Melasma is the brown or tan skin discoloration, usually seen during pregnancy. Dark underarms during pregnancy, one of its types, is a common dilemma for moms.
Image from Freepik
Melasma is prominently found on some facial parts, nape, underarms, and all the nooks and crannies of a woman’s body. People with olive or darker skin, like us, Asian and Middle Eastern individuals, have higher incidences of melasma.
When melasma occurs during pregnancy, it is also called chloasma, or “the mask of pregnancy.”
Pregnant women experience increased estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels during the second and third trimesters of the reproductive period. Melanocytes are the cells in the skin that deposit pigment which can be one of the causes of having dark armpits after pregnancy.
Common causes and ways on how to lighten dark underarms during pregnancy
Scientists are not able to pinpoint the major cause of Melasma, but it is thought to be primarily related to external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes as seen in pregnancy.
Most people with melasma have a history of daily or occasional sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor.
People with known family history of melasma are prone to skin darkening as well.
Melasma may clear spontaneously without treatment. Most Mommies say that it just gradually went away after pregnancy. The discoloration with melasma may disappear if birth control pills and hormone therapy are discontinued.
Calamansi
Practical moms use home products to lighten dark armpits after pregnancy such as calamasi. This is a cheap yet helpful product that is rich in Vitamin C and promotes a healthy skin glow with natural bleaching properties at the same time.
Creams
Image from Freepik
Other times, it may clear with the help of sunscreen usage, cream application and sun avoidance. Creams with 2% hydroquinone (HQ)* is said to alleviate skin darkening.
*Hydroquinone is a skin lightener used in many whitening creams and dark mark fade treatments. It reduces the production of melanin in your skin, so it is great for fading hyperpigmentation, acne marks, sun spots, melasma, and other skin discoloration issues.
If you would like to use a cream or sunscreen that does not have hydroquinone, you can use the ones with azelaic acid and tretinoin cream.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens may help as well. A daily sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50 that contains physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, is recommended to block UV rays, but it is important to have a sunblock that also covers for UVA protection.
You should be cautious when using these products. Pregnant women or mothers breastfeeding may need to wait to treat melasma. Many melasma creams need to be discontinued in pregnancy and breastfeeding because of possible risks to the developing fetus and newborn. You may use cosmetics to temporarily conceal the skin discoloration.
In some cases, if treatments are too harsh or abrasive, melasma can worsen. It will be wise to check the product’s ingredients or ask your doctor if it is alright for you to use it. Prioritize your safety, moms!
Prevention tips for Melasma
Image from Freepik
Women who have a family history of melasma must take extra precautions. The most important way to prevent the onset of melasma and premature aging is to avoid the sun. If exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, then hats, sunglasses, and sunblock with physical blockers should be worn.
Time to take out those fashion gears and beat the heat, moms!
The gradual disappearance of dark spots is based on establishing the right treatment combination for each individual skin type. Melasma cases that do not successfully respond to treatment are due to excessive sun exposure.
Above are some of the tips to get rid of Melasma especially dark armpits after pregnancy. Try the natural remedies or you can also check if application of creams, sunscreens will help you get that smooth underarms and feel much better about yourself. Extra confidence booster is always a plus!
Also READ: 7 Natural Ingredients for Whitening Dark Underarms
source: Medicinenet.com
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