Pregnancy is THE time of hormonal upheaval. In response to all these hormonal upheavals, your body is bound to change – and that’s normal!<\/p>\n
If these changes are usually mild and temporary<\/strong>, the entire body is affected. Even… your skin, although at first glance, there doesn’t seem to be a connection! Let\u2019s take a closer look at a common phenomenon: pregnancy mask (also known as chloasma or melasma).<\/p>\n When we talk about pregnancy mask, we\u2019re referring to more or less brown spots that may appear on the face during pregnancy. While it can give you a healthy glow when it\u2019s light and even, it can also appear as scattered small patches and present a look that some pregnant women find bothersome.<\/p>\n Let us reassure you right away: chloasma is a common manifestation of pregnancy<\/strong>, although it\u2019s not a guaranteed experience, and in the vast majority of cases, it\u2019s not permanent.<\/p>\n 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. 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!).<\/p>\n Being affected by pregnancy mask mainly depends on genetic factors, which can be amplified by external factors like sun exposure.<\/p>\n Did you know? As we\u2019ve seen, pregnancy mask is caused by the hyperpigmentation phenomenon, mainly triggered by hormonal changes due to pregnancy. That\u2019s why pregnancy mask can appear at any point during pregnancy (even quite early) and last for a while even after childbirth<\/strong> (until your hormone production returns to pre-pregnancy levels).<\/p>\n Unfortunately, there\u2019s no miracle solution to stop pregnancy mask from appearing because of the genetic factors involved. 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!).<\/p>\n Pro tips to protect yourself from the sun:<\/p>\n \u2600\ufe0f 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.<\/p>\nWhat is pregnancy mask?<\/h2>\n
\nThese spots tend to appear on the upper part of the face, meaning the forehead and cheeks.<\/p>\nWhat causes pregnancy mask?<\/h2>\n
\nIt 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).<\/p>\n
\nYou can develop a \u201cpregnancy mask\u201d without being pregnant. In fact, chloasma results from a hormonal imbalance, which can also be caused by things like taking a contraceptive pill.<\/p>\nWhen does pregnancy mask usually appear?<\/h2>\n
\nIn particular, we\u2019re talking about estrogen, the quintessential pregnancy hormone. Estrogen levels skyrocket at the beginning of pregnancy and quickly reach very high levels.<\/p>\nHow to prevent pregnancy mask?<\/h2>\n
\nBut that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t reduce the risks by doing everything possible to avoid it. While pregnant, protect yourself from the sun!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n