Hello and thank you for your question… and congratulations on your pregnancy! Hormonal pigmentation is common during pregnancy. Unfortunately many topical and in-clinic treatments are not safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Lamelle’s Luminesce Brighter Day, Cleanser and SPF are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Luminesce used twice daily for 8 weeks will reduce the appearance of age spots and is safe for use on all skin types unlike traditional skin lightening cosmeceutical products as well as prescription medications. A fantastic treatment and SPF protection make-up to use is Lycogel Camouflage Make Up which offers great cover with 30SPF. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, there are many in-clinic treatments available to reduce the signs of melasma such as combination treatments of chemical peels, carboxytherapy and laser.
To avoid or minimise melasma:
· Avoid sun exposure and wear a protective hat when outdoors for extended periods to further block these rays.
· Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to block the UVA rays every day to help prevent melasma.
· In addition your sunscreen should also contain an anti oxidant as this stops free radicals which cause pigmentation.
· At least 5 mls of sunscreen should be applied daily to the face and neck twice a day to prevent melasma.
· Taking an oral anti oxidant supplement such as Ovelle or Heliocare daily is clinically proven to raise one’s level of resistance to the sun and also helps to reduce the melanin content in the skin down the line.
· As melasma is a dynamic condition and needs to be managed daily and indefinitely, one day of unintentional sun burn can set you back.
The following is a list of skin care ingredients to AVOID due to worsening melasma pigmentation and dark spots:
· oestradiol, oestrogen, genistein ,black cohosh, chasteberry, hops, red clever, soy, wild yams.
