Why does my upper body become darker after pregnancy?

I believe that many women will slowly find that their skin is getting darker after pregnancy, especially on the upper body. This situation is also called pigmentation. Sometimes some women will also have some spots. These are pregnancy spots that will only appear during pregnancy. They are caused by too many melanocytes. This common phenomenon has brought troubles to many women. Now let us explore the mystery of pregnancy spots.

Chloasma of pregnancy will appear on a woman's face 3-5 months into her pregnancy and will gradually fade away after delivery. Due to the influence of estrogen and progesterone, the number of activated melanocytes increases significantly. Therefore, as the pregnancy progresses, pregnancy spots, mainly pigmentation and freckles, will appear under the eyes. Moreover, obvious pigmentation will form in areas where melanin is concentrated. The white line in the center of the abdomen will turn brown, and it is not uncommon for black to appear around the nipples, areolas, and armpits.

Melanocytes are not only activated by hormones, but also greatly increase in number due to external stimuli such as ultraviolet rays.

After pregnancy, due to the increase in the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, the areola may also have pigmentation, making the areola and nipple appear darker and darker. This is actually a normal skin change during pregnancy and will gradually disappear after delivery. In addition to freckles on the face and darkening around the nipples, darkening of the skin during pregnancy also occurs on other parts of the body such as the neck, armpits and abdomen. The deposition of pigments makes these parts look like they have not been washed clean, dark and even have some lines, which makes pregnant mothers feel embarrassed.

Expectant mothers don’t need to be too nervous. Darkening of the body after pregnancy is a common symptom and it is not a sign of disease. Many expectant mothers will have obvious improvements after the end of pregnancy, or they can apply some skin care products that can lighten the spots. Aloe vera gel and other products are very effective and can lighten stretch marks.