Melasma: dark spots during pregnancy. All information 2026

Throughout pregnancy, it is very common for the future mother's body to tend to undergo a wide variety of changes. Although one of the most obvious is the growth of the belly as the baby grows, increases in size and develops, certain slightly more annoying symptoms may also arise, such as morning nausea, vomiting and a greater feeling of tiredness.

In turn, due to the action of pregnancy hormones, it is common for the skin to also change, the most common being greater stimulation of the sebaceous glands; which, in turn, can influence an overproduction of sebum or oil, increasing the risk of acne breakouts.

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But the truth is that there is also another change (or problem) that can appear on the skin. They are known as melasma, and consist of a series of dark spots that form on the skin, usually on the skin of the face, and in most cases the most common thing is that they disappear once the baby is born, and, above all, the hormones have calmed down a bit.

What is melasma? What does it consist of?

Melasma consists of a skin condition that causes the appearance of dark spots on the skin of the face, although at the moment experts do not know the exact cause of its formulation. Which does not mean that there are no certain theories about its origin.

For example, one of the most accepted indicates that melanocytes, the cells that produce skin color in our body, begin to produce a greater amount of color, as a result of greater stimulation by hormones.

In other words, during pregnancy it is common for there to be a strong increase in the levels of both estrogen and progesterone, stimulating the excessive production of melanin. Therefore, not only do new spots form on the skin of the face, but it is also very likely that the skin, moles and freckles may end up looking darker.

It has also been found that sun exposure can be another important risk factor for this skin condition, because ultraviolet rays can end up triggering its appearance, or even worsen it in pregnant women who already have it.

What is melasma like? Most common symptoms

It is common for melasma to appear especially in areas commonly exposed to the sun, which is why it is extremely common for it to form on the face. Although there are more common areas of the face, such as the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip.

On the other hand, although it is something rather unusual or rare, it is also possible that it could appear on the chest, arms or neck.

In general, dark patches tend to appear, similar to spots of discoloration, which are characterized by being darker than the usual skin color. They also tend to be symmetrical patches, with even matching marches on both sides of the face.

Can it be treated? To do?

The most common thing is that melasma begins in the first trimester, and continues throughout the entire pregnancy. Of course, luckily, it is also common for the spots to fade after the baby is born, or after stopping breastfeeding. However, if it persists, there are different treatment options available.

First of all, it is essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably with zinc or titanium minerals, because they do not absorb into the skin. This will help prevent stains from appearing, and making them even darker if they have already formed. At the same time, it is advisable to avoid the sun during the most dangerous hours of the day (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and use the shade whenever possible.

Eating foods high in folic acid can positively help, given that different studies have shown that a folate deficiency could be related to hyperpigmentation. You can find folic acid in foods such as green leafy vegetables, whole grain breads and whole grain cereals, and in oranges.

On the other hand, remember that, during pregnancy, or even while breastfeeding, it is not recommended to use exfoliants, bleaches or other lightening treatments with chemical components and substances, since they could potentially penetrate the skin.