Small dark spots appear on your cheeks, your chin or even your forehead… don’t panic, the pregnancy mask is a benign condition which generally disappears spontaneously over the months following childbirth. However, it is possible to prevent it and accelerate its disappearance. We take stock.

Pregnancy mask is a form of melasma (also called choasma) that affects women during pregnancy. Pregnant women can present with so-called “epidermal” melasma: it is characterized by the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots on the forehead, cheeks, chin and the bridge of the nose. This phenomenon usually occurs from the fourth month of amenorrhea.

The pregnancy mask is caused by several factors such as sun exposure and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Indeed, pregnancy increases the production of estrogen which itself stimulates that of melanin.

Sun exposure during pregnancy puts you at risk for melasma. In this regard, women who are not pregnant but who are taking a combined contraceptive pill are also at risk. In the event of symptoms, it is then advisable to opt for a contraceptive without estrogen, such as the copper IUD. Dark and dark skin tones are particularly at risk.

Usually, the pregnancy mask will come off spontaneously after childbirth, but it may take several months. However, sometimes melasma persists. Certain treatments then make it possible to accelerate its disappearance: dermo-cosmetic treatments, medicated creams, peels or even laser or pulsed light treatments.

Dermo-cosmetic care

They are the mildest way to fight hyperpigmentation. They can be used as a preventive measure, and therefore during your pregnancy, as long as they are combined with SPF 50 protection.

In the market, several active ingredients make it possible to fight against the appearance of pigment spots: Thiamidol, dioic acid, vitamin C or even polyphenols.

It is also recommended to exfoliate your skin regularly with scrubs or exfoliating acids. This is the case with azelaic acid which, in addition to its antioxidant effect, interrupts the activity of melanocytes, thus preventing the mask of pregnancy.

Medicated creams

Some treatments are delivered on medical prescription because they are more aggressive on the skin. They are used a few months after pregnancy in case of persistent melasma:

• Hydroquinone creams (2 to 4%) inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme which participates in the production of melanin, and therefore act directly on the causes of hyperpigmentation;
• Topical retinoids, derived from vitamin A, of which tretinoin is a part.

Some treatments incorporate a combined approach such as a cream combining three products, containing hydroquinone, tretinoin and a steroid.

The pregnancy mask can be reduced with a depigmenting peel. This powerful chemical treatment must be the subject of a medical prescription after a clinical examination by a doctor authorized to practice it. The latter develops a protocol adapted to your problem.

You should prepare your skin yourself according to medical recommendations before treatment. One or more sessions will be scheduled, generally 3 maximum. The peeling consists of applying depigmenting agents such as glycolic acid to the face (with emphasis on the pregnancy mask). A sometimes uncomfortable feeling of heat can be felt.

Thereafter the skin will peel for a week. It is imperative to apply the prescribed repair creams and not to expose yourself to the sun for at least 6 weeks after the treatment.

The peeling is tolerated by dull and dark skin, it is however contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The price of the peel varies between 400 to 500 euros depending on the practitioner and the patient’s problem.

The laser or the intense pulsed light, are prescribed as a last intention, that is to say when the pregnancy mask resists any treatment. These techniques heat the skin deep within the dermis: we are talking about photothermolysis. They eliminate pigments and stimulate cell generation.

Be careful, contrary to what some websites claim, these methods are not without risk of side effects such as burns or pigmentation disorders. After a laser session, the skin flakes and it is recommended to stay at home. The treated areas are red and sometimes swollen. Several sessions are usually necessary.

Pulsed light also requires several sessions and it is recommended not to be in the sun for four weeks after the last session. A laser session costs between 500 and 600 euros. Prices for pulsed light vary from 30 to 50 euros per area and per session.

These methods suffer from contraindications, including pregnancy and lactation. It is recommended to wait several months (sometimes years) after childbirth before turning to these techniques.

“Prevention is better than cure”: to avoid resorting to these aggressive methods for your skin, it is essential to opt for SPF 50 protection until the birth of your infant. Hat, cap, parasol or glasses must be worn throughout your pregnancy and even the weeks and months that follow in order to avoid the pregnancy mask.

The pregnancy mask develops more readily on brown skin often exposed to the sun. The first reflex to prevent its appearance is UV protection. Certain depigmenting agents also prevent the appearance of melasma.