Sun spots in pregnancy: linea nigra and chloasma gravidarum

Dark spots on belly or face during pregnancy? Find out why they form and what you can do to prevent them.

The skin is one of the organs that most undergoes changes during pregnancy . Most of these changes are caused by hormonal variations typical of the nine months of gestation and are completely physiological.

One of the most characteristic changes is the increased production of melanin and the increase in skin pigmentation , due to an increase in circulating estrogen and the MSH hormone (melanotropic hormone).

For this reason, during the nine months there is often a change in skin color in specific areas such as the genitals or nipples (which become darker ).

Also typical of pregnancy is the formation of the linea nigra , a brown line that usually runs from the pubis to the navel.

They are all reversible changes in the sense that, once you give birth, the pigmentation slowly returns to the same as before pregnancy, with a few exceptions.

The increase in melanin also favors the appearance of sun spots on the skin and in particular on the face , which are called chloasma gravidarum or “mask of pregnancy” . Unlike the linea nigra, however, this type of brown spots can persist even after childbirth.

What is the linea nigra?

The linea nigra , also called the linea alba , is a darker strip of skin that starts at the pubic bone and reaches or continues past the navel. It usually appears as a brownish or bluish line , about 0.6-1.3 cm wide. Sometimes it is accompanied by a darkening of the skin in the navel area .

This cosmetic change is perfectly normal during pregnancy and tends to be more common in women with darker skin tones .

Generally, it appears mainly around the fifth month and resolves some time after delivery. Depending on its intensity, however, it may continue to be visible for months or years after the baby is born , albeit less markedly.

What is chloasma gravidarum?

Also due to hormones, during pregnancy the pigmentation of the skin of the face can increase , resulting in the appearance of the so-called chloasma gravidarum .

This blemish is characterized by the formation of spots on the face  with irregular and ill-defined edges, which often mainly affect the forehead , cheeks , nose and upper lip .

It occurs in about 50-70% of expectant mothers and like the linea nigra it shows a particular predilection for women with a darker skin type .

Chloasma gravidarum usually appears between the second trimester and third trimester , and lasts throughout pregnancy. Generally, it gradually regresses after childbirth or at the end of breastfeeding , although in some cases it may not resolve completely or recur during the summer season.

How to prevent linea nigra and chloasma gravidarum

• Limit your exposure to the sun

Since ultraviolet rays stimulate the production of melanin, try to avoid or minimize exposure to sunlight , especially in the face and abdomen area.

During the winter, get into the habit of applying a high SPF cream to your face . Alternatively, you can use make-up products (foundation or powder) equipped with a specific protection filter, to be more practical in everyday life: in this way you can protect yourself from the sun and put on make-up at the same time.

In the summer, the use of hats and sunglasses can help further shield the sun’s radiation.

• Follow a healthy diet rich in folate

Folic acid deficiency can lead to increased skin pigmentation, so try to consume plenty of foods rich in this vitamin, such as green leafy vegetables , fruit and whole grains . Some studies have shown a correlation between folic acid deficiency and increased skin pigmentation .

What if sunspots have already appeared?

• Use an exfoliating product

To remove the most superficial layers of melanin, it can be useful to perform a delicate scrub once a week and apply a moisturizer for sensitive skin . Instead, it is better to avoid products that are too aggressive, which could irritate the skin and have the opposite effect of stimulating the production of melanin.

• Contact your dermatologist

To mitigate the spots you can try to regularly apply mild lighteners that can also be used during pregnancy. Your trusted specialist will be able to advise you on the most suitable one.

On the other hand, do-it-yourself is prohibited : during pregnancy, any therapy (including creams) must be started only after consulting your doctor. In fact, some products may contain ingredients that are harmful to the baby.

• Use a good concealer

If the spots have already appeared, you can try to mask them with the use of a specific , hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic product before proceeding with your usual make-up.

In conclusion

As unsightly as they may be, the linea nigra and chloasma gravidarum do not pose a risk to the health of mother and child .

However, it is always important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you have any particular changes to your skin , such as spots, changes or the appearance of new moles, skin rashes or excessive itching.