The pregnancy mask

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:16

Hormones don't just influence our moods. Our skin also undergoes many changes and, among the surprises that pregnancy has in store for us, there is chloasma.

What is the pregnancy mask?

Chloasma (or melasma) is better known by the charming nickname “pregnancy mask”. In reality, it is hyperpigmentation, manifested by brown or grayish spots, usually located on the forehead, around the eyes or the mouth.

These pigmented and irregularly shaped plaques usually appear between 4^e and 6th month pregnancy. Indeed, as the name suggests, the pregnancy mask mainly affects pregnant women, since pregnancy causes a significant increase in female hormone levels (estrogens), which leads to an overproduction of melanin synthesis. If, during this period, the skin of pregnant women is exposed to the sun, then there is a risk of hyperpigmentation. Pregnant women are more at risk, as are those with dark pigmentation.

Sun exposure

The predisposition to the pregnancy mask would therefore be hereditary. However, be aware that exposure to the sun greatly increases the risk of developing chloasma. The ultraviolet rays of a beautiful summer day can lead to an overproduction of melanin and therefore be enough to trigger the phenomenon of melasma. Then appear these unsightly stains, this mask which, in the end, has absolutely nothing to do with the festive carnival wolves!

During pregnancy, the discreet brown line along your belly appears for the same reasons as the pregnancy mask. Moreover, it will also turn dark brown if you expose it to the sun!

How to prevent pregnancy mask

• To prevent it, the golden rule is simple: protect your skin, even during your outings in town.
• Protect yourself with a very high protection sunscreen (SPF 60) and apply a first layer at least half an hour before going out.
• If possible, avoid exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
• Wear a big hat. You'll look like a star!
• Put on sunglasses and, at the beach or on the terrace, take shelter under an umbrella.
• Reapply cream every two hours.
• At home, in the evening, you can also apply an anti-pigment spot cream, as a preventive measure.

How to make it disappear?

Too late, the damage is done? Unfortunately, no cream will overcome these spots. Heyou have to arm yourself with patience (and foundation). In principle, these disappear after the birth of the child, but sometimes persist up to six months after delivery. After this waiting time, if nothing helps, see a dermatologist.

In addition, the risk of recurrence during a second pregnancy is significant. It is therefore best to do everything to prevent the appearance of the famous pregnancy mask.