Key takeaways

  • Pregnancy hormones (oestrogen, progesterone and MSH) raise melanin production, so skin darkens — most visibly as melasma on the face, the linea nigra on the belly, and darker areolas.
  • Sun is the biggest trigger. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30-50, plus a hat, sunglasses and an umbrella, is the most important and safest step you can take in pregnancy.
  • Safe in pregnancy: vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, gentle cleansing. Avoid: hydroquinone, retinoids (tretinoin/retinol), high-strength salicylic acid, and all unregulated 'fairness' creams.
  • Roughly one in three women keep some facial melasma after delivery; stronger treatments (hydroquinone, peels, lasers, oral tranexamic acid) are reserved for after delivery and breastfeeding.
  • Most darkening is benign, but a mole that grows, bleeds or changes shape needs a dermatologist promptly to rule out melanoma.
  • No food, cream or saffron milk changes your baby's skin colour — that is genetics. You do not owe anyone 'fair' skin.

Why Your Skin Darkens in Pregnancy

Almost every pregnant woman sees some change in skin colour, and the change is more pronounced in deeper skin tones. The cause is hormonal. Pregnancy raises oestrogen, progesterone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), and these signal the melanocytes — the pigment-making cells in your skin — to produce more melanin. Add sunlight, friction or inflammation, and that extra pigment shows up as visible darkening.

The pattern varies from woman to woman, but the areas most often affected are:

  • The face — melasma, the symmetric brown patches covered in the next section.
  • The midline of the belly — the linea nigra, a dark vertical line from the navel to the pubic bone that usually appears in the second trimester and fades over months after birth.
  • The nipples and areolas — these darken noticeably (thought to help your newborn find the breast) and usually lighten but rarely return fully to their original colour. See more on breast and nipple changes in pregnancy.
  • The genital area — the vulva and surrounding skin can darken.
  • Skin folds — underarms, groin and neck can darken; when marked, this is called acanthosis nigricans and is sometimes linked to insulin resistance.
  • Moles, freckles and scars — existing marks often deepen in colour.

Why Indian skin reacts more. Dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick scale to grade skin from type I (very fair, always burns) to type VI (deeply pigmented). Most Indian skin is type IV or V. This skin protects beautifully against UV damage and skin cancer, but the same biology makes it quicker to develop pigmentation — including melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne or any injury. That is why pregnancy darkening is often more visible and more stubborn in Indian women.

The timeline. Most changes begin in the second trimester (around 14-20 weeks) and peak by the third. After delivery, hormone levels drop and the pigment gradually fades — the areolas, linea nigra and body changes usually lighten substantially within 6 to 12 months, though not always completely. Facial melasma is less predictable, and breastfeeding can prolong it. Once you have had melasma in one pregnancy, it is more likely (around 50% or higher) to return in the next — so it is worth starting sun protection from day one of any future pregnancy.

Melasma: The Mask of Pregnancy

Melasma (called chloasma when triggered by pregnancy) is the most visible and emotionally difficult of these changes. It appears as symmetric brown patches across the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, the upper-lip 'moustache' area, the chin and sometimes the bridge of the nose. The patches are usually splotchy or mottled rather than evenly coloured, and range from light to dark brown depending on your skin tone. Some women get only a faint shadow; others develop patches that strongly affect their confidence. Either way, it is a normal physiological response, not a sign of poor skin care. We cover the condition in more depth in our guide to the pregnancy mask and facial pigmentation.

Depth decides how treatable it is. Dermatologists classify melasma by how deep the pigment sits:

  • Epidermal — pigment in the surface layer; well-defined and dark brown. Responds best to creams and light peels.
  • Dermal — pigment deeper down; looks bluish or grey-brown. Harder to treat.
  • Mixed — both layers; the most common type.
  • Indeterminate — usually in very deep skin, where typing is harder.

A dermatologist can often classify it on examination, sometimes using a Wood's lamp (a special UV light). The type guides treatment and sets realistic expectations.

Why melasma is genuinely hard to clear. The melanocytes in melasma patches stay over-active even after the original triggers fade — they are, in a sense, reprogrammed. Pigment sits in deeper layers, small triggers (a little sun, a hormonal shift, stress, an irritating product) can reignite it, and treatments take months to show results. Recurrence is common, so most women need ongoing maintenance. The honest goal for many is significant lightening rather than a complete cure — and the combination of treatment, prevention and patience gives the best outcome.

The Indian Sun: Why Melasma Is So Common Here

Sunlight is the single biggest melasma trigger, and India's sun makes prevention genuinely harder. Across much of the country (roughly 8-35 degrees north), the sun sits close to overhead for much of the year. The UV index reaches 11-12 (extreme) for hours each day from March to June and stays at 7-10 (high to very high) for much of the rest of the year. For comparison, most of Europe only sees that intensity for a few mid-summer hours. When pregnancy hormones have already primed your melanocytes, even moderate UV can set off pigmentation.

Everyday life adds to the exposure:

  • Morning temple visits, walks, vegetable shopping, school drop-offs and festivals often fall in high-UV hours.
  • Outdoor work — farming, construction, vending — means hours of direct sun.
  • Driving exposes the face and arms through car glass. Ordinary windows block UVB (which burns) but let through much of the UVA that drives pigmentation, so regular driving without face protection feeds melasma.
  • Sunscreen is still not a daily habit for many, especially in older generations.

UV through the year. It peaks in the hot months (March-June), dips a little during the monsoon clouds but still penetrates, and stays meaningful through the milder winter, particularly in the south. The practical rule: assume real UV exposure all year and protect every day, not only in summer. The riskiest hours are 10 am to 4 pm. Pregnancy is the ideal moment to build a sun-protection habit that also pays off lifelong — for skin cancer prevention and for keeping melasma in check. (If you cover up heavily or stay mostly indoors, do read about vitamin D and sun exposure for Indian women, since deficiency is very common here.)

Sun Protection: The Most Important Step in Pregnancy

Sun protection is by far the most effective and the safest thing you can do for melasma in pregnancy. It works best as a layered habit: sunscreen, physical cover, and timing.

Sunscreen is the foundation. Choose broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) with SPF 30 or higher — SPF 50 is better for melasma. There are two families of filters:

  • Mineral (physical) sunscreens — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on the skin and reflect UV. They are considered the safest in pregnancy because they are barely absorbed. Modern micronised versions blend in far better than the old chalky ones. Indian options at roughly Rs 300-1,200 include Aroma Magic, Plum, Mamaearth, Re'equil, La Shield and Suncros mineral variants.
  • Chemical sunscreens — absorb UV and convert it to heat; lighter and easier to wear. Most are considered safe in pregnancy, though some women prefer to skip oxybenzone (the filter with the most systemic-absorption data). Newer filters (Tinosorb S/M, Mexoryl) have strong safety profiles. Options at about Rs 300-1,500 include Cetaphil Sun, La Roche-Posay Anthelios, Bioderma Photoderm, Lakme Sun Expert and Lotus Safe Sun.

Application matters as much as the product:
  • Apply every morning, regardless of weather or plans — UV passes through clouds and windows.
  • Use enough. For the face, about half a teaspoon (the 'two-finger' rule: two strips along your index and middle fingers). Most people use far too little to get the labelled SPF.
  • Apply 20-30 minutes before going out, and reapply every 2-3 hours outdoors, and after sweating or swimming.
  • Tinted sunscreens (with iron oxides) also block visible light, which worsens melasma — especially useful here. Look at La Shield Tinted, Re'equil Tinted or La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted (around Rs 500-1,500).

Physical protection adds a lot:
  • A wide-brimmed hat (brim 3-4 inches) shades the face far better than a baseball cap.
  • Sunglasses labelled UV400 / 100% UV protect the delicate, melasma-prone skin around the eyes.
  • A scarf or dupatta draped over the head, or a sun umbrella (parasol), is traditional, cheap and genuinely effective — a folding umbrella costs Rs 300-1,500.
  • UPF-rated or tightly woven cotton, silk and lightweight clothing covers exposed skin.

Mind your timing. Schedule outdoor errands before 10 am or after 4 pm where you can, seek shade midday, and keep car windows up. For Indian women, the take-home is simple: consistent daily protection through the whole pregnancy, and ideally for life. Cutting your sun exposure cuts melasma severity more than any cream will.

Safe Skincare for Melasma During Pregnancy

The goal during pregnancy is gentle care that protects your skin while postponing the stronger treatments. Keep the routine simple and avoid anything aggressive.

Safe and helpful in pregnancy:

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid or gentler derivatives) is one of the safest, most useful actives — it brightens, curbs melanin production and reduces UV damage. Use a serum each morning under sunscreen. Indian options (Rs 300-1,000) include Plum, Mamaearth, Minimalist, The Derma Co and Re'equil.
  • Niacinamide (vitamin B3) at 2-10% reduces pigment transfer, calms inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier. Look at Minimalist, Plum, Mamaearth or The Ordinary.
  • Azelaic acid 20% is prescription-strength, effective for melasma, and considered safe in pregnancy — dermatologists sometimes prescribe it now (brand: Finacea).
  • Low-strength AHAs — glycolic or lactic acid under 10% — are generally fine and gently speed cell turnover.
  • Mild botanicals — licorice (glabridin), low-strength kojic acid, arbutin and bearberry — have some evidence and are generally safe in over-the-counter strengths.

Avoid in pregnancy (and while breastfeeding for some):
  • Hydroquinone — the standard lightening agent, but absorbed enough and with limited pregnancy data, so it is avoided. Many over-the-counter 'fairness' creams contain it, sometimes unlabelled.
  • Retinoids — tretinoin, retinol, retinaldehyde, adapalene and tazarotene are vitamin-A derivatives linked to birth defects. Read anti-ageing labels carefully.
  • High-strength salicylic acid — above 2%, and peel concentrations, are avoided; low amounts in cleansers are fine.
  • Strong steroid creams without supervision, and all unregulated skin-lightening creams (Melalite, Eldoquin, and especially combination creams like Tri-Luma, which pairs hydroquinone, tretinoin and a steroid).
  • Mercury-containing 'fairness' products — sold illegally in some markets, genuinely dangerous, and never safe. Mercury can damage your kidneys and nerves and harm your baby's development. Avoid any unlabelled product from an unverified seller.

Our full list of skincare ingredients to avoid in pregnancy goes deeper. The same gentle approach helps if you are also dealing with breakouts — see managing pregnancy acne safely.

A simple daily routine. Morning: gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturiser for your skin type, then generous broad-spectrum SPF 30-50; reapply through the day. Evening: gentle cleanser to remove sunscreen and oil, niacinamide serum, moisturiser; azelaic acid or a low-strength glycolic acid a few nights a week if your dermatologist agrees. Skip harsh scrubs, face brushes and at-home microdermabrasion. Consistent gentle care plus rigorous sun protection is the whole strategy during pregnancy.

Treatments for Melasma After Delivery

After delivery — and after breastfeeding for the agents that require it — stronger options open up for melasma that has not faded. Treatment usually combines topical creams, in-clinic procedures and continued sun protection. Our dedicated guide to melasma treatment options in India covers these in detail; here is the overview.

First-line topical treatments (postpartum):

  • Hydroquinone 2-4% is the standard prescription cream, used at night for 3-6 months with breaks (brands: Melalite, Eldoquin). Effective but needs supervision because long-term overuse can cause irritation or, rarely, paradoxical darkening (ochronosis). Not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Tretinoin 0.025-0.1% improves cell turnover; it irritates at first and increases sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is essential. Not used while breastfeeding.
  • The Kligman combination (hydroquinone + tretinoin + a low-strength steroid, branded Tri-Luma) is highly effective for short courses under close supervision. Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Azelaic acid 20%, vitamin C and niacinamide can continue, and are safer for long-term use.
  • Tranexamic acid — topical (2-5%) or, for resistant cases, a prescription oral course over 12-24 weeks — is increasingly used and effective, but needs medical supervision and is not suitable for everyone.

In-clinic procedures (usually 3-6 months postpartum or after breastfeeding):
  • Chemical peels (glycolic, lactic, mandelic or salicylic acid) in a series of 4-6 sessions, roughly Rs 2,000-7,000 each. Good for surface melasma, less so for deep pigment.
  • Microneedling, sometimes paired with tranexamic acid or vitamin C, around Rs 3,000-10,000 a session.
  • Lasers — low-energy Q-switched Nd:YAG 'toning' protocols are common and avoid the rebound darkening that higher energies can cause (around Rs 3,000-15,000 per session, often 8-12 sessions). Pico lasers are an option; fractional lasers and IPL are used cautiously in deeper skin because of the real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Laser choice in Indian skin is a specialist decision.

Realistic expectations. Improvement typically takes 3-6 months to show. A complete cure is uncommon; 60-90% lightening is a more realistic target, and most women need ongoing maintenance — lifelong sun protection, reduced-dose topicals, and avoiding triggers (including hormonal contraceptives, which can worsen melasma). First-year costs can run Rs 10,000-50,000 or more, and insurance rarely covers it because melasma is treated as cosmetic. Plenty of women decide the time, cost and upkeep are not worth it and choose to live with their melasma or simply camouflage it with makeup — an entirely valid choice.

Seeing a Dermatologist: What to Expect and Where to Go

A dermatologist is the right person for significant melasma or other pigmentation concerns — during pregnancy for safe management, and afterwards for active treatment.

Where to go in India. Most large hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Manipal, Max, Cloudnine, Motherhood, AIIMS, ESIC and government medical colleges) have dermatology departments; consultations run roughly Rs 500-2,000 privately and are free or low-cost at government and ESIC hospitals. Skin-clinic chains (such as Kaya, Berkowits and many qualified independent clinics) and online platforms (Apollo 24/7, Practo, MFine) offer consultations from about Rs 300-2,000.

Choosing well. Pigmentation and melasma are a subspecialty interest — not every dermatologist treats them equally. Ask about their melasma experience, the treatments they offer (including laser, if recommended) and typical outcomes, and check reviews or trusted referrals.

The first visit usually covers a detailed history (when the pigmentation started, family history, pregnancy details, sun exposure and prior treatments), a facial examination (sometimes with a Wood's lamp), skin typing, baseline photographs and a discussion of options. Bring a list of your current skincare and medications, your pregnancy history and your specific questions, and take notes.

The plan during pregnancy focuses on the safe basics — sun protection, gentle care, safe actives (vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid), and makeup if you want it — while postponing aggressive treatment. A postpartum follow-up at 3-6 months (or after breastfeeding) reviews how the melasma has changed and begins active treatment, typically combining topicals and in-clinic procedures over several months, with reviews every 4-8 weeks. Budget for several thousand rupees per visit privately, plus medications and procedures; a year of active treatment can run Rs 20,000 to over Rs 1 lakh. Government dermatology costs far less but may have longer waits and fewer cosmetic services. Choosing a lower-cost route — over-the-counter actives, sun protection and makeup, accepting partial improvement — is just as legitimate as investing in fuller treatment.

Other Pregnancy Pigmentation: Linea Nigra, Areolas, Folds

Beyond the face, several other changes are common and almost always harmless.

Linea nigra. This dark vertical line runs from the navel to the pubic bone in most pregnant women, usually most prominent in the third trimester and fading over 6-12 months after birth. It is simply the natural midline of the abdomen darkening under hormonal influence — more obvious in deeper skin and in later pregnancies. No treatment is needed; if it persists strongly past a year, the same topicals used for melasma can help. (If your bump also feels tight and itchy, see our guide to an itchy, stretching pregnancy belly, and our advice on preventing and treating stretch marks.)

Areola and nipple darkening. The areolas and nipples darken markedly, thought to help your newborn locate the breast. They lighten after delivery and weaning but rarely return fully to their original shade, and the areola may stay slightly larger. No treatment is needed. Do not use lightening creams here, especially while breastfeeding, as your baby could ingest residue.

Genital pigmentation. The vulva and surrounding skin can darken, and the vagina may look bluish-purple early on (Chadwick's sign) from increased blood flow. This usually fades after delivery; treatment is only considered postpartum, under guidance, if it is genuinely distressing.

Skin folds. Underarms, groin, neck and the skin under the breasts can darken (acanthosis nigricans when marked). Because fold darkening can be linked to insulin resistance, ask your obstetrician about gestational diabetes screening if you have not had it — the OGTT is usually done at 24-28 weeks (see gestational diabetes screening and diet in India). Treat folds gently — avoid hard scrubbing, which worsens them — with mild AHAs and niacinamide now, and retinoids only postpartum.

Moles, freckles, scars. Existing marks often deepen, and most of this reverses after birth. But pregnancy can also change or grow moles, and rarely these changes are early melanoma. Use the ABCDE check — Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6 mm, Evolving — and have any mole that meets these signs assessed promptly. Melanoma in pregnancy is rare but serious and needs urgent care. Darkened old scars usually improve postpartum; stubborn ones respond to standard scar treatments later.

The reassuring frame: these changes are overwhelmingly normal and benign, most fade after delivery, and the right approach in pregnancy is gentle care plus sun protection, with any active treatment saved for afterwards.

The Cultural and Emotional Side of Skin Changes

The pressure around skin colour in India is real, and it is worth naming honestly. The preference for lighter skin runs through matrimonial ads, family expectations and a vast 'fairness' cream market (Fair & Lovely is now Glow & Lovely, but the demand is unchanged). Pregnant women often field colourist comments — 'you've become so dark since your pregnancy' — at exactly the moment they are most physically and emotionally stretched.

The honest framing: this preference is a cultural and colonial inheritance, not a measure of health or beauty, and the industry that profits from it actively keeps the pressure alive. The melasma and darkening you may be seeing are normal responses to pregnancy and the sun — not flaws, and nothing you need to apologise for.

Practical ways to navigate it:

  • Name the comments for what they are — embedded prejudice, not real observation. You can set a gentle, firm boundary: 'My skin changes are a normal part of pregnancy and my doctor says they're temporary. I'd rather not discuss my appearance.'
  • Do not reach for harsh lightening creams to silence comments — they are unsafe in pregnancy, and no amount of social pressure justifies the medical risk.
  • Use makeup if you want to for specific occasions — a full-coverage foundation matched to your natural tone, a peach or apricot colour-corrector to neutralise brown patches, and a setting powder will camouflage melasma effectively. A short tutorial or session with a makeup artist teaches the technique quickly.
  • Lean on your partner. Most partners are supportive once they understand you would rather not focus on it, and can deflect comments from their side of the family.
  • Let your doctor's advice do the talking. 'The dermatologist said to wait until after breastfeeding' carries weight in family conversations, and it happens to be correct.

If the comments are genuinely wearing you down — especially in the tender postpartum months when family may push you to 'get back to normal' — that distress is valid and worth support. Perinatal mental-health professionals understand exactly this pressure; our guide to anxiety versus depression in pregnancy is a place to start. Body-positivity and skin-acceptance communities in India are growing too, and offer a very different, kinder story. Your skin is carrying the marks of growing another human being — and many women experience a real pregnancy glow alongside these changes. That story is worth honouring, in whatever shade it comes.

When to See a Doctor

Most pregnancy pigmentation is normal and needs no urgent care, but a few situations do.

See a dermatologist urgently if:

  • A mole grows quickly, develops an irregular border or multiple colours, bleeds, ulcerates or becomes asymmetric — to rule out melanoma.
  • A new pigmented spot has concerning features, or any skin lesion is bleeding, ulcerating or not healing.
  • Widespread pigmentation appears suddenly and does not fit the usual pregnancy pattern.
  • Darkening comes with other symptoms (marked fatigue, weight changes, hair changes) that could point to a hormonal or systemic cause.

Arrange a review within a few weeks if:
  • Melasma is causing you real distress and you want a management and postpartum plan.
  • Pigmentation keeps worsening despite sun protection and gentle care.
  • New or worsening darkening appears in skin folds (ask your obstetrician about gestational diabetes screening if you have not had the OGTT).
  • You simply want guidance on pregnancy-safe skincare.

At routine antenatal visits, mention any skin changes to your obstetrician. They may not manage melasma directly but will check for anything concerning and can refer you on.

A dermatologist's pregnancy advice will centre on rigorous sun protection, gentle care with safe actives (vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid), avoiding unsafe ingredients and harsh lightening creams, makeup if you want it, and planning active treatment for after delivery — typically at a 3-6 month postpartum follow-up. Consultations range from free at government hospitals to about Rs 2,000 privately. The goal is reassurance, a clear plan and realistic expectations — well worth it when melasma is weighing on you.

Indian Pregnancy Skin Myths, Corrected

Myth: Fairness creams during pregnancy will prevent or cure melasma

  • False and harmful. Most over-the-counter fairness creams contain ingredients unsafe in pregnancy — higher-strength hydroquinone, retinoids like tretinoin, some steroids, and in unregulated products, mercury. Using them in pregnancy can harm your baby and is medically inappropriate.
  • The safe approach is gentle care with safe actives (vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid), rigorous sun protection, and no lightening products. Active melasma treatment — hydroquinone, retinoids, peels, lasers — is postponed to after delivery and breastfeeding. The pressure to 'fix' melasma now is cultural, not medical, and following it with unsafe products causes real harm.

Myth: The dark line on the belly (linea nigra) means something is wrong

  • False. The linea nigra is a normal pregnancy change affecting most women, especially those with deeper skin, caused by hormones darkening the natural midline of the abdomen.
  • It usually fades substantially over 6-12 months after delivery without any treatment. It signals no medical problem and needs nothing during pregnancy. If it lingers strongly past a year, dermatological treatments exist — but most women find it fades well on its own.

Myth: Drinking saffron (kesar) milk makes the baby fair-skinned

  • False. Your baby's skin colour is set by genetics and has nothing to do with foods eaten in pregnancy. The belief that saffron, coconut water or dahi promote a 'fair' baby is folklore without medical basis.
  • Saffron is a pleasant flavouring with some traditional uses, but it does not change your baby's complexion. Repeating the belief only feeds a harmful colourist preference. Your baby will be whatever shade their genes determine — and every shade is equally beautiful and healthy.

Myth: Sunscreen in pregnancy is unnecessary or harmful for the baby

  • False. Sunscreen is the most important step for preventing melasma and is safe when you use the right products — mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or chemical filters with safer profiles (preferably skipping oxybenzone).
  • India's intense sun combined with pregnancy hormones is exactly what drives the high melasma rates here. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied generously and reapplied every 2-3 hours outdoors, plus hats, sunglasses, umbrellas and UPF clothing, substantially reduces melasma. Start the habit now and keep it for life.

Frequently asked questions

Will my pregnancy melasma go away after delivery?

Often, at least partly. Roughly a third of women see their facial melasma improve substantially within a few months of delivery, a third improve partly, and a third have melasma that persists and needs active treatment. Breastfeeding can prolong it because of continued hormonal effects. Body changes like the linea nigra and darker areolas usually fade more reliably over 6-12 months. Rigorous sun protection during and after pregnancy gives you the best chance of fading.

Which skincare ingredients are safe for melasma during pregnancy?

Vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid and low-strength AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid under 10%) are considered safe and can help, alongside daily broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoid hydroquinone, retinoids (tretinoin, retinol, adapalene), high-strength salicylic acid, strong steroids and all unregulated fairness creams. When unsure about a product, check with your dermatologist before using it.

Is sunscreen really safe to use while pregnant?

Yes. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are barely absorbed and are the safest choice in pregnancy. Most chemical sunscreens are also considered safe, though some women prefer to avoid oxybenzone. Sunscreen is the single most important step for preventing and limiting melasma, so daily use of SPF 30-50 is strongly recommended throughout pregnancy.

Why is melasma more common in Indian women?

Two reasons combine. Indian skin is usually Fitzpatrick type IV or V, which makes melanin more readily and develops pigmentation more easily. And India's sun is very strong — UV index reaches extreme levels for much of the year. Pregnancy hormones prime the pigment cells, and strong UV then triggers them, producing the high melasma rates seen here.

Can hormonal birth control after delivery worsen melasma?

It can. Oestrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives can trigger or worsen melasma in some women, much as pregnancy does. If you have had significant pregnancy melasma and are choosing contraception afterwards, mention it to your doctor — non-hormonal options or progestogen-only methods may be worth discussing, alongside continued sun protection.

Is it safe to colour my hair or have facials while pregnant?

Most modern hair dyes are considered low-risk in pregnancy, especially after the first trimester and with good ventilation; see our guide on colouring your hair while pregnant for detail. For facials, choose gentle, hydrating treatments and skip strong peels, retinoid-based facials and at-home microdermabrasion. Always tell the salon or clinic you are pregnant so they can adjust products.

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