Have you noticed your skin changing since you found out you were pregnant? If you’ve been quietly searching for answers about melasma pregnancy, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not imagining things.
For many new mums and mums-to-be, melasma becomes an unexpected guest during pregnancy. It’s a skin condition marked by brown or blue-gray dark patches . Sometimes subtle, sometimes not. It tends to show up right when you’re already navigating so many emotional and physical shifts. It’s so common, in fact, that it’s often called the “mask of pregnancy.“
Melasma is caused by an overproduction of melanin (your skin’s natural pigment), driven by hormonal changes that are completely normal during this time. While the condition is harmless and often fades on its own, it can still feel confronting when you’re already feeling stretched — literally and emotionally.
But what happens if melasma doesn’t fade after birth?
That’s why we offer Halo laser, a highly effective treatment that gently targets pigmentation at its source.
If you’re interested in learning more about Halo Laser then visit our treatment page to learn how much it costs, how long it takes, and the benefits.
While it’s not recommended during pregnancy, Halo laser can be a transformative option for women ready to address lingering melasma once their baby is born and the time feels right for them.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
- What melasma is and how it shows up during pregnancy
- Why it happens, and how your hormones play a role
- What you can safely do during pregnancy to care for your skin
- The post-pregnancy options available including Halo laser if melasma sticks around
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So let’s begin with the question that’s likely on your mind right now: What exactly is melasma — and what does it look like during pregnancy?
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that appears as brown, grey-brown, or bluish patches on the skin, most commonly across the face.
Often flat and freckle-like, these patches typically develop on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, and upper lip. While it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common during pregnancy due to significant hormonal shifts, earning it the nickname “the mask of pregnancy.”
But what exactly causes these changes?
It all comes down to melanin. The pigment responsible for your skin colour. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, especially increases in estrogen and progesterone, stimulate the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to produce excess melanin.
The result?
Localised darkening in certain areas, often made more visible by sun exposure. These changes can appear gradually or more suddenly depending on your skin type, sun exposure, and hormonal sensitivity. So why does it appear during pregnancy?
Why does Melasma form during Pregnancy?
Melasma patches usually emerges in the second trimester or third trimester, but for some women, it can appear earlier. It’s completely harmless — not itchy, painful, or dangerous — but it can have an emotional impact, especially when it appears on the face.
While melasma often fades postpartum, especially with sun protection and hormone stabilisation, some cases can persist.
Understanding what melasma is and how it relates to your pregnancy is the first step toward feeling more in control of your skin again. You’re already adjusting to a body that doesn’t quite feel like your own and now, your skin is changing too.
For many women, the experience of pregnancy melasma feels like one more unfamiliar shift in a time already full of new emotions, sensations, and responsibilities. Maybe you’ve caught yourself layering on more concealer than usual
Understanding why this is happening can be the first step in feeling more at ease with it. In the sections below, we’ll explore what melasma looks like, how common in pregnancy it really is, and who’s most likely to experience it. You’ll also learn what’s happening beneath the surface of your skin and how pregnancy hormones play a starring role.
So what does melasma actually look like — and how can you tell if that’s what you’re seeing?
What Does Melasma Look Like During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy melasma, also called chloasma or the “mask of pregnancy,” shows up as patches of brown, grey, or freckled pigmentation.
Most often across the face such as on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip. Some might notice them on their arms or chest as well. The patches are flat, not raised, and might resemble large freckles or soft, shaded areas that deepen in the sun.
So now that you know what it looks like, the next question is; what parts of your body are most likely to be affected? We briefly touched on melasma on the face, but does it appear elsewhere? Let’s find out.
Where on the Body Does Pregnancy Melasma Usually Appear?
After noticing the first patch, it’s completely natural to start scanning your skin, wondering if more will appear and where. That sense of uncertainty is something many pregnant women share, especially when melasma feels like it’s arriving without warning.
While melasma is most common on the face it’s not always limited to those areas. Other areas of the body include:
- Arms
- Neck
- and upper chest
What these areas all have in common is sun exposure.
Melasma tends to develop on parts of the body that get the most light, so it’s worth paying attention to how your skin responds to even short bursts outdoors.
But how many women actually experience this — and how normal is it really?
How Common Is Melasma for Expectant Mums?
One of the most comforting things to hear when your skin starts changing during pregnancy is this: you’re not the only one.
The “mask of pregnancy” is far more of a common skin condition than many women realise. Yet it’s rarely talked about until it shows up on your own reflection.
Studies estimate that between 15% and 50% of pregnant women will develop melasma at some point during their pregnancy. The numbers vary depending on your skin tone, genetic background, and environmental exposure.
But across the board, it’s incredibly common, here are the stats:
- Affects 15% to 50% of pregnant women.
- Affects 1.5% to 33% of the general population.
- Most common between ages 20 and 40.
In fact, melasma affects up to a third of the general population in some regions, but it’s most strongly associated with hormonal changes, especially in women between the ages of 20 and 40. It’s because of these hormonal changes that it overlaps closely with typical childbearing years.
Knowing you’re not alone can bring relief, but also raise more questions. If so many women get melasma, why do some develop it more noticeably than others? What increases your personal risk?
Who’s Most Likely to Develop Melasma While Pregnant?
You may be wondering why you, specifically, are seeing these changes.
Why now? Why you?
These are common, often unspoken questions that sit quietly under the surface as you notice new changes in your reflection.
Melasma doesn’t affect everyone equally and certain skin types, genetic factors, and hormonal sensitivities make some women more likely to develop it.
Women with medium to darker skin tones such as:
- Latina
- Asian
- Middle Eastern
- African
- and Mediterranean
Are more prone to melasma because they naturally have more active melanocytes — the cells responsible for producing pigment.
Genetics also play a significant role.
If your mother, sister, or other close relatives experienced melasma during pregnancy, you’re more likely to develop it too.
Hormonal triggers are another major factor. Pregnancy is an obvious one, but women who take hormonal contraceptives or undergo hormone therapy are also at increased risk. That’s why melasma is overwhelmingly more common in women accounting for around 90% of all cases.
If you’re ticking some of these boxes, it’s not a sign that something’s wrong. It’s simply your skin responding to what it perceives as normal signals. And knowing that you fall into a higher-risk group might help you feel more prepared and less blindsided by those first pigment changes.
But what’s actually happening underneath the surface when these patches begin to show?
Symptoms of Melasma | What Happens Beneath the Surface of Your Skin?
What you see on the surface is only part of the story. When melasma appears, it can feel like it’s suddenly arrived out of nowhere, but underneath your skin, there’s a lot more going on.
Your skin is made up of three main layers:
Melasma originates in the epidermis, where cells called melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour.
During pregnancy, rising levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone stimulate those melanocytes, causing them to create more melanin than usual.
This overproduction leads to the darkened patches that show up as melasma.
The process is amplified by sun exposure, which acts as a trigger for these already-overactive pigment cells. Even heat and visible light can contribute.
Depending on how deep the pigment travels into the layers of the skin, melasma can be more or less visible, and more or less stubborn to treat.
That’s why understanding the how behind melasma is so important: it isn’t just a surface-level issue, and treatment often requires more than just a topical cream.
So what is it about pregnancy that causes this sudden increase in melanin activity?
Why Does Pregnancy Trigger Melasma?
By now, you know hormones play a major role, but pregnancy doesn’t just flick a hormonal switch. It creates a complex, ongoing wave of internal changes that affect everything from your mood to your skin. When it comes to melasma, this hormonal activity acts like a loudspeaker for your pigment-producing cells.
During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels rise steadily to support your growing baby. But these same hormones also stimulate melanocytes — the skin cells responsible for melanin production — into producing more pigment than usual. While this is the most well-known cause, there’s more to the story.
Pregnancy also increases blood flow and skin sensitivity, making your skin more reactive to light, heat, and even mild itchy skin or irritation. This heightened sensitivity means that everyday exposures, like stepping outside without sunscreen, can make melasma more likely to show up or become darker.
Increased levels of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) also occur during pregnancy, and while not often discussed, MSH plays a direct role in darkening certain areas of the body, including the areolas, the linea nigra on the belly, and yes, patches on the face.
Together, these changes create a perfect storm for pigmentation. One that’s entirely natural but often frustrating.
Are there different types of melasma , and does the kind you have change how you treat it?
The Different Types of Melasma You Might See
As we mentioned earlier, there are three main types of melasma:
- Epidermal melasma: This type sits in the outermost layer of the skin and usually appears as dark brown patches with well-defined edges. It’s more responsive to topical treatments and can be seen clearly under a special dermatological light.
- Dermal melasma: This goes deeper, into the middle layer of skin (the dermis). It shows up as light brown, blue-grey, or faded-looking patches with blurred borders. Because the pigment lies deeper, it tends to be more stubborn and less responsive to creams alone.
- Mixed melasma: The most common type, mixed melasma presents characteristics of both epidermal and dermal types. Patches can vary in colour and depth, and treatment may require a more layered approach.
Understanding which type of melasma you have can help guide your next steps. Some cases fade naturally after pregnancy, while others benefit from professional support like tailored laser treatments.
Should you be worried that these spots are something more serious?
Is Melasma a Sign of Complications or Something Serious?
It’s one of the first fears that often bubbles up quietly — is this something more than just pigmentation? Could it be something serious? If you’ve found yourself Googling in the middle of the night, looking for reassurance, you’re not alone.
The good news is that melasma, even when it shows up suddenly or spreads during pregnancy, is not a sign of cancer or any other serious illness. It’s classified as a benign skin condition, meaning it won’t harm your health or your baby’s. It doesn’t itch, doesn’t bleed, and won’t become dangerous over time.
That said, melasma can sometimes mimic other skin conditions, including forms of skin cancer, especially when the patches are irregular or appear in uncommon areas.
This is why it’s always a good idea to have any new or changing skin pigmentation assessed by a qualified provider.
A dermatologist can usually make a diagnosis with a visual examination to better understand the pigment’s depth.
So while melasma itself isn’t serious, it’s worth treating seriously, especially if you’re feeling unsure or anxious about what you’re seeing.
And once it appears, will it stay for good?
Will This Go Away or Stay Forever?
You’re probably wondering if this will disappear after your baby arrives. The truth is, melasma can behave differently for every woman.
In many cases, it begins to fade on its own within a few months after giving birth, especially as your hormone levels begin to rebalance and sun protection becomes part of your routine. This is more likely if your melasma is mild and mostly on the surface layers of the skin.
However, for some women, the pigmentation can linger, or even deepen, long after pregnancy. This is particularly true for those with deeper dermal melasma, or if sun exposure continues to trigger pigment production. Even subtle things like heat, inflammation, or ongoing hormone use (such as contraception) can keep melasma active.
What’s important to know is this: melasma is manageable. And if it doesn’t fade on its own, you don’t have to live with it forever. Safe, effective options like our Halo laser treatment are available after pregnancy to help restore your skin’s natural balance and even skin tone.
Now that we understand what melasma is, why it happens during pregnancy, and the types and severity that occurs – it’s time to look at treatment.
Safe and Soothing Ways to Treat Melasma in Pregnancy
Treating melasma lesions while you’re pregnant can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to care for your skin, but you’re also thinking about what’s safest for your baby. The truth is, during pregnancy, treatment options are limited.
Most dermatologists recommend a gentle, preventative approach, focusing on sun protection, barrier-safe skincare, and emotional reassurance.
However, if your melasma doesn’t fade on its own after pregnancy, that’s when it’s time to consider more advanced options.
And among them, Halo laser stands out as the most effective treatment for melasma available today.
What is the Best Treatment for Pigmentation (Melasma)?
Let’s walk through the most common melasma treatments, from the most effective long-term option to the gentlest interventions you can start now.
1. Halo Laser (post-pregnancy only)The gold standard in melasma treatment, Halo laser uses both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to target pigmentation at multiple skin depths. It’s especially effective for dermal or mixed-type melasma that hasn’t responded to peels or creams. With minimal downtime and dramatic results, it’s our top recommendation once your baby has arrived and you’re ready to treat your skin with real impact.
2. Microneedling and Chemical Peels (post-pregnancy)These professional treatments stimulate skin renewal and can improve the appearance of superficial pigmentation. Chemical Peels exfoliate the top layers of skin, while microneedling creates micro-injuries that encourage collagen production and cell turnover. While helpful, these options are usually best for epidermal melasma and are often combined with other therapies.
3. Topical Treatments (safe with medical guidance)Prescription creams like hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids can gradually lighten pigmentation over time. Some over-the-counter options may include ingredients like azelaic acid or kojic acid. These can be useful but require consistency and patience — and results may be limited for deeper pigmentation.
No matter which path you choose, daily sun protection is non-negotiable. UV exposure can undo progress and trigger new pigment activity. But what exactly is Halo?
Introducing Halo the Melasma Laser Treatment
Halo is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser, meaning it delivers both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in a single treatment.
In simple terms?
It treats both the surface pigmentation and deeper dermal damage at once, without the intense downtime of traditional lasers. This makes it ideal for targeting melasma, especially mixed or dermal types that don’t respond well to creams or peels.
It’s also one of the best skin tightening treatments, and a great laser treatment for fine line & wrinkles!
At our Brisbane clinic, we often see new mums come to us months after giving birth, feeling ready to reclaim their skin and confidence. For them, Halo offers results that are not only visible — but empowering. It’s not just about fading spots; it’s about feeling like yourself again.
So while pregnancy is a time for gentleness and patience, it’s reassuring to know that a powerful, proven option like Halo is waiting — for whenever you’re ready.
Take a look at our HALO before and afters:
When to Reach Out for Help with Melasma
You’re unsure if it’s worth bringing up at your next appointment. Here’s when it matters most: when you feel uncertain, uncomfortable, or simply want answers.
Melasma isn’t dangerous, but it can impact how you feel in your own skin and that alone is reason enough to speak to someone.
If you’ve noticed discolouration or pigmentation that seems to be spreading or deepening. And if you just want to confirm that it’s melasma and nothing more serious, a dermatologist can offer clarity and peace of mind.
They’ll assess your skin, rule out other causes, and guide you through what can (and can’t) be done safely during pregnancy.
As we’ve explored in this guide, melasma is common, especially during pregnancy. It’s triggered by normal hormonal changes and often fades with time. But in cases where it doesn’t there are effective treatment options available.
We’ve covered everything from what melasma is, why it happens, how to manage it gently, and what to expect after your baby arrives. Most importantly, we hope this guide has helped you feel informed, reassured, and less alone.
When you’re ready, know that there’s a proven path forward. Our skin clinic’s Halo laser treatment is the most advanced and effective way to target melasma at its root. Especially the deeper, more stubborn pigmentation that often lingers post-pregnancy.
If you’re ready to feel confident in your skin again, we’re here to help you take that next step whenever the time feels right for you.
Book a consultation today and let’s talk about your journey, your goals, and whether Halo is the right fit for you.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459271
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-melasma
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidermis
