What is Pregnancy Glow And Pregnancy Mask?

What is pregnancy glow and pregnancy mask?

As a result of the increase in steroid hormones and the pigment cells we call “melanocytes” during pregnancy, many changes occur in the form of cracks in the abdomen and outer part of the hips, dark lines on the midline of the abdomen, and redness in the palms, including the pregnancy glow. So, what is the Pregnancy glow, What is the Pregnancy mask?

What is pregnancy glow, What is pregnancy mask?

There are multiple events that occur during pregnancy that lead to a pregnancy glow, one of which is skin discoloration. With the effect of estrogen and MSH hormone rising in the blood, a slight darkening occurs on the skin due to the increase in pigment. Thus, a more attractive and pinkish cheek appearance is formed.

Another reason for the pregnancy glow is the increased blood flow to the skin. This is due to the effects of estrogen and progesterone hormones. There is an increase in vascularity in all subcutaneous tissue. The reddish appearance reflected on the face, cheeks and lips creates the glow of pregnancy.

Another pregnancy change that causes a radiant appearance is the increase in subcutaneous fluid. Thus, the facial skin becomes taut and glowing.

We also see an increase in elastin and collagen. Both contribute to the taut and radiant appearance of the skin.

We call this state of the facial skin, which turns pink with increased blood flow, slightly darkened with increased pigmentation, brightened with increased subcutaneous fluid, and tightened with increased elastin and collagen.

Most women experience more or less the pregnancy glow early in their pregnancy. Already in ancient times, when ultrasound was not widely available, one of the signs of a woman’s pregnancy was that the pregnancy glow became noticeable.

Pregnancy glow, which becomes evident after the 3rd month of pregnancy, leaves its place to a darker color change and a somewhat edematous facial appearance due to the increase in pigmentation towards birth.

This extreme form of darkening is called pregnancy mask or melasma. Aside from getting beautiful, melasma is seen as a cosmetic problem for women. In other words, that attractive appearance at the beginning of pregnancy can be replaced by an unwanted appearance, melasma, in the last months of pregnancy. Melasma is seen in 1 in 4 pregnant women.

This appearance slowly fades after pregnancy. Its regression takes 1 year, but it does not disappear completely. In some women, the hyperpigmented, dark and stained areas that remain on the skin after pregnancy may require dermatological treatment. It is possible to get rid of these unwanted spots with creams containing hydroquinone, peeling or laser.