How to prevent and reduce pregnancy mask?

Pregnancy is THE time of hormonal upheaval. In response to all these hormonal upheavals, your body is bound to change – and that’s normal!

If these changes are usually mild and temporary, the entire body is affected. Even… your skin, although at first glance, there doesn’t seem to be a connection! Let’s take a closer look at a common phenomenon: pregnancy mask (also known as chloasma or melasma).

What is pregnancy mask?

When we talk about pregnancy mask, we’re referring to more or less brown spots that may appear on the face during pregnancy.
These spots tend to appear on the upper part of the face, meaning the forehead and cheeks.

While it can give you a healthy glow when it’s light and even, it can also appear as scattered small patches and present a look that some pregnant women find bothersome.

Let us reassure you right away: chloasma is a common manifestation of pregnancy, although it’s not a guaranteed experience, and in the vast majority of cases, it’s not permanent.

What causes pregnancy mask?

The appearance of pregnancy mask is directly linked to the phenomenon of hyperpigmentation. This hyperpigmentation is due to the accumulation of pigment (melanin) in certain parts of the body, making them darker than usual.
It affects almost 90% of pregnant women, whose hormonal balance is disrupted, especially those with darker hair or naturally darker skin (as their bodies already contain higher levels of melanin).

This hyperpigmentation, this accumulation of melanin, is what causes pregnancy mask (or even the linea nigra, the dark line that can appear between the belly button and the pubic area!).

Being affected by pregnancy mask mainly depends on genetic factors, which can be amplified by external factors like sun exposure.

Did you know?
You can develop a “pregnancy mask” without being pregnant. In fact, chloasma results from a hormonal imbalance, which can also be caused by things like taking a contraceptive pill.

When does pregnancy mask usually appear?

As we’ve seen, pregnancy mask is caused by the hyperpigmentation phenomenon, mainly triggered by hormonal changes due to pregnancy.
In particular, we’re talking about estrogen, the quintessential pregnancy hormone. Estrogen levels skyrocket at the beginning of pregnancy and quickly reach very high levels.

That’s why pregnancy mask can appear at any point during pregnancy (even quite early) and last for a while even after childbirth (until your hormone production returns to pre-pregnancy levels).

How to prevent pregnancy mask?

Unfortunately, there’s no miracle solution to stop pregnancy mask from appearing because of the genetic factors involved.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce the risks by doing everything possible to avoid it. While pregnant, protect yourself from the sun!

Melanin reacts to sunlight: a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and plenty of sunscreen will be your best allies throughout pregnancy (as should be the case throughout life, but especially during pregnancy!).

Pro tips to protect yourself from the sun:

• Stay in the shade and avoid direct sun exposure (the most effective method),
• Cover up (clothing, hats, sunglasses…),
• Stay well hydrated,
• Use sunscreen (ideally SPF 50, mineral filter, certified, no spray, reapply every 2 hours and after swimming – unless otherwise stated on the label),
• Be mindful of the seasons,
• Avoid photosensitizing products that increase sun sensitivity: perfumes, creams containing alcohol, or certain medications (check with your midwife, doctor, or pharmacist).

☀️ Reminder: The sun is especially intense between 11 AM and 6 PM (depending on the season), so try to avoid exposure during these times or keep it very brief and always use sunscreen.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

Does pregnancy mask go away after childbirth?

Pregnancy mask can definitely fade on its own within a few months after childbirth, as your hormones slowly begin to rebalance.
Until it fades, keep your skin hydrated and limit sun exposure to avoid making it worse.

What treatments are effective for pregnancy mask?

The best treatment remains prevention, meaning sun protection. Once pregnancy mask appears, again, there’s no miracle cure to make it disappear…
However, if the spots persist after your pregnancy and it bothers you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist to determine together the most appropriate treatment for your skin.

❗Preferably avoid treatments while you’re pregnant and, in any case, discuss any treatment with your doctor beforehand whether you’re pregnant or not.

It’s a little pregnancy bonus we could do without, but most of the time, pregnancy mask disappears on its own a few months after childbirth.

After all, your body went through 9 months of all kinds of changes, it needs a little time to find its old balance again.

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May ES/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.