How to Lighten Skin After Pregnancy: Safe & Effective Natural Remedies

Pregnancy takes its toll on the body in many ways, yet while back pain and midnight cravings are openly discussed, women tend to shy away from talking about their melasma.

This condition, which is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”, causes patches of skin to darken in color, giving the skin a blotchy appearance.

Why does this happen and how can you lighten your skin after your pregnancy? Read on – we’ve got the answers!

Dark Spots From Pregnancy: Why Do Some Women Experience Skin Discoloration & Darkening From the First Trimester Onwards?

Melasma can develop anywhere on the face or body. While it’s most commonly seen on the forehead, cheeks, and nose, it also frequently appears on the arms, legs, underarms, and groin area.

But what causes melasma to occur in the first place? 

This is where it gets tricky – nobody really knows. While experts agree that it’s related in some way to pregnancy hormones, no one has yet deciphered exactly which hormone is responsible for the condition.

Either way, while melasma can affect any woman, studies have found that it’s more common in those who naturally have increased pigmentation in their skin, meaning those with darker skin tones [1].

However, there’s also a genetic aspect to it – if your mother or grandmother suffered badly from melasma, then chances are that you’ll be affected too.

How to Lighten Skin After Pregnancy: Safe Remedies and Treatment Options for Melasma & Hyperpigmentation on Hands, Legs, Belly, and Bikini/ Pubic Area

Now that you’ve given birth, you probably aren’t too bothered about what caused your melasma – instead, your focus is likely on how to lighten your skin to even out its color. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take – combine them together for faster results:

UV Protection to Stop Your Color Changes From Getting Worse

First and foremost, make sure that your skin, particularly the discolored areas, is constantly protected from the sun’s rays. UV rays will only end up darkening those darkened areas, even more, making them harder to lighten.

Not only should you be keeping your skin protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, but go the extra mile with long clothing and sun-protecting accessories too.

Try Turmeric and Lemon Juice on Your Dark Stomach and Dark Armpits

How to lighten skin after pregnancy with some natural ingredients? A great natural remedy for hyperpigmentation is a mix of turmeric and lemon juice. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid that has skin lightening properties.

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Turmeric contains an antioxidant called curcumin, which also lightens the skin. Together, the two produce real results.

To use, mix one tablespoon of turmeric with a quarter cup of lemon juice. Apply this to your discolored skin and then rinse off after 20 minutes.

If you don’t have time to do this (and who could blame you, with a new baby to care for!) but like the sound of the ingredients, simply purchase a skin lightening cream that contains citric acid and/or curcumin.

Here are some of the most effective skin brightening products.

Whiten Groin and Lighten Nipples With Baking Soda

Baking soda’s bleaching effects make it a popular ingredient for whitening both the skin and the teeth. Simply mix a small amount with some water to form a paste.

Add in a few drops of lemon juice too to amplify the effects. Then, apply this to your darkened skin before rinsing it off after 15 minutes.

Exfoliation is a Great Remedy for Treating Brown Spots on the Inner Thighs

The inner thigh area can be particularly sensitive, meaning that it’s sometimes best to avoid using home remedies on the skin here. However, one technique that can make a difference is exfoliation.

Exfoliation removes the top layer of skin cells, many of which will be discolored cells. It also encourages the skin to produce new, evenly colored skin cells at a much faster rate. By regularly exfoliating, you’ll speed up how quickly your dark spots naturally fade.

Lighten Crotch, Genital Area, and Other Sensitive Parts With Aloe Vera Gel

It’s generally not advisable to use too many ingredients around the genital area. However, one that’s perfectly safe is pure aloe vera gel.

Aloe vera contains several compounds, such as aloin and aloesin, that destroy pigmented cells while preventing the skin from producing even more melanin [2].

You can use the gel as a mask, meaning leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off, or use it as a body lotion. Either way, stick with it and it’ll soon lighten your melasma.

Try a Natural Nipple Bleaching Cream – Before and After Results are Impressive

We’ve seen some fantastic before and after testimonials about nipple bleaching creams.

However, while it may be tempting to immediately reach for a whitening cream once you’ve given birth, you’ll need to hold off until you’re done breastfeeding unless you go with an all-natural formula that contains baby-safe ingredients.

FAQ:

Q: Why is my skin so dark after pregnancy?

Pregnancy can cause a skin condition known as melasma, which leads to dark patches developing on the skin.

Q: Why do underarms get dark on a pregnant woman?

Dark underarms during pregnancy are attributed to a condition called melasma.

Q: Will my dark skin go back to normal after pregnancy?

Yes, if your skin darkened during pregnancy, it will go back to normal afterward.

Q: How can I lighten my belly after pregnancy?

Use a combination of natural skin lightening ingredients and techniques, such as those mentioned above, to lighten your belly after pregnancy.

Q: How to prevent/ how to avoid pigmentation during pregnancy? 

Staying out of the sun and making sure that you’re taking all of the necessary vitamins will help you to avoid pigmentation during pregnancy.

Q: How to lighten your private area naturally fast?

Exfoliation combined with natural skin lightening ingredients will quickly lighten your private area.

Q: Could I use a skin bleaching cream for pregnancy mask?

Yes, but, if you’re still breastfeeding, make sure that it contains ingredients that won’t harm your baby.

Q: My skin is glowing – am I pregnant? Is this a reliable early pregnancy symptom?

Glowing skin usually comes about in the second trimester. If your skin has suddenly developed an unexplained glow and you suspect that you may be pregnant, speak to your doctor.

Q: How do you keep glowing skin after pregnancy?

To lighten skin after pregnancy, make sure that you’re eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and following a solid skincare routine.

Q: How to lighten skin when pregnant?

There are a few natural remedies that you can use to lighten your skin when pregnant. Try a mixture of turmeric and lemon juice, or apply aloe vera gel.

Q: Are creams for whitening safe for pregnant women?

Some are and some aren’t – it all depends on the ingredients used. Fully research each one before applying the cream to your skin.

If you are not pregnant, you can try some of the products that contain glutathione powder for skin whitening as well.

Conclusion: Say Goodbye to Pregnancy-Induced Pigmentation

When it comes to melasma, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Even better, all of those darkened areas of skin will soon fade back to normal on their own over time, even with no intervention on your part.

However, if you’d like to speed the process along a bit, keep the above tips in mind – you’ll soon have a light and even skin tone once again!

ALSO READ: Do Glutathione Suppositories Work?

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2807702/
[2] https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0031-1298406