MELASMA
What is it and how do we treat it.
Are you pregnant? Have you noticed more than just your shape changing?
During pregnancy our bodies go through so many changes it's hard to keep up - but looking in the mirror everyday you may be finding pigmentation near your upper lip, cheeks or forehead. This is called Melasma and it can effect almost 70% of pregnant women.
Melasma is a direct result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. When hormones spike, they stimulate melanogenesis - the production of melanin. Also known as "mask of pregnancy" for some it will diminish on it's own after you give birth OR it hides until you've had some sun. Unfortunately for others it will stay and become darker and more prominent.
So if you have lasting Melasma, what can be done to minimize the appearance?
What to do:
- Avoid direct Sun - as you know sitting in the sun can give you darker skin or freckles, this is also true for Melasma.
- Eat foods high in folate (Vitamin B9). A deficiency in folic acid, which is common in women who are pregnant or on birth control, has been linked to melanoma. Add citrus fruits, legumes, leafy greens and whole grain breads and cereals to your diet. There is a difference between Folic Acid and Folate. Talk to your doctor about the correct supplement.
- Avoid skin bleaching - especially during pregnancy you want to avoid chemicals and other substances that can disrupt hormones.
- Try Organic Topical remedies such as Eminence Organics Eight Greens.
- Book a facial. Speak to a Skin Care specialist about what Organic Products would be best for your.
You can also minimize melasma with natural skin brighteners. The Bright Skin collection is a full routine that includes a blend of natural ingredients that provide similar results to hydroquinone without the potentially negative effects. Here’s how each one diminishes the look of dark spots:
- Bearberry Extract: Contains a natural form of hydroquinone and arbutin as melanin-inhibitors
- Licorice Root: Contains liquiritin and glabridin which disrupt melanin creation
- Tara Tree & African Potato: Reduce tyrosinase activity and hinder its development
- Gigawhite™: Contains seven organically grown Swiss alpine plants that inhibit tyrosinase
