Get prediction

Melasma (Pregnancy Mask) in Pregnancy

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches on your face during pregnancy. It's also called chloasma or 'the pregnancy mask.'

If you have noticed darker patches appearing on your face during pregnancy, you are not imagining things. Melasma — sometimes called chloasma or the "pregnancy mask" — is a very common skin change in pregnancy, and while it can be surprising or unwelcome, it is harmless and usually temporary.

What Causes It

Melasma occurs when cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment that gives skin its colour, become more active than usual. During pregnancy, rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone stimulate melanocyte activity, leading to an increase in melanin production in certain areas of the skin.

The result is irregular patches of darker pigmentation, typically appearing on the:

  • Forehead
  • Cheeks and cheekbones
  • Upper lip
  • Nose and the bridge of the nose
  • Chin

The patches are usually symmetrical — the same pattern appears on both sides of the face — and their edges are often irregular rather than sharply defined. The colour can range from light tan to a deeper brown or greyish-brown, and tends to be more noticeable in people with naturally darker or olive skin tones.

Sun exposure significantly worsens melasma. UV light stimulates melanocyte activity even further, which is why patches that were barely visible in winter can darken dramatically with summer sun or a holiday abroad. This is the main reason sun protection is the most important step you can take.

You may also notice other pigmentation changes in pregnancy — your nipples and areolae darkening, the linea nigra (a dark line down the centre of your abdomen), and freckles or moles appearing more prominent. All of these are driven by the same hormonal mechanism.

Prevention and Treatment

There is no way to completely prevent melasma in pregnancy — the hormonal changes that cause it are unavoidable — but you can reduce how dark the patches become and how long they last.

Wear SPF daily, without exception. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, applied every morning and reapplied if you spend time outdoors, is the single most effective measure. Choose a mineral sunscreen (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) if you prefer to avoid chemical UV filters during pregnancy; both are considered safe by dermatologists.

Avoid peak sun hours. If possible, stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation is strongest. Wear a wide-brimmed hat if you are spending time outside.

Vitamin C serums. A pregnancy-safe vitamin C serum used daily can help brighten skin and may slow further darkening. Look for products with a stable form of vitamin C (such as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbyl glucoside) and introduce it gradually. If you are unsure whether a product is appropriate in pregnancy, check with your midwife or GP or a dermatologist.

Avoid treatments that are not pregnancy-safe. Many common melasma treatments — including hydroquinone, retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), and certain chemical peels — are not recommended during pregnancy. Always check before starting any new skincare treatment.

Most melasma fades after birth. For the majority of women, the patches begin to fade within a few months of delivery, as hormone levels return to normal. However, this process can take time, and for some women the pigmentation persists for longer, particularly with continued sun exposure. It may also return in future pregnancies.

When to Speak to a Doctor

Melasma is not medically dangerous and does not require urgent treatment. However, if you notice skin changes that are:

  • Rapidly changing in size or shape
  • Accompanied by itching, bleeding, or raised texture
  • Unlike the usual flat, brown patches of melasma

...it is worth mentioning to your GP or midwife, as these features can occasionally indicate something that needs assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will melasma go away after pregnancy?

For most women, yes. Melasma usually begins to fade within a few months after birth as oestrogen and progesterone levels drop. Consistent use of SPF during pregnancy — and afterwards — helps prevent further darkening and supports the fading process. However, some women find that patches linger for longer, and melasma can return in subsequent pregnancies or with significant sun exposure.

Is melasma the same as the pregnancy mask?

Yes. "Pregnancy mask" and "chloasma" are both informal or alternative names for melasma during pregnancy. They all refer to the same thing: symmetrical patches of darker pigmentation on the face caused by hormone-driven increases in melanin production.

Are there any skincare products safe to use for melasma in pregnancy?

A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is the most important. A vitamin C serum can be helpful for many women and is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Avoid hydroquinone and retinoids, which are not recommended. If you are uncertain about any product, ask your midwife, GP, or a dermatologist before using it.

Speak to your midwife or GP for personal advice about skin changes during your pregnancy.

Further reading:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Related articles: