Navigating the truths about the Mask of Pregnancy (Melasma)
Are you planning your summer holiday or baby moon to be on a beautiful beach with beautiful white sand and blue waters? Are you pregnant and running errands or rushing off to work in the peak of the summer day? This TMP Guide will help unravel some truths about Melasma and share some tips on protecting your skin from it.
As your body goes through hormonal changes (especially with the increase in estragon and progesterone) to grow a baby during pregnancy, your skin develops a higher level of sensitivity. Melasma or Mask of Pregnancy is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown pigmentation on the face and typically appears on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. What triggers Melasma is sun and heat exposure. While developing Melasma is not necessarily harmful to you or your baby, it can cause frustration as it affects your face. Treating Melasma during pregnancy could also be tricky because a lot of the ingredients in topical treatments could be harmful to your baby. In some cases, Melasma fades on its own over a period after giving birth, but this is not always the case, and some women will need to undergo special treatment for it. Therefore, while it is tempting to bask in the beautiful sunlight of the summer while being on holiday, or running your day-to-day errands, it is important to be extra cautious about protecting your skin while you are pregnant to avoid developing this frustrating skin condition.
Here are our top three tips for protecting your skin from Melasma.
Make sunscreen your go-to product
Sunscreen is highly important to apply and reapply every day to protect your skin from sun exposure before and after pregnancy. But there are specific guidelines to keep in mind about the types of sunscreen to use during pregnancy to ensure it is safe for your baby.
Mineral Sunscreens are your go-to type of sunscreen. They are safer and free from harsh chemicals found in regular sunscreens and are perfect for your sensitive pregnancy skin. Look out for gentle mineral sunscreens that contain safe active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as they do not get directly absorbed into your skin and instead sit on it.
Avoid sunscreens with irritants such as synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals and opt for ones with safe natural ingredients.
Tinted formulas are not only great for more coverage if you are seeking a more finished look, they also often contain iron oxide, which is helpful for women dealing with melasma as it helps protect skin from blue light (which triggers melasma) and also help camouflage its appearance.
Make the shade your best friend and use accessories wisely.
Find the spots with the maximum shade if you are planning on staying out. Staying out of the sun can decrease your risk of Melasma. You can complete your looks with beautiful wide-brimmed hats that protect your skin from direct sun exposure while at the same time make you look stylish and chic.
Cover up as much as possible.
Use lightweight and breathable materials such as linen and cotton to protect your skin from the sun. Our 100% linen Bisht Abayas by G Linen are beautiful to throw on to add that extra protection you need from sun exposure during the summer period.
It is important that you create opportunities to enjoy your and celebrate your remarkable body in the summer months, however, taking care of your skin is paramount to enjoying this special period of your life without unnecessary stress. By following these simple tips and being mindful of your skin's needs, you can protect yourself from Melasma and embrace the beauty of your pregnancy journey.
Also, remember to always consult your doctor before using any products and feel free to ask for his/her recommendations for products that are safe for you and for your pregnancy.