How to prevent pregnancy mask?

How can I prevent melasma, also known as mask or pregnancy spots?

During pregnancy, hormones turn our moods and our bodies upside down! For some of us, melasma, also known as mask or pregnancy spots, can appear on the face (we love it...). While most will disappear as they appeared during the post-partum period, others will be more stubborn! For these, you'll need to be patient and follow a specific beauty routine to gradually reduce them.

To find out more, we spoke to Olivier Paris, consultant pharmacist at Caudalie, a French cosmetics brand that favors natural, environmentally-friendly active ingredients and the benefits of vines and grapes.

Olivier, what exactly is melasma?
It's a "mask-like" hyperpigmentation of the skin, localized on the forehead, cheeks and under the nose. Melasma is the result of an excessive accumulation of melanin on the skin's surface.

When can these spots appear and why?
Repeated exposure to the sun, blemishes, age or hormonal variations during pregnancy disrupt the production of melanin, the pigment that colors our skin, and can also be responsible for a flare-up of acne.

Can they disappear naturally?
Yes, but they will reappear with each exposure to the sun. In some cases, this pregnancy mask will not disappear, and it will then be necessary to use a cosmetic treatment capable of making these spots disappear, giving preference to natural formulas.

At Caudalie, we've created Vinoperfect Anti-Spot Radiance Serum, Europe's #1 anti-spot serum, effective from the very first bottle. The results prove it, with a 63% reduction in blemish discoloration.

Are certain skin types more prone to pigmentation spots?
Pigmentation spots can affect many women, whatever their age or skin type, but those with darker complexions are more likely to have them.

How can I prevent blemishes?
First and foremost, it's essential to use a high sun protection factor before any exposure to the sun, and to opt for endocrine-disruptor-free protection. What's more, to completely control the anarchic build-up of melanin, you need to apply a preventive anti-spot product beforehand.

Caudalie's duo of SPF 50 + Vinoperfect Anti-Spot Radiance Serum (non-sensitizing) will help minimize the risks of pregnancy masks.

What is Caudalie's complete anti-spot routine?

Prepare skin with L'Essence Concentrée d'Éclat Glycolique, which acts as a micro-peel.
Correct blemishes with Vinoperfect Radiance Anti-Blemish Serum with Viniferine vine sap, applied morning and night.
Moisturize and illuminate with Anti-Spot Radiance Cream, doubly active since it contains Viniferine and Niacinamide, another melanin regulator.
Renew your skin with Glycolic Anti-Spot Night Cream, containing the star active ingredient used in dermatology to get rid of spots: glycolic acid, an exfoliant that removes 2x more dead cells, especially those loaded with melanin.

Many thanks to Olivier for these valuable answers. If you have any further questions or need advice, please drop us a line. To discover the entire Caudalie anti-spot collection, visit their website.