The Link Between Pregnancy and Pigmentation Issues

Throughout your pregnancy, your body goes through a number of changes, some of which may be surprising. Many women grow especially concerned about the visible changes to their skin.

At Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics, board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, has extensive experience in addressing pigmentation issues that occur with pregnancy. Dr. Bushore offers customized treatment plans that can restore the natural look and health of your skin.

How pregnancy changes your skin

During your pregnancy, your skin can go through many changes due to fluctuations in your hormone levels. Carrying a baby also changes how your blood circulates through your body.

Some of these changes usually resolve on their own after you give birth, but some may continue for years and require treatment to restore the health and appearance of your skin.

The most common skin changes you can expect during a pregnancy include the following:

Melasma

Melasma is a condition where discolored patches of skin form on your face. These patches usually appear brown or gray-blue in color and are most commonly found on the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and upper lip.

Melasma is commonly known as the “mask of pregnancy,” because many women develop the condition during pregnancy.

Skin tags

Skin tags are loose skin growths that develop on areas where there’s friction, such as on your neck, under your arms or breasts, and on your eyelids.

These growths are noncancerous and generally harmless. However, they may become painful if they get caught on your clothing.

Skin darkening

It’s common during a pregnancy for existing moles and freckles to become darker. In fact, your nipples and other areas of skin can darken due to your body’s increase in hormones.

Many women develop a darkening of the linea nigra, a line that starts at your navel and travels down to your pubic bone. You may have always had this line, but the changes in your hormones during pregnancy may darken it enough for it to become noticeable.

Treating pregnancy-related skin pigmentation issues

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your skin because of pregnancy changes, board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, can help. Dr. Bushore offers a variety of in-office procedures to improve your skin’s health and appearance.

Some treatment options for pigmentation and discoloration issues include the following:

Chemical peels

Chemical peels use a special chemical that removes the surface layer of skin to reveal the new, healthy skin below. Peels are effective in treating melasma, sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

DiamondGlow Dermalinfusion

SilkPeelⓇ 3 Diamond Dermalinfusion uses a diamond abrasive tip to exfoliate the surface of your skin. This treatment, which is also effective at deep cleaning your skin, uses condition-specific serums to enhance your skin’s health.

In addition to treating fine lines and wrinkles, DiamondGlow Dermalinfusion can eliminate dark spots and acne blemishes.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment option for removing skin tags and reducing the severity of hyperpigmentation. Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, uses two advanced laser technologies to enhance the health and appearance of your skin. 

The Laser Genesis® can address hyperpigmentation and sun damage, and the Cutera Excel V™ effectively treats sun and age spots, acne scars, and other similar conditions. Some of these treatments are only safe after delivery and some only after breastfeeding has concluded permanently. However, if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, Dr. Bushore, can help pick out safe treatments to use during these times as well. 

If you’re unhappy with the look of your skin because of pregnancy-related changes, book an appointment online or over the phone with Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics today. You can also meet with the team virtually through a TeleHealth visit.