on May 03, 2022
So, you're pregnant. Yay. But did anyone tell you about the pigmentation changes?
It's super common for patches of skin to darken during pregnancy. Another one of those things you don't really hear about until you're going through it. Oh, the joys.
What causes pregnancy hyperpigmentation?
First of all, it's totally normal and natural to experience hyperpigmentation. Loads of baby mummas report dark patches appearing on their face, inner thighs, areolas, and armpits. When you're pregnant, your body produces excess melanin, the natural pigment that gives colour to your hair, eyes, and skin. Places that are naturally richer in melanin become more noticeably dark during pregnancy.
What about melasma from pregnancy?
When this increase in melanin happens on your face or arms, it's called melasma. During pregnancy specifically it gets called chloasma. It's also known as "the mask of pregnancy" because the darkness can look like you're wearing a mask. Fun.
How to brighten darker patches from pregnancy
Rosehip for the body
Rosehip oil is jam-packed with skin-brightening fatty acids. Using my Rosehip Body Scrub & Cleanser and Rosehip Dry Body Oil pre, during, and post pregnancy can help brighten, soften, and add glow to your skin.
My Rosehip Body Scrub & Cleanser exfoliates while cleansing and softening uneven skin. And my Rosehip Dry Body Oil contains a blend of nourishing oils to nourish, fade, and brighten. The dry oil format is fast-absorbing and easy to apply at every stage of pregnancy. Grab both in the Grab My (Rose)Hips Kit.
Vitamin C for the face
Vitamin C brightens skin and can help fade the appearance of melasma. My Glow Mask is your ally when it comes to preventing and improving the look of hyperpigmentation. It only takes 5 minutes.
SPF for everywhere
SPF always. You might wear face SPF religiously but skip it on your body unless you're at the beach. This is your sign to use sun protection all over. Even on cloudy days.
Waxing: hold off
Waxing won't help irritated skin, especially in areas where you're already sensitive. Also, who can be bothered.
Does pregnancy pigmentation go away?
Typically, hyperpigmentation fades within a few months post pregnancy. Exfoliation and hydration are your friends for soft, even, glowier skin. Read more about what to do with stretch marks after pregnancy too.
x frank
