The mask of pregnancy is manifested by more or less dark, irregular brown spots appearing on the face, particularly on the forehead, nose, cheekbones and on the top of the lip. The pregnancy mask generally appears from the 4th month of pregnancy, in the sunny period, but does not apply to all pregnant women. In France, 5% of pregnant women would be affected by the pregnancy mask⁽¹⁾, but the prevalence varies greatly between regions and countries.

The mask of pregnancy is due to an excessive production of melanin (pigment responsible for the color of the skin) by melanocytes (cells secreting melanin) in a state of hyperfunction. The histological analysis of the pigment spots thus shows an increased number of melanocytes as well as their strong propensity to produce melanin.⁽²⁾. In addition, recent studies have shown that compared to healthy skin, melasma lesions present in addition to hyperpigmentation an increase in vascularization and elastosis.⁽³⁾.

We do not know exactly the mechanism at the origin of these modifications, but it is established that it occurs on a favorable genetic ground (phototype, family history). It is triggered by the sun, variations in sex hormones – in this case during pregnancy estrogen and progesterone – and more often affects dark skin types.^{(4) (5)}.

To prevent the pregnancy mask, it is essential to protect yourself from the sun by avoiding any exposure, by wearing a hat and / or by using high protection sun protection (IP 50+, favoring mineral filters).

In homeopathy, it is possible to take as a preventive measure Sepia Officinalis 5 CH at the rate of 5 granules per day throughout pregnancy.⁽⁶⁾.

In aromatherapy, add 1 drop of lemon essential oil (organic) to its night cream⁽⁷⁾. Warning: lemon essential oil being photosensitizing, it should be avoided during the day.

The pregnancy mask usually regresses in the months following pregnancy, but sometimes it persists. Its management is then difficult. It combines depigmenting treatments (hydroquinone being the reference molecule) and chemical peels, and possibly as a second line, the laser⁽⁸⁾.

In the old days, it was customary to say that a mother-to-be wearing a pregnancy mask was expecting a boy, but no scientific studies have confirmed this belief.