Also known as cholasma or melasma, the pregnancy mask is a symmetrical hyperpigmentation of the face, ranging from light brown to dark brown. Not all pregnant women are necessarily affected. The pregnancy mask affects 45 to 75% of female subjects who are expecting a child. However, if you have already developed a pregnancy mask, you are more likely to see a new one appear during a future pregnancy or following the use of a contraceptive pill. So, how can this phenomenon be avoided?
Melasma: How to prevent its recurrence?
Published on February 22, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
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In short, the pregnancy mask.
This refers to a form of hyperpigmentation commonly observed in pregnant women (but not exclusively), which manifests as large brown areas on the face, particularly on the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, the forehead, and the upper lip. Other parts of the body, such as the stomach or forearms, can also be affected. This is the result of excessive melanin production. There are three types of melasma: epidermal melasma, which is the most superficial form with hyperpigmentation only of the epidermis; dermal melasma, which affects the dermis, the deep layer of the skin; and mixed melasma, which is characterised by both epidermal and dermal melasma.
Melasma, often referred to as the 'mask of pregnancy', is most commonly caused by a combination of hormonal fluctuations and repeated exposure to the sun. These hormonal fluctuations can be linked to pregnancy, but also to the use of oral contraceptives, and/or hormone replacement therapy. Furthermore, men can also be affected if they are undergoing oestrogen treatment as part of prostate cancer therapy.According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 10% of melasma cases affect men. This condition can also affect people taking anti-epileptic medications.
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How can one prevent the recurrence of melasma?
The watchword: PROTECTION !
Indeed, the UV rays from the sun promote the appearance of brown spots. Therefore, it is advised to limit the times exposed to the sun, avoid exposure during the most intense hours (between 11am and 3pm), wear clothing and hats for protection, and of course apply a sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, summer and winter alike.
When it comes to choosing sun protection, this depends on each individual's phototype. According to the FITZPATRICK classification, skin types are categorised into 6 phototypes, defined based on hair colour, complexion, frequency of sunburn, and type of tanning. Thus, individuals with red hair, freckles, and a pale complexion (phototype I), and those with blonde hair and fair skin (phototype II), should opt for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50. People with light brown hair and fair skin (phototype III), or brown hair and slightly tanned skin (phototype IV), should lean towards a sun protection factor of 30 or even 50. Finally, for mixed-race skin of phototype V or black skin of phototype VI, a sun protection with a minimum SPF of 20 is sufficient for protection.
Limit the use of treatments that may irritate your skin. The skin is already sensitive during pregnancy, so it is better to avoid scrubs or peels. The use of beauty treatments with aggressive active ingredients such as retinol or glycolic acid can exacerbate the appearance of pregnancy mask.
