Post-Pregnancy Melasma: Why Does ItAppear and How Can It Be Managed?

Everlast WellnessEvents & News, Women’s Health No Comments

Have you noticed dark patches appearing on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip during or after pregnancy?
Melasma is a common form of acquired hyperpigmentation that often appears as symmetrical brown or grayish patches on the face. Hormonal changes, including those that occur during pregnancy, can contribute to melasma, while sun and light exposure, genetics, and skin type may
also play a role.
The important thing to know is that melasma can often be improved, but it may return.
Managing it usually requires more than a single brightening treatment it involves identifying triggers, choosing an appropriate treatment plan, and maintaining the results over time.

5 Things You Should Know About Post-Pregnancy Melasma

1. Melasma is not simply a superficial dark spot.
It can involve increased activity of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, so
treatment needs to address pigmentation appropriately.
2. Hormones are not the only factor.
Pregnancy can trigger melasma, but sunlight, visible light, genetics, and other factors may also
contribute.

3. Darker skin types may require extra care.
Irritation from an overly aggressive or unsuitable treatment may increase pigmentation in some people.
4. Sun protection is part of treatment.
Even after pigmentation improves, continued exposure to sunlight and light may contribute to recurrence.
5. The goal is not always permanent removal.
A more realistic goal is to reduce the appearance of melasma, control it, and maintain
improvement for as long as possible.

What Exactly Is Melasma?

Melasma is an acquired disorder of skin pigmentation.
It usually appears as symmetrical dark patches on areas of the face such as:
• The cheeks
• The forehead
• The upper lip
• The nose
• Other facial areas
It develops when melanocytes become more active and produce increased amounts of melanin.
But why does this happen?
Melasma usually does not have just one cause.
Several factors may interact, including:
Hormonal changes + sun and light exposure + genetic predisposition + skin type.

Why Does Melasma Appear During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy causes significant hormonal changes in the body.
These changes may affect melanocyte activity, which is why some women notice new dark
patches or increased pigmentation during pregnancy.
This is why melasma is sometimes called the “pregnancy mask.”
After delivery, pigmentation may gradually become less noticeable in some women.
However, melasma can persist in others, particularly when triggers such as sun exposure remain present or when there is an underlying predisposition to pigmentation

Is Every Dark Spot After Pregnancy Melasma?

No.
This is an important distinction.
Not every dark patch that appears after pregnancy is necessarily melasma.
Other forms of pigmentation can occur following inflammation, acne, skin irritation, or other causes.
That is why appropriate treatment starts with identifying the type of pigmentation first.
This matters because a treatment that is suitable for one type of pigmentation may not be
appropriate for another

Why Can Melasma Be Difficult to Treat?

Melasma can be a recurring condition.
The pigmentation may improve for a period of time and then become more noticeable again.
This does not necessarily mean that treatment has “failed.”
New or ongoing triggers may contribute to recurrence, including:
• Sun exposure.
• Light exposure.
• Hormonal changes.
• Skin irritation.
• Inconsistent home care.
• Using unsuitable skincare products.
For this reason, melasma often requires long-term management, rather than focusing only on short-term skin brightening.

Frequently Asked Questions About Post- Pregnancy Melasma and Cosmelan

Q1:Does Pregnancy Melasma Go Away After Delivery?
A: It may improve in some women, but it can persist in others. Hormonal changes, sun
exposure, skin type, and other factors can influence how long the pigmentation remains.
Q2: Does Cosmelan Permanently Remove Melasma?
A: Permanent removal cannot be guaranteed. Treatment may improve the appearance of
pigmentation in some patients, but recurrence remains possible.
Q3:Can Cosmelan Be Used on Darker Skin?
A: It may be appropriate for some patients, but careful assessment and protocol selection are important. The goal is to improve pigmentation while minimizing unnecessary irritation.
Q4:Can Melasma Be Treated While Breastfeeding?
A: It depends on the ingredients included in the treatment protocol. The professional and home- care products should be reviewed with a physician before treatment begins.
Q5:Can I Wear Makeup After Treatment?
A: It depends on your skin condition and your physician’s instructions. If the skin is irritated or peeling, you may be advised to avoid certain products until the skin barrier has recovered.
Q6: Do I Still Need Sunscreen After Melasma Improves?
A: Yes. Sun protection remains important even after pigmentation improves. Environmental triggers can contribute to recurrence.
Q7: Does Every Dark Facial Spot Need Cosmelan?
A: No. Treatment should depend on identifying the type and cause of pigmentation first, followed by selection of the appropriate treatment plan

The Bottom Line: Managing Melasma Starts With Understanding the Cause

Post-pregnancy melasma can be associated with hormonal changes, but it is not simply a
hormonal condition.
Sun exposure, visible light, skin type, genetic predisposition, and skin irritation can all
influence pigmentation and its recurrence.
That is why the best starting point is not necessarily searching for the “strongest brightening
cream” or the “fastest treatment.”
It is understanding the pigmentation, assessing the skin, and building an appropriate
treatment and maintenance plan.
At Everlast Wellness Medical Center in Abu Dhabi, pigmentation treatment begins with an
assessment of the skin and the nature of the concern before an appropriate protocol is selected.
The goal is not simply to make the skin look lighter, but to develop a thoughtful approach to managing pigmentation while supporting the skin barrier and reducing factors that may
contribute to recurrence.
Individual results may vary. Consultation required.

Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Timeline & Treatment Options

Everlast WellnessEvents & News, Hair, Women’s Health No Comments

Postpartum Hair Loss: Is It Normal?

Noticing more hair than usual on your pillow, in the shower, or on your hairbrush after
giving birth can be alarming. However, increased hair shedding after pregnancy is common
and is usually temporary.
Postpartum hair loss is commonly associated with telogen effluvium, a temporary form of
diffuse hair shedding that can occur after major hormonal or physical changes.
During pregnancy, higher estrogen levels keep more hairs in the active growth phase for
longer. After delivery, estrogen levels fall, and more hairs gradually enter the resting phase
of the hair cycle. The result is increased shedding that usually becomes noticeable several
weeks to a few months after childbirth.
For most women, the shedding gradually improves and hair density returns over time.
Important: Not every case of postpartum hair loss is caused by hormonal
changes alone. Persistent shedding, progressive thinning, or patchy hair loss may
require medical assessment to identify other contributing factors.

Key Facts About Postpartum Hair Loss

How Is It Evaluated?
Clinical assessment ± scalp trichoscopy
The doctor may use scalp examination and trichoscopy to evaluate the pattern of hair loss
and look for other causes.
Are Blood Tests Always Needed?
Not necessarily
Blood tests may be recommended when the medical history or examination suggests
nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, anemia, or another contributing condition.
Is It Permanent?
Usually not
Postpartum shedding is generally temporary, and hair growth gradually returns as the hair
cycle normalizes.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
If shedding is prolonged, severe, progressive, or associated with other symptoms
Persistent hair loss may indicate another condition that needs evaluation.

What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?

Hair naturally moves through a continuous growth cycle consisting of three main phases:
1. Anagen – Growth Phase
This is the active growth stage of the hair follicle. Most scalp hairs are normally in this
phase.
2. Catagen – Transition Phase
During this short phase, the follicle gradually reduces its growth activity.
3. Telogen – Resting Phase
The hair follicle enters a resting period before the old hair is released and eventually
replaced by a new growing hair.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes—particularly increased estrogen—keep more hairs
in the growth phase and reduce normal shedding.
After childbirth, estrogen levels decline. As the hair cycle adjusts, a larger number of hairs
move into the resting phase. The hairs do not necessarily fall out immediately; shedding
becomes noticeable later, which explains why postpartum hair loss often appears months
after delivery rather than immediately after childbirth.

The Postpartum Hair Cycle Explained

When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?

The timing varies, but a common pattern is:

Postpartum hair shedding commonly begins around three months after delivery and is
usually temporary. Cleveland Clinic notes that the shedding may last several months,
while hair fullness generally returns by around the baby’s first birthday for most people.
Individual recovery can vary.

Is Postpartum Hair Loss Always Just Hormonal?

No.
Although hormonal changes are a major factor, other conditions can contribute to hair
shedding or make recovery take longer.
Possible contributing factors include:
• Iron deficiency or anemia.
• Thyroid disorders.
• Inadequate nutritional intake.
• Significant physical or emotional stress.
• Rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting.
• Female pattern hair loss.
• Certain medications.
• Scalp disorders or inflammation.
For this reason, persistent or unusual hair loss should not automatically be attributed to
postpartum hormonal changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is postpartum hair loss permanent?
A: Usually, no.
Postpartum telogen effluvium is generally temporary. As the hair cycle normalizes, new
hair growth gradually replaces the hairs that have been shed. Most women eventually
regain much of their previous hair fullness.
Q2: When does postpartum hair loss usually start?
A: It commonly becomes noticeable a few months after childbirth. Many women notice
increased shedding around the third month, with shedding often reaching its peak around
the fourth month.
Q3: How long does postpartum hair shedding last?
A: The active shedding phase often lasts several months. Hair density then gradually
improves as new growth develops. Many women notice substantial recovery during the
first postpartum year.
Q4: Will biotin stop postpartum hair loss?
A: Not necessarily.
Postpartum telogen effluvium is primarily related to changes in the hair-growth cycle
following pregnancy. Biotin supplementation is not a universal treatment for postpartum
shedding, particularly when there is no documented deficiency.
Q5: Do I need blood tests?
A: Not necessarily.
Many cases of telogen effluvium can be assessed clinically. Blood tests may be
recommended when the doctor suspects contributing factors such as iron deficiency,
anemia, thyroid disease, or another nutritional or medical issue.
Q6: Can trichoscopy diagnose postpartum hair loss?
A: Trichoscopy can be a useful tool for examining the scalp and hair shafts and distinguishing
between different patterns of hair loss. However, diagnosis should consider the clinical
history and physical examination as well.
Q7: Can I use hair-loss medication while breastfeeding?
A: Do not start hair-loss medication during breastfeeding without discussing it with your
healthcare provider. Some hair-loss medications are not recommended during
breastfeeding, so the specific treatment must be reviewed individually.
Q8: Does every woman experience postpartum hair loss?
A: Postpartum shedding is very common, but the degree of shedding varies considerably
between women. Some notice only a mild increase in hair fall, while others experience
much more noticeable shedding