What should you know about dark spots during pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones can stimulate pigment-producing cells. Patchy brown or grey-brown colour on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or nose may fit [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/). Darkening can also follow acne, eczema, shaving, or another irritation, known as [Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation](/conditions/post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation/). The distribution, texture, symptoms, and timing matter more than colour alone.

Protect exposed skin from sunlight with shade, clothing, and a pregnancy-appropriate sunscreen chosen with your clinician or pharmacist. Keep products gentle, avoid picking, and pause new strong lightening products unless a qualified professional confirms they are suitable during pregnancy. Mention every cream, supplement, and procedure before using it. Cosmetic procedures such as a [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/) or [Picosecond Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/picosecond-laser-treatment/) may need to wait or be individually reviewed.

Ask for a prompt examination if one mark grows quickly, bleeds, crusts, hurts, becomes raised, or has an uneven border or mixed colours. Seek medical advice as well for widespread change with significant itching, blistering, swelling, or a new rash. Pregnancy does not make every skin change hormonal, so unusual features deserve a proper look.

Does this pattern fit melasma or pigment after irritation? Which sunscreen and skincare ingredients are suitable at my stage of pregnancy? Should treatment wait until after delivery, and what warning changes should I monitor?