✓ Skin pigmentation

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What is increased skin pigmentation?

The rise of the skin pigmentation - or hyperpigmentation - is one of the many transformations in the body caused by the hormonal changes implicit in a pregnancy (eg: increase in estrogen and MSH, the hormone that stimulates melatonin). This change can manifest itself with the appearance of small imperfections, dryness of the skin, moles, angiomas and / or stretch marks and, in fact, changes to the natural color of the skin.

The areas affected by the increase in skin pigmentation are mainly the mammary areolas genital skin, armpits, the pinner thigh art and cute periombelicale.

The phenomenon is very common and can even be found in 90% of pregnant women. Usually hyperpigmentation and blemishes they disappear by themselves in the months immediately following the birth.

Types of pigmentation and spots

Among the typical effects of hyperpigmentation there is the so-called "linea nigra", a strip of darker skin about half a centimeter wide that forms in the median part of the abdomen, from the navel to the pubis. Armpits, groin sores, and freckles can also be subject to color changes towards darker shades.

Localized dark spots on the upper lip, cheekbones and forehead belong to the phenomenon called melasma or chloasma or pregnancy mask, a browning characterized by patches on the skin with irregular, clear, brown margins, which involve the face in a symmetrical manner in correspondence with the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin and branches of the jaw.

Prevention

Among the best ways to prevent the appearance of spots on the skin there is certainly the photoprotection, that is the protection of the skin from the sun's rays through the use of special creams. Particularly suitable a photo protector +50, especially for the face area. To further reduce the risks, it is a good idea to wear hats and seek shelter from direct sunlight, at least during the hottest hours of the day.

Also ensure the body the right amount of Vitamin D - essential for the absorption of sunlight by the skin - it is an excellent way to combat the formation of skin blemishes. Therefore, a diet that includes fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines), egg yolks e yogurt.

Drink a lot of water, cleanse the skin and apply face masks and / or nourishing creams are other behaviors useful for the purpose.

SOURCES: Ministry of Health; Dermodonna.com

Questions and answers

Hyperpigmentation: What is it?

It is the increased pigmentation of the skin, i.e. the appearance of darker areas on the skin.

How is skin pigmentation increased?

Protecting the skin from the sun (sunscreen and suitable clothing), hydrating the body and getting plenty of Vitamin D.

Which parts of the body are affected by increased pigmentation during pregnancy?

The areas affected by the increase in skin pigmentation are mainly the mammary areoles, the genital skin, the armpits, the inner part of the thighs and the periumbilical skin.

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