and breakouts.
How to use:
- Grate a raw potato. Squeeze the juice and use a cotton pad to apply it to the affected skin.
- Leave it on to dry and then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this remedy twice a week.
Orange Peel
Orange peel extracts can help fade dark spots, reduce melanin deposits, and brighten your skin.
How to use:
- Grind the orange peel into a powder and mix it with milk and honey.
- Apply the skin to the pigmented skin areas and let it dry.
- Rinse with normal water.
- Repeat this remedy 2-3 times per week.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates contain ellagic acids that inhibit melanin production and lighten darkened skin areas.
How to use:
- Mix pomegranate juice with bentonite clay and apply it to affected areas.
- Leave it on for several minutes to dry and rinse with water.
- Repeat this step once a week.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid, glycolic acid, and citric acid, all of which may help reduce blemishes and skin pigmentation.
How to use:
- Mix honey, yogurt, and finely blended oats in equal proportions.
- Apply the mixture to the pigmented skin areas.
- Leave it to dry and then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this step once a week.
Tomato
Tomato contains lycopene, which reduces the long-term effects of photodamage. Since spots and pigmentation are also caused by long-term exposure to the sun (resulting in photodamage), tomatoes may help lighten them.
How to use:
- Slice a tomato and rub it on the affected spots.
- Leave it for a while and rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this remedy 2-3 times per week.
Green Tea
Our body contains tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for pigmentation. According to studies, green tea inhibits the production of tyrosinase and its topical application over affected areas has a depigmenting effect.
How to use:
- Steep a green tea bag in warm water.
- Remove the teabag and wait for the blend to cool down.
- Use a cotton pad to dab on the affected areas.
- Repeat this treatment twice daily.
Tips To Prevent Skin Pigmentation During Pregnancy
Your skin changes will usually disappear after delivery. However, you may take some of the following measures to minimise skin pigmentation during pregnancy.
- Use sun protection every day: Exposure to UV rays triggers hyperpigmentation, dark patches, age spots, and sunspots. Use a natural mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 45 as a part of your daily skincare routine. Also, while going outdoors wear long-sleeved clothes and carry a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid waxing: While waxing is considered safe during pregnancy, it may increase the risk of skin inflammation and melasma. Therefore, avoid waxing areas that are prone to pigmentation.
- Apply Antioxidant-rich Skincare Products: Antioxidant-enriched skincare products can allow your skin to heal and reduce dark spots and pigmentation. Follow the rule of cleanse-tone-moisturise using Vitamin C-rich face wash, toner, and face cream. This will help naturally brighten your skin, reduce dark spots, and promote an even skin tone.
Various factors like hormonal changes, environmental stressors, and genetics can affect your skin changes during pregnancy. However, implementing precautionary methods like applying sunscreen every day, following a skincare routine with antioxidant-rich products, and using natural remedies can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
In addition to these preventive tips, maintain a healthy diet and consume folate-rich foods to make your skin glow during this time.
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