During pregnancy, brown, and usually symmetrical marks can appear on the face. This can also happen outside of pregnancy. What is melasma, commonly referred to as pregnancy mask? How can it be prevented, or even treated if it appears? Let us clarify.
The human body is orchestrated by hormones. When these hormones are not correctly balanced, physical symptoms can appear. This is the case for pregnancy mask, also known as melasma or chloasma, which is due to overstimulation of melanin, the pigment behind tanning. Although this phenomenon of facial pigmentation affects 70% of pregnant women due to hormonal changes (increase in estrogen and progesterone), other women may also be affected. This can happen after giving birth, or when taking an unsuited estrogen-based contraceptive pill. For pregnant women, the brown marks appear spontaneously towards the second trimester of pregnancy. It is therefore impossible for an expectant mother to even know whether she will be affected or not, nor to what extent if she is affected. The marks appear randomly on the face, but usually they are symmetrical, and appear around the mouth, eyes, forehead, or temples. In addition, if you have previously been affected by pregnancy mask, there is a strong chance that it will resurface again in the summer. So, the only real solution is prevention.
Do not expose yourself to the sun
Since hyperpigmentation arises when melanin is overproduced, it is best to avoid exposure to the sun.
But because it is difficult to totally avoid its rays, it is important to remember to apply sun protection with a high protection factor. At Laboratoires de Biarritz, our SPF 50 and SPF 50+ sunscreens are natural and organic, thanks to their formulas made with mineral screens that are skin and environmentally friendly.
They are fluid in texture, feel pleasant on the skin, and do not have a whitening effect. The SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen, available in 3 shades, can also be a good alternative: multi-functional, and appropriate for daily use, it moisturizes, protects, and conceals small imperfections.
Providing even more coverage, the SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Stick ensures precise and targeted application on existing marks, which should not be exposed to UV rays, at the risk of getting worse.
These protections must be used alongside a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, because you can never be too careful.
How to get rid of pregnancy mask?
Generally, melasma disappears on its own within six months of giving birth. However, if the marks persist despite a restored hormonal balance, there are some solutions.
Whilst continuing to protect yourself from the sun with the help of a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, do not hesitate to consult a doctor or a dermatologist.
They will prescribe you a medical depigmenting cream made using retinoic acid, to be applied every night for six to twelve months. When the marks are especially persistent, an acid-based superficial peel made with acids such as AHAs (fruit acids) enables the epidermis to resurface and eliminates the marks.
After the peel, using our Reparative Cream ensures rapid restoration and immediate soothing of your weakened epidermis.
