So much beauty surrounds pregnancy - you are literally creating life! It's a miracle and one that never ceases to amaze me. But there's also a dark side ~ literally!
While I never got the dreaded "pregnancy mask" - more formally called melasma - I know plenty of women who did. And while they were certainly preoccupied with the pending birth of their child(ren), I can tell you that many of my friends who've experienced it were less than pleased with this new change to their otherwise (nearly) flawless skin.
No, melasma isn't exclusively caused by pregnancy, but its biggest culprit is definitely changes in hormone levels. This includes, but isn't limited to pregnancy, birth control and hormone therapy and it's exacerbated by the sun and heat.
So what is it?
Melasma is a condition that darkens some ares of the skin - also known as hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs on the face - mostly the forehead, cheeks and above the upper lip - and usually appears in a nearly-identical pattern on both sides of the face. The darkness can come in all shades - and almost always in sun-exposed areas of the body. It is most prevalent in women and does not discriminate - women of all shades, ethnicities and races can be impacted!
TBH Skincare Spa - Hyperpigmentation before/after
What can I do?
According to Tiffany Huber, the owner of TBH Skincare Spa in Indian Trail, you have many options to prevent and treat melasma. Most importantly, because it is heat/sun-sensitive, you will want to stay cool and out of the sun during the hot summer months ~ especially in Charlotte! But if you are predisposed to it, you really should focus on the treatment. Here are a few tips:
- Correction with professional treatments and a skincare routine that includes SPF daily is a healthier approach vs the quicker results of bleaching. Products containing hydroquinone bleach the skin temporarily, are controversial and should be limited to 4-5 months.
- Kojic vitamin C & E are common ingredients found in skincare products to prevent and lighten melasma. I direct my clients correcting melasma to use a vitamin c serum every morning.
- Mineral based Foundations and powders containing titanium dioxide and zinc are best to use when you have melasma.
TBH Skincare Spa - Hyperpigmentation before/after
TBH Skincare Spa also offers a number of professional treatments you might consider, depending on your condition. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and enzymes are typically used to correct melasma in the fall and winter months when sun and heat can be avoided 24 hours after your treatment.
Most importantly, there is a treatment right for you and your life style. If you are in a position to experience down time (ie peeling) those treatments often achieve your skin goals faster and are done in a series ranging from 3-6 treatments.
She also cautions you to use patience "Your skin didn't discolor overnight - so no matter what treatment route you take, be patient!"
About TBH Skincare Spa
Tiffany Huber and Rosie Bastida - both of whom have a long career as local estheticians with some of the best in town - teamed up in the fall of 2019 when Tiffany opened TBH Skincare Spa in downtown Indian Trail. They offer a variety of skin care services, lash lifting and tinting. You can learn more HERE
TBH Skincare Spa
307 Indian Trail Road South
Indian Trail, NC 28079
