Have you ever heard someone talk about developing the “pregnancy mask” and wondered what on earth they are talking about?
The "pregnancy mask" is actually another name that melasma goes by. It is a pretty common skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches on the face that typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, and sometimes the chin. It is incredibly common during pregnancy, which is why it's often called the pregnancy mask.
Let’s chat what actually causes it?
Melasma is caused by an overproduction of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color) triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Specifically because of the increased estrogen and progesterone levels stimulate melanin production. Then add to this the impact that sun exposure has on it. It can actually worsen or trigger melasma if you’re someone susceptible to it.
So who is susceptible to it?
- Most commonly affects women during pregnancy (second and third trimesters).
- Those with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types III–V) are more prone to developing melasma.
- A family history of melasma or a predisposition to hyperpigmentation can increase risk.
How can it be managed?
Thankfully a few relatively simple steps can be taken to keep your skin free of melasma.
Sun Protection: It is our number 1 priority for all skin issues. It is so important that you use a high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent worsening.
Gentle Skincare: The temptation can be to get a bit heavy handed with your topicals and active ingredients in an attempt to fade away this discoloration, but it is in fact going to worsen melasma if we do that. You should avoid harsh exfoliants or irritating ingredients that may inflame the skin.
Topical Treatments: There are some great ingredients that are gentle enough but still very effective for our melasma-prone skin. These are also ingredients that can be used during our breastfeeding stages too, very handy if you developed the pregnancy mask. Look for products containing ingredients like:
- Aloe Vera: Hydrates and soothes the skin, reducing irritation that can worsen discoloration.
- Kakadu Plum: A powerhouse of Vitamin C, it brightens the skin, promotes collagen production, and helps fade pigmentation.
- Licorice Root: Naturally reduces melanin production and lightens dark patches.
- Sugar Cane: Gently exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover for a smoother, brighter complexion.
- Bilberry: A natural antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress, which can worsen melasma, while improving skin texture and tone.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates the skin, improving plumpness and elasticity, which supports the skin's overall health during treatment.
Supplements Post-Breastfeeding: After breastfeeding, incorporating specific supplements can support skin healing and help fade melasma from within. These can be a powerful tool to target the root cause of the melasma, especially if you have developed the patches on any parts of your body like your chest or neck. The Hyper Renew Kit is an excellent choice, containing:
Licorice Root: This is not only a powerful topical ingredient, but it is wonderful in supplement form too. It is renoun for its ability to inhibit melanin production and soothe inflammation.
Dragon's Blood Powder: Rich in antioxidants to protect skin cells and aid in repairing damaged skin.
Maca Root Powder: This helps greatly to balance our hormones, which can reduce melasma triggers.
Amla Fruit: This potent source of antioxidants and Vitamin C helps to brighten skin and reduce pigmentation.
Lustriva: Clinically shown to enhance skin elasticity and improve overall radiance, while supporting repair at the cellular level.
These steps, combined with patience and consistency, can help manage melasma effectively, especially as hormonal levels stabilize after pregnancy.
Talk soon,
K xx
