What should you know about melasma treatment during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes can bring on or deepen facial melasma during pregnancy. The patches are usually flat and can appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Care is focused on controlling triggers and avoiding unnecessary exposure to medicines or procedures whose pregnancy suitability has not been confirmed. Mention every prescription, over-the-counter product, supplement, and cosmetic treatment to your obstetric clinician and dermatologist.

A new facial mark should still be assessed if it is raised, scaly, painful, bleeding, or unlike the surrounding pigmentation. [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/) can resemble other causes of [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/), so diagnosis should not be assumed from colour alone.

Use the sun protection recommended by your clinician, seek shade, wear a hat, and reduce direct exposure to strong light. Choose a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, and stop products that sting or cause persistent redness. Do not start a pigment-lightening medicine, peel, microneedling session, or laser treatment without pregnancy-specific advice. Procedures such as [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/) and [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/) can be revisited after pregnancy when appropriate.

Ask for review if the pigmentation changes quickly, develops a new texture, or causes pain, bleeding, crusting, or intense itch. Contact your care team promptly after accidental use of an unapproved product or a reaction such as facial swelling, blistering, or widespread rash. Bring the product packaging or a photograph of its ingredients.

Ask which sunscreen and skincare ingredients are suitable for your pregnancy, whether a product should be stopped while breastfeeding, and whether a planned procedure can wait. Confirm how to handle an accidental application and which symptoms need urgent assessment.