Our 5 tips for avoiding a pregnancy mask this summer

You've been waiting for the sun… Now that it's shining, you want to make the most of it. But you're pregnant. You've heard of the pregnancy mask, but don't really know what it is or how to avoid it. Team Charlie explains it all…
What is a pregnancy mask?

Pregnancy mask, or chloasma by its scientific name (and yes, yet another pregnant woman trick) manifests itself in the form of brownish spots around the 5ᵉ month mark of pregnancy. The cause? Exposure to the sun. These marks are found on the forehead, cheeks, around the eyes, mouth and chin, so like a mask. This reaction is due to a high concentration of female hormones during pregnancy.

Indeed, the increase in pregnancy hormones, including higher estrogen and progesterone levels, stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. In some women, this increased production results in hyperpigmented areas.

The problem with the pregnancy mask is that it can take a long time to disappear, and sometimes these marks won't necessarily suit you.

How to avoid pregnancy mask?

To avoid pregnancy mask, here are a few simple and effective tips:

1. Bye bye direct sunlight
   I hate to break it to you, but direct sunlight is the enemy of chloasma. If you must be outdoors, protect yourself carefully, avoiding direct exposure. Umbrellas are the way to go. Tuck baby into his LEVO deckchair next to you and chill out together in the shade.
   
2. Your sun cream will become your best friend!
   Regularly apply a broad-spectrum sun cream with a high protection factor - ideally SPF 50 - and don't forget to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
   
3. Combine fashion and sun protection
   When out and about, wear a wide-brimmed hat and category 3 or 4 sunglasses to help protect your face from UV rays. Choose models that cover the sides of your face for optimum protection.
   
4. Adopt a skincare routine worthy of the name
   Choose gentle, non-aggressive products. You can cleanse your face with soap-free products and apply moisturizers suitable for sensitive skin. Avoid products containing irritating ingredients likely to provoke allergic reactions, or aggressive treatments such as chemical peels.
   
5. Water is life
   We're not trying to teach you anything by saying that you need to drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet, but just in case, we'll say it again… Stay hydrated! Water helps cell renewal.
   

What if you still have a pregnancy mask?

We'd like to reassure you: the pregnancy mask is not dangerous. It affects around 70% of pregnant women and generally disappears after childbirth or in the months that follow. If the spots persist, you can contact your dermatologist, who will be able to advise you and, if necessary, prescribe a suitable treatment.

In the meantime, continue to protect your skin from the sun and take gentle care of it. Make the most of every moment of your pregnancy by taking good care of yourself and adopting these little tips to keep your skin radiant.

The Charlie Crane team