I never knew a skincare issue like Hyperpigmentation existed until I became pregnant with my kids. I knew about the condition because I noticed the skin changes on pregnant women but I didn’t research it or give much thought to it. Hyperpigmentation descended upon me whilst pregnant about 5 years ago, and then I started to experience it real life.
At first, I thought it would all disappear after delivery, but then it didn’t. Then I thought it surely go away within a few months, once I was done with breast-feeding, but it didn’t. It reduced months after delivery but it did not completely go away until my twins were around 3 years old. So it literally took me over 3 years to get my skin tone back. Can you imagine that?
For those who have never experienced Hyperpigmentation, this skincare issue occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain spots on the skin. So for me, that was on my entire face and my neck. It occurs as a result of hormonal influences, and 90% of pregnant women experience it. Women with darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation.
So you have a clear picture of what I am on about, here are some pictures for you to compare.
Before Pregnancy
During Pregnancy
After Pregnancy
As you can see in the before, during and after pictures, my skin experienced significant changes during and after pregnancy. I must confess, I found the changes hard to deal with. I expected my skin to bounce back weeks after childbirth but it didn’t and I didn’t like the way I looked.
At first, I tried to ignore it and carry on as normal, thinking it was one of those hormonal imbalances that would just correct itself but it didn’t. So I decided to take matters into my own hands.
How I Dealt with my Hyperpigmentation
Suncream
I started paying more attention to my skincare. I made sure I applied as much sunscreen as required, and stayed out of the sun.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating once a week with the right products helped. Getting rid of the dead skin helped to brightened up my facial skin.
Skincare Products
I explored various skincare products and fell in love with quite a couple. I recently reviewed this Vitamin C Ultra Brightening Serum by The Hero Project, and it is really good. I apply it every morning and it does the trick. Another great serum is the KOSE Sekkisei Emulsion. It also contains Vitamin C, and other amazing ingredients.
Food Supplements
Food supplements have also helped my skin greatly. I am a huge fan of Well Woman and BioCare Supplements. Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to poor skin health. Food Supplements that may help improve skin health and appearance include:
- Antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E
- Vitamins B3 and B5
- Evening Primose Oil
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zinc
My skin is still not back to what it was 100% but it is getting there. If you suspect that you are dealing with hyper pigmentation, I would recommend you see a dermatologist for professional advise. Don’t be like me and leave it to go on for years.
Have you ever struggled with hyperpigmentation? How did you deal with it?
Yes, I have PCOS and hyper pigmentation comes with the territory. I call mine, my built in contour, cause it is on my cheeks where I contour when I wear make up.
Ah yes. A natural contour.
Lots of info I didn’t know about! The wife always make it her aim to Exfoliate at least once a week as well!
Oh good that she does that.
Oh wow do you know I have never noticed this in you – pregnancy can really take it’s toll on the skin…I have a whole load of other problems with I’m still dealing with!
Yea I conceal it very well..
I have to say i have never noticed it at all in your pictures before!
I do a good job of concealing it 😊
I had read about hyperpigmentation during my pregnancy but wasn’t effected by it. I had no idea it could take that long for skin to start recovering. It makes me think I should pay a bit more attention to my skin x
I didn’t know it could take that long too until I experienced it x
I had this before I had children really badly across my whole forehead…a fringe worked wonders. Oddly it went away when I got pregnant with my first, when in theory it should have exacerbated it
Oh wow. I can never fully understand these changes.
Love this post!! Very relatable for me
Literally just set up my own blog today and would love some support xx
Thanks. Will have a look x
I like the pictures that you have used 🙂 xoxo
Thanks a lot.
Lots of great information here Stella. I had not hear of this before but it was a while ago I had my children so I can not remember if my skin was different. I love adding more vitamin C into my diet, especially in Winter.
Yea Vitamin C helps a lot. Thanks Claire.
This is really, really helpful – I have a friend going through this right now with her third pregnancy and she’s at her wits end. I know she has a dermatologist appointment but I’m going to send her this post, there’s some great information here.
Glad you found it helpful Kate.
I am not sure if I have hyper-pimentation but I know that my skin is particularly bad at the moment. I have red patches, dark spots but my skin also looks pale and lifeless at the moment. Then again I have been very unwell lately so that probably has an impact as well. Hope that the supplements and vitamins help!
Thanks Ana. I hope yous sorted Ana too!
This is not something I have experienced thankfully but I can understand why it would make you self conscious – you look glowing in your pregnancy pics
Thanks Kara xx
I’ve never ever heard of this before, but I am so glad it’s getting better for you. I think your skin looks so beautiful by the way! And in all your pictures, before and after you look stunning.
Thanks a lot Chloe xx
I had this around my mouth… it’s going now. I, too, use the vit C brighter from The Hero project. I really like their products x
The serum is so good x
It’s strange how our bodies change so much during our lives and what makes them do it. Thanks for the ideas
Yes it is. Thanks Steph.
You look gorgeous
Thank you.
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