Age spots during pregnancy: causes and solutions

When Marina was pregnant for the first time, age spots or a “mask of pregnancy” appeared on her face. Being pregnant for the second time, she protected herself from the sun and was able to avoid the appearance of age spots. Here is her story.

UVA RAYS: AND AS IN THE WORDS AGING (“AGEING”) AND ALLERGY

UVA rays, which reach the surface of the earth all year round and even through clouds, make up 95% of all ultraviolet radiation. They penetrate clouds, glass and the epidermis. Unlike UVB rays, they act painlessly, however, they penetrate very deep into the skin and reach the dermis cells. The rays provoke the synthesis of free radicals, and their effect is felt afterwards:

  • photoaging: a change in the direction of elastin and collagen fibers, as a result of which the skin loses its elasticity, wrinkles appear;
  • hypersensitivity to the sun, more commonly called allergies (redness, itching, summer sun dermatitis);
  • pigmentation disorders (pregnancy mask, age spots);
  • skin cancer.

SITUATION

Marina, why did you have a “pregnancy mask”?

Since I have blond hair and eyes, I never thought that she could appear. But I was wrong and I realized this when I went to Spain in the fourth month of pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS

When exactly did the “pregnancy mask” appear?

In the morning I woke up and saw a brown line above the upper lip, like from coffee. But I did use sunscreen! Then an extensive “pregnancy mask” appeared on my face! She did not disappear throughout the pregnancy and even several months after the birth of the child. Last year I got pregnant for the second time. And this time I followed all the recommendations of the doctor!

SOLUTION

What?

I have addressed to the dermatologist. She said that the “pregnancy mask” was due to hormonal changes and that I should be especially careful at the beginning of my pregnancy. She strongly recommended avoiding the sun and wearing a hat, using an SPF 50 cream, and wearing dark glasses – that is, using every possible protection. I followed the advice, and the “pregnancy mask” did not appear for me.

UVB RAYS: B AS IN “BURNS” OR “BRONZED SKIN”

UVB rays make up 5% of all ultraviolet that reaches the earth’s surface. They contain a large amount of energy, and some of them are blocked by clouds and glass. These rays can penetrate the epidermis. Thanks to them, people not only sunbathe, but also burn, allergies appear, and skin cancer can develop. That’s why it’s important to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

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