Dark Spots: Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy and its Effects on skin!

Embarking on the miraculous journey of pregnancy brings joy, but it can also unveil unexpected changes in your complexion. Melasma, known as the "mask of pregnancy," create dark patches on your skin, a consequence of pregnancy-related hormonal fluctuations that stimulate pigment-producing cells. In this article, we unravel the secrets behind these skin transformations and explore how NIVEA’s LUMINOUS630 routine can help you embrace your radiant glow throughout this transformative phase.

What is hormonal imbalance?

Hormones play an extremely important role in your body. They are responsible for communication between the systems and organs inside you - which is why they are often called the body's messengers.

Today, science knows of 50 different hormones, the right amount of which is essential for the healthy functioning of the body. If your body produces more or less of any one of these hormones, the delicate balance can be disrupted and affect normal function.

What is the mask of pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the hormonal balance can be upset, which can disrupt the skin's pigmentation processes. Another name for the resulting melasma is mask of pregnancy.

The appearance of melasma is a natural, harmless condition that appears in some cases as small freckles and in others as larger, darker spots. It mainly appears on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

Why does hormonal imbalance cause dark spots?

During pregnancy, hormonal imbalance is a major factor in the appearance of black patches. Melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, can be stimulated by the increase in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone:

Progesterone amplifies the effects of estrogen and encourages the expansion of blood vessels, which further contributes to the development of melasma and dark patches on the skin.
Estrogen stimulates the activity of melanocytes and increases the synthesis of melanin, resulting in darker pigmentation.
The delicate process of melanin synthesis can be upset by fluctuations in these hormone levels during pregnancy, which can result in an excess of pigment in some parts of the skin.

How to treat dark spots caused by hormonal imbalance?

Pregnancy mask-related dark spots usually start to fade after delivery, however, if the condition doesn't fade quickly enough or you want to use a treatment during pregnancy, there are multiple options to choose from. There are certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12, C, and E that may have potentially skin brightening effects – however, the level of their effect is still subject to debate. While some people achieve the desired effect with laser therapy, chemical peels or microdermabrasion, there are now non-invasive, gentle, cosmetic solutions.

NIVEA's LUMINOUS630® routine range makes dark spots fade faster and is also suitable for pregnant women, so you don't have to worry about harming yourself or your baby. You can incorporate the use of LUMINOUS630® products into your morning and evening skincare routine, and for best results, you should use them twice a day.

The product range includes an anti-dark spot serum solution, NIVEA LUMINOUS630® Even Glow Concentrated SERUM, NIVEA LUMINOUS630® Even Glow Day Fluid SPF50 for a full-day care, LUMINOUS630® Even Glow Night Complexion Care for skincare and regeneration while you sleep, and LUMINOUS630® Anti-Dark Circles Eye Treatment Cream for youthful skin around the eyes. When you use these products together, they reduce the appearance of spots caused by pregnancy- and menopause-related hormonal factors and help decrease their reappearance to restore the skin's natural radiance. Spots begin to seem lighter in 2 weeks, and their severity might decrease by up to 50% in 8 weeks.

Dr Kholod’s testimonial on how NIVEA LUMINOUS630® can treat dark spots caused by hormonal imbalance

“LUMINOUS630® is a patented ingredient of the NIVEA Even Glow Serum. Because of it, my skin tone is balanced again, and my dark spots reduce within 2 weeks.”

FAQ

What increases Skin Pigmentation?

Dark spots on your skin may be caused by melanin-overproduction as a result of multiple factors, including inflammation, excessive sunlight exposure, aging, or hormonal imbalance caused by pregnancy or menopause.

How long does it take for Hyperpigmentation to fade?

Dark spots due to hyperpigmentation are a temporary condition, but the process of fading can last for months or, in some cases, years. Using the NIVEA LUMINOUS630® Routine range you can expect results much earlier: in 2 weeks, spots are visibly lightened and in 8 weeks spots intensity is reduced by up to 50%.

Is NIVEA LUMINOUS630® a sunscreen?

NIVEA's LUMINOUS630® Routine includes LUMINOUS630® Even Glow Day Fluid with SPF50, however these products offer much more than sun protection, including the visible reduction and prevention of dark circles, the decongestion of tired eyes, the increase of cell renewal and regeneration of the skin, moisturizing care, and much more.