Mum Glow or Melasma? How To Tackle Post-Pregnancy Pigmentation
TL;DR
- There are an array of treatments available to remove pigmentation from pregnancy, ranging from lasers to creams
- Most of these treatments are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Resolution of postpartum pigmentation is possible with consistent sun protection and treatments
Table Of Contents
Pregnancy often brings a radiant glow, but along with postpartum hair loss, postpartum pigmentation is another change new mothers experience. Pigmentation conditions like melasma affect up to 50% of women during or after pregnancy.
Known as the “mummy mask”, it is triggered mainly by hormonal shifts that result in dark, patchy spots on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, chest, etc.
If you’re struggling with postpartum melasma, don’t fret – here are some treatments that can help you regain your confidence.
How To Treat Postpartum Melasma
Below are the most effective options for postpartum melasma treatment at SL Aesthetic Clinic; these solutions help lighten pigmentation, brighten skin tone, and reduce the visible effects of melasma.
Cosmelan Peel
- What it is: A two-part depigmentation peel designed to reduce melanin production and lighten stubborn pigmentation.
- How it works: Cosmelan inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis. It helps target both superficial and deep pigmentation, making it highly effective for melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other blemishes.
- Treatment looks like this: Treatment is split into two parts – in the first part, we will apply a Cosmelan cream mask (usually left on for 4 to 8 hours, depending on your skin type). Part 2 of the treatment involves using a daily maintenance cream for 6 months.
- Results: Brighter, more even-toned skin within 1-4 weeks, with a visible reduction in brown patches.
- Cost & Downtime: From $1400; expect mild peeling and redness for several days. Results can last with maintenance and proper sun care.
Cosmelan Peel treatment is compatible with all skin types. We carry the new Cosmelan Peel treatment which not only corrects pigmentation but comes with anti-ageing benefits too, like collagen production. Our price is inclusive of the Cosmelan home protocol.
Find out more about Cosmelan Peel.
Cysteamine Whitening Cream
- What it is: A topical cream used to reduce melasma pigmentation that’s suitable for long-term management.
- How it works: Cysteamine decreases melanin production while also reducing oxidative stress, which plays a crucial role in skin pigmentation.
- Treatment looks like this: Apply the cream once daily and wash off 15 minutes after using mild soap and water. Finally, apply moisturiser after drying.
- Results: Lightening of dark spots within six weeks of use, with continued improvements over 8-12 weeks.
- Cost & Downtime: $250 per tube, no downtime. It may cause a temporary burning sensation or redness that goes away in 30 minutes and with sufficient moisturisation.
Cysteamine Whitening Cream can be used regardless of sun exposure and is suitable for all skin tones. That said, regular use of sunscreen is vital when it comes to dealing with postpartum melasma.
Find out more about Cysteamine Whitening Cream.
Ethosome Gold PTT (Photothermal Therapy)
- What it is: A proprietary 3rd generation Ethosome Gold PTT treatment that uses gold nanoparticles to target and reduce melasma at a deeper level.
- How it works: By working in tandem, ethosomes*, photothermal therapy (PTT), and gold nanoparticles help disrupt the melanin clusters responsible for pigmentation without damaging the surrounding tissue.
- Treatment looks like this: Your doctor will apply 3rd Generation Ethosome Gold PTT serum onto your skin. Thereafter, they will use a laser to trigger the release of active ingredients into the deep layers of your skin.
- Results: Noticeable improvement in pigmentation after a few sessions, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
- Cost & Downtime: $250 to $500 per treatment. It is recommended to do 5-10 treatments, each 2-4 weeks apart. Treatment is done with the use of Pico or long pulse lasers, and is gentle with minimal discomfort.
Apart from targeting melasma, different types of Ethosome Gold PTT treatment also helps stimulate collagen production, targets acne-causing bacteria, and reduces the appearance of scars, offering a holistic brightening result for the skin.
Find out more about Ethosome Gold PTT.
*Tiny particles that deliver active ingredients through the skin.
Glass Skin Customised Skinbooster
- What it is: A customised skin-rejuvenating treatment that targets an array of skin conditions, including pigmentation.
- How it works: A blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and peptides is injected into the skin, helping to lighten dark spots and improve overall skin texture. Specifically, tranexamic acid (TXA) helps block melanin production and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
- Treatment looks like this: Your doctor will numb your skin and then deliver your customised skinbooster via microinjections deep into your skin. The procedure is quick and involves little discomfort.
- Results: Smoother, radiant skin with reduced pigmentation in 1-2 weeks and progressive results in the few months following therapy.
- Cost & Downtime: $600-900 per session. Typically, it involves three sessions spaced a month apart and maintenance sessions every six months. Mild swelling or redness might occur for 1-2 days.
Glass skin customised skinboosters not only help to reduce melasma but also improve overall skin health. They’re great for reducing the appearance of pigmentation, pores, acne, and other skin concerns. If you have combination skin and/or want to tackle multiple issues at once, this could be a great option.
Find out more about Glass Skin Customised Skinbooster.
Hydroquinone Depigmentation Cream
- What it is: A prescription-strength topical cream known for reducing melasma symptoms by decreasing melanin production. It can also help with freckles, sun spots, PIH and Becker’s Nevus.
- How it works: Hydroquinone blocks melanocyte (cells that produce melanin) activity, thereby reducing the appearance of existing dark spots.
- Treatment looks like this: You’ll apply the cream to affected areas once or twice daily and follow up with a good sunscreen during the day.
- Results: Visible improvements in about four weeks, with more results in the months following consistent use.
- Cost & Downtime: 15g of Hydroquinone costs $80. Treatment involves regular use for 3-6 months. Allergic reactions to Hydroquinone occur but are very rare.
Find out more about Hydroquinone.
Pico Laser
- What it is: Quick bursts of laser energy shatter pigmentation into smaller fragments whilst the skin’s natural healing processes are triggered to remove these broken-down particles, leading to clear, rejuvenated skin.
- How it works: Short pulses of laser energy shatter melanin clusters beneath the skin’s surface, lightening pigmentation over time. Pico refers to a picosecond (one trillionth of a second).
- Treatment looks like this: Your doctor will pass the laser over your skin, targeting pigmentation areas with short bursts of energy. Treatment is quick with minimal discomfort.
- Results: Visible improvement in skin tone after a few sessions, with no downtime and minimal side effects. With regular sunscreen use and maintenance, pigmentation should not recur.
- Cost & Downtime: $350-500 for mild to severe melasma. 4-6 treatments, in intervals of 2-4 weeks. Possible minimal redness and mild dryness for 1-2 days.
Find out more about Pico Laser.
RF Gold Microneedling
- What it is: A combination of radiofrequency (RF) energy and microneedling designed to improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation.
- How it works: Tiny gold-plated needles deliver RF energy into the skin, promoting collagen production whilst breaking up melanin clusters.
- Treatment looks like this: In a session every 2-6 weeks, your doctor uses a microneedling device with gold-plated needles to deliver RF energy into your skin.
- Results: More even, smoother skin after a few sessions.
- Cost & Downtime: Prices begin at $399; mild redness or swelling for 1-2 days might occur.
Find out more about RF Gold Microneedling treatment.
Oral Tranexamic Acid
- What it is: Originally used to treat excessive bleeding, tranexamic acid has been found to reduce melasma by targeting abnormal blood vessels that contribute to pigmentation.
- How it works: Regular oral tablets prevent abnormal melanin production, resulting in lighter skin over time.
- Treatment looks like this: You’ll take a prescribed tranexamic acid dosage daily for oral therapy. Treatment works with other therapies like Pico Laser or RF microneedling.
- Results: Significant reduction in melasma with consistent use of oral tranexamic acid.
- Cost & Downtime: One 500 mg tranexamic acid tablet costs $1.50. No downtime is required, but treatment requires strict compliance.
Oral Tranexamic Acid is more suitable for those with moderate to severe melasma. This solution is not suitable for breastfeeding women.
Find out more about Oral Tranexamic Acid
Can I Treat Postpartum Melasma While Pregnant?
Most pigmentation treatments are safe to undergo during pregnancy; however some exceptions apply. For example, injectables are usually not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to advise better.
How Long Does Postpartum Hyperpigmentation Last?
Melasma varies from person to person—some women find their pigmentation fades naturally within 6-12 months, while others deal with it for years or longer.
Consistent treatment and strict sun protection are crucial for managing melasma in the long term. A daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF50+ is essential, as it protects against UV rays and blue light that can aggravate pigmentation.
Conclusion
Postpartum melasma is a common but treatable condition. Whether you choose creams or lasers, the path to clearer skin is within reach.
What path should you take? It’s simple—Consult with your doctor before starting any treatment to ensure it’s the most effective, safe plan for both you and your baby.
Ready for your radiant mummy glow-up? Contact us today.
