How do you get rid of pregnancy mask?
6 minPregnancy mask is one of the many skin problems that pregnant women, especially those with dark skin, may experience during pregnancy. Despite being a totally painless and benign condition, these dark spots dotted across your face can have a major psychological impact. Causes, treatments, prevention, effectiveness of anti-dark spot creams, and more. This article summarises everything you need to know about pregnancy mask.
What is pregnancy mask?
Pregnancy mask, also known as melasma in medical speak, is characterised by the appearance of symmetrical pigmented spots on areas of the face generally exposed to the sun, such as the forehead, nose, cheeks and upper lip. In some cases, patients may also develop skin hyperpigmentation on the neckline and forearms.
It mostly affects women, especially during pregnancy, but men can also develop this skin pigmentation disorder.
What are the causes of melasma?
Melasma is most commonly caused by melanocytes overproducing melanin. Hormones are mainly responsible for the hyperactivity of these cells, which is why these dark spots most often appear in women who are taking oral contraception or during pregnancy. According to a study published in 2015 by the Korean Dermatological Association(1), this condition affects between 10 and 15% of pregnant women.While less common, pregnancy mask may also occur after childbirth.
Risk factors for melasma include: genetics, hereditary factors, skin phototype, regular sun exposure and certain medications that increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.
At what point during pregnancy does pregnancy mask tend to occur?
Melasma most commonly occurs between the 4th and 6th month of pregnancy, i.e. in the 2nd trimester, and generally disappears or fades several months after giving birth. It can sometimes last for several years and become chronic.
Despite the name, pregnancy mask is not always limited to the 9 months after conception: patients may continue to be affected by this condition throughout the breastfeeding period and even suddenly after childbirth, even if they had no pigmentation spots while pregnant!
How do you get rid of pregnancy mask?
If dark spots are already clearly visible, certain cosmetic products and/or dermatological treatments can help to reduce or completely get rid of pregnancy mask, as well as preventing it from coming back as soon as the sun comes out!
Depending on the option chosen (some products can even be used in combination), patients may start treatment during pregnancy, after giving birth or when they stop breastfeeding, as necessary. The best solution is to see a dermatologist who can provide quality support and answer all your questions about skin hyperpigmentation, so don’t hesitate to book an appointment for a consultation.
What is the best anti-dark spot skincare routine to combat melasma?
To combat hyperpigmentation and even out your complexion, you can adopt an anti-dark spot skincare routine. These lotions, serums and creams for the face, which can sometimes be used during pregnancy after seeking medical advice, should be applied once or twice daily for several weeks. They contain active ingredients renowned for improving skin quality and boosting radiance:
- Vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals which can cause melasma and stimulates cell renewal.
- Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin’s superficial layers, which helps reduce dark spots and smooth skin texture
- Azelaic acid directly activates melanin production causing pregnancy mask to fade.
- Niacinamide, or vitamin PP, blocks the transfer of melanin to the skin.
- Alpha-arbutin slows down melanin synthesis to even out and lighten the complexion.
Depigmenting creams
If pregnancy mask does not disappear despite adopting a special face care routine, a dermatologist may prescribe a depigmenting cream which will reduce dark spots. Depending on the product used, it may contain hydroquinone, tretinoin (a vitamin A derivative), azelaic acid or corticosteroids in order to regulate melanin production. Generally, the first results are visible after three weeks of treatment.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels, which must be carried out by a dermatologist and are most often based on trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid, exfoliate the skin’s superficial layers and reduce dark spots. Depending on the extent and colour intensity of the patient’s pregnancy mask, several treatments may be required to achieve effective results.
Laser treatment
For the most persistent cases of pregnancy mask, certain laser treatments can be used to target and eliminate melanin. Depending on the machine used by the doctor and the depth of the melasma pigment, several sessions may be needed to restore an even complexion.
Intense pulsed light therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment may also be recommended to eliminate superficial pigmentation spots and even out the complexion. This technique is particularly suitable for patients with fair or sensitive skin, and for treating fragile areas (eyelids, neckline, etc.). As with a laser treatment, several sessions may be required, spaced several weeks apart.
Changing your method of contraception
As taking the contraceptive pill can result in the appearance of dark spots (1) due to an increase in oestrogen levels, it may be helpful to see a gynaecologist or midwife, particularly for persistent cases of pregnancy mask.
How can melasma be prevented?
Prevention is key to combating the onset of facial melasma. There are specific measures you can take to reduce the risk of skin hyperpigmentation:
- Apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to your face every day, even in cloudy weather.
- Do not expose yourself to the sun between 12pm and 3pm, when UV rays are at their strongest.
- If you cannot avoid going out in the sun, reapply sunscreen every two hours, after every time you go swimming and after perspiring.
- Avoid using cosmetics that contain photo-sensitising active ingredients (retinol, fruit acids, essential oils etc.).
Are anti-dark spot creams effective against pregnancy mask?
Whether used alone or in combination with dermatological or cosmetic treatments, effective results can be achieved against pregnancy mask with anti-dark spot creams, which can prevent melanin production, eliminate pigmentation or even stimulate the renewal of skin cells.
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- (1)Kang HY, Ortonne JP. What should be considered in treatment of melasma. Ann Dermatol. 2010 Nov;22(4):373-8. doi: 10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.373. Epub 2010 Nov 5. PMID: 21165205; PMCID: PMC2991712.