What is the pregnancy mask?
The pregnancy mask, also called chloasma or melasma in medical jargon , is a hyperpigmentation of the skin on the face . It appears in the form of more or less dark brown spots on the skin in different areas of the face.
Dr. Sylvie Peres: To treat spots such as melasma or pregnancy mask, I recommend avoiding sun exposure as much as possible.
In the morning and afternoon systematically apply the SPF50+ sunscreen and reapply every hour if you are outdoors, regardless of the weather. You must be patient and maintain this strict routine for 1 year.
Taking hormonal oral contraception (the pill) is also one of the primary factors in the development and maintenance of these spots.
Our SPF50+ sunscreen has a second-skin BB Cream texture that helps reduce dark spots while instantly giving a nude complexion. Its formula contains organic plant oils carefully selected for their nourishing properties and affinities with the skin, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-free radical active ingredients to prevent skin aging.
What causes pregnancy mask?
The pregnancy mask , or melasma, is a skin condition characterized by brown spots with irregular contours , mainly located on the face of pregnant women . This skin hyperpigmentation is favored by several factors, including hormonal changes linked to pregnancy or estrogen treatment (such as oral contraception ), which stimulate the production of melanin .
Female hormones play a crucial role in the appearance of these pigment spots , especially in women with a high skin phototype (e.g. phototype 4 ), olive skin or dark skin .
What treatments should you choose to treat melasma or pregnancy mask?
The treatment of melasma is based on several axes: sun protection , depigmenting treatments and aesthetic methods .
To begin with, it is essential to use a sunscreen or sunscreen SPF 30 to SPF 50+, such as Sunscreen SPF 50+.
In aesthetic medicine, several options exist: chemical peeling, superficial peeling, fractional laser peeling, intense pulsed light, laser therapy, and even melanocyte transplantation in certain rare cases.
Some corticosteroid creams may be prescribed for medical purposes only, although ingredients that are not recommended should be avoided during pregnancy. Care must be chosen carefully, favoring safe cosmetic products that are adapted to the pregnant woman's skin phototype.
What ritual do you recommend for a pregnant woman?
Dr. Sylvie Peres : I recommend a minimalist ritual. Choose your products carefully and check the formulas. To relax, take a bath, but it's not too hot; avoid the hammam or sauna.
For cleaning, I recommend a cold process soap without essential oils, like our Mango Avocado Soap for face and body. It is also suitable for baby's toilet.
To limit the appearance of stretch marks, I recommend moisturizing the skin well morning and evening with a vegetable oil or cream such as Cérat, such as our Summer Garden Radiance Balm . Massage in a rolling palpation motion, stretching the skin from the back and thighs, in order to prepare it for distension.
If your skin has imperfections, I recommend applying the Combination Skin Cream morning and evening to skin previously cleansed with soap. I also recommend doing a Fruit Acid Peeling 1 to 2 times a week to limit the appearance of imperfections. In case of acne, the Anti-Imperfection Solution , offers a complex of flower and fruit acids for a retinoid-like effect, sebum regulation, anti-inflammatory action and microbiota regulation. Free from endocrine disruptors and essential oils, this targeted treatment is ideal during pregnancy. Don't hesitate to adapt your moisturizer according to your skin's changes.
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Does the pregnancy mask disappear after childbirth?
Melasma can fade naturally after childbirth, but it doesn't always disappear completely. In some pregnant women, brown spots diminish due to the drop in female hormones. However, in others, these pigment spots persist, particularly in cases of high skin phototype, olive or dark skin, or after extensive sun exposure without sunscreen.
Postpartum cell regeneration can be slow, and treatments with fruit acids and vitamin C may be necessary to improve skin hyperpigmentation. A medical consultation is recommended if spots persist more than 6 months after delivery. Methods such as concentrated peels (available in our spas), laser therapy, or radiofrequency therapy can be considered for more targeted treatment, always under medical supervision.
Does breastfeeding prolong the presence of pregnancy mask?
Breastfeeding itself does not directly cause pregnancy mask , but it sometimes prolongs hormonal activity (especially estrogen ), which can maintain pigmentation . Thus, some breastfeeding women notice a persistence of brown spots during this period.
It is essential during breastfeeding to continue rigorous sun protection , with a high protection sunscreen to limit UV exposure , ultraviolet rays , blue light , and solar radiation . Sun exposure without suitable sunscreens risks aggravating existing pigment spots .
What habits should you adopt to prevent the appearance of pregnancy mask?
Prevention of melasma is based on anticipating triggering factors, particularly in women with dark skin , phototype 4 , or with a history of skin hyperpigmentation .
Here are some good practices to adopt:
Adopt effective sun protection
Sun protection is the most important measure to prevent melasma. It is essential to apply sunscreen or sunscreen SPF 30 or SPF 50+ every day, even in the city or in winter, to limit the effects of UV rays , blue light and solar radiation .
Reapply every two hours during prolonged sun exposure . Using effective sunscreens is essential to protect the basement membrane and avoid excessive stimulation of melanocytes.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid the hottest hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.