Help! How to fade dark spots after pregnancy

We know how eager new moms can be to bounce back to their former selves. Suddenly that cute baby bump is now just flabby skin, and gosh -- will these dark spots on my face ever fade?

For new moms, understanding what to expect from your postpartum skin can be challenging and confusing. If you're suffering from splotchy skin, here's everything you need to know about fading pesky hyperpigmentation!

"Help -- What are these dark patches on my face?"

Dark spots on face during pregnancy, also known as melasma or "the mask of pregnancy" will fade a few months after delivery as your hormones return to base level. Soon, the extra melanin that made your nipples, freckles and linea nigra (the dark line that runs down your belly) appear extra dark during pregnancy will return to normal as well.

But for fair-skinned Mamas or those with especially dark hyperpigmentation, melasma after pregnancy can be embarrassing -- or at the very least, a bit of an annoyance. Don't worry, mom! There are ways to help reduce your dark spots on face after pregnancy.

"How do I minimize my dark spots?"

Like with all skincare, it takes great ingredients and consistent application to make a visible change. Depending on your beauty philosophy or whether you're breastfeeding, how you minimize skin discoloration or dark skin after pregnancy is up to you.

• Be consistent. Most skin lighteners need to be applied once or twice a day for maximum effectiveness.
• Start early. Topical skin brighteners usually take a few months to work, so if you're experiencing melasma early on, use a mask of pregnancy treatment that will be safe for you & baby while you're expecting.
• For breastfeeding or green beauty lovers, look for toxin-free brighteners like vitamin C or licorice extract.
• If you're not breastfeeding and looking for the strongest topical lighteners, opt for formulas with hydroquinone or niacinamide (again, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should opt for toxin-free formulas only. Both hydroquinone and niacinamide are not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.)
• Stay out of the sun, and use SPF 30+...religiously. Hyperpigmentation is exasperated with sun exposure, so slather on the SPF and find a good hat that you can work into your everyday wardrobe. (Note: skin brighteners often increase sun sensitivity, so it's doubly important to protect your face from further UV damage.)

Have you experienced melasma? What remedies have helped you fade your dark spots? Leave a comment below!

Please note this article is not meant to, and does not substitute the advice of a medical professional. If you have any concerns, please consult with your doctor.