During pregnancy, in addition to an enlarged stomach, weight gain, hair loss, swollen legs, there is one more change that can be experienced by Mothers, namely blackened skin. Will the blackened skin return to normal after giving birth? Come on, find the answer here, Bun.
Blackened skin during pregnancy, even though you rarely go out of the house and are rarely exposed to the sun, it is possible to happen. If you experience this, there is no need to worry because there are various ways you can do to overcome it.
Why, the hell, Blackened Skin During Pregnancy?
In the medical world, one of the conditions that causes dark skin during pregnancy is melasma. Melasma often resembles the shape of a face mask, so this condition is often also referred to as a pregnancy mask or chloasma gravidarum.
This condition is usually triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy that stimulate melanin production in the body. Melanin is the body's natural pigment that gives color to the eyes, skin and hair.
Melasma is characterized by the appearance of darker colored patches around the nose, upper lip, forehead, cheekbones, neck, jaw, arms, and other parts exposed to sunlight. This condition can get worse if your skin is exposed to the sun continuously.
However, not only in the form of melasma on the face, black skin color that is triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy can also occur in other areas. Usually, this occurs in areas that have darkened previously, such as scars, nipples, moles, and areas of body folds.
Black Skin During Pregnancy Can Disappear, How come!
Black skin during pregnancy is actually nothing to worry about because Mother's skin will not blacken forever. After giving birth, generally the skin will return to its original color by itself.
However, there are several ways you can do to relieve and reduce the risk of dark skin during pregnancy, namely:
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, especially when doing outdoor activities, so that the skin is protected from direct sun exposure
- Wearing long clothes and wide-brimmed hats when doing outdoor activities
- Avoid outdoor activities at 10 to 3 pm, because at that time the sun exposure is strong so that it can damage the skin
- Avoid content skincare that can irritate and worsen melasma, such as soy content
- Avoid waxing, because this can make melasma worse
- Use make-up especially for pregnant women if you feel that the appearance of black spots on the skin interferes with your appearance
Apart from protecting and caring for your skin, you also shouldn't forget to take care of your overall health. Make sure you continue to eat nutritious foods, get enough fluids, get enough rest, and do light exercise regularly. Mothers can also use natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, to help overcome this skin problem.
Dark skin during pregnancy is generally not something to worry about. However, changes in skin color in the folds of the body accompanied by changes in the texture of the skin to become like velvet can be acanthosis nigricans.
This condition is usually associated with obesity and gestational diabetes which can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. If you experience this, tell your doctor when you are doing a routine pregnancy check.
