A pregnancy mask, what to do?

Are you annoyed by erratic pigment spots on your face? Melasma is also called pregnancy mask and results from a disruption in melanin (pigment). This condition occurs mainly in women and can become visible under the influence of hormones, UV radiation and pregnancy. Melasma is often perceived as very annoying, but with our Confidence Booster® Melasma, pigmentation spots can be reduced and worse can be prevented.

How do you recognize melasma?

The pregnancy mask can be recognized by its typical appearance. It is often present symmetrically in the face on the forehead, cheekbones and upper lip. In addition, it is often erratic in shape, brown in color and contrasts well with the surrounding skin. The color of the pigment depends on the depth in the skin and ranges from light-dark brown (superficial) to gray-brown (deep).

What causes melasma?

Unfortunately, the exact cause of melasma is unknown. However, there are a number of factors that play a role in this pigmentation disorder:

• UV radiation often causes discoloration to be darker in the summer period than in the winter period;
• It has been scientifically proven that visible blue light from smartphones, televisions and PC screens, affects pigment production;
• Genetic factors may come into play. For example, over 50% of melasma cases have a positive family history;
• Hormonal influences through pregnancy, use of oral contraception and other hormonal therapies;
• Tyrosinase thyroid disorders also have a relationship to melasma. This can cause pigment changes.

Which methods can you use to treat pregnancy mask?

There are several techniques possible for the (preventive) treatment of melasma. For example, the existing pigment can be addressed even before the pigment spots become darker and therefore more difficult to treat. Pigmentation spots in the upper skin layers (superficial) are easy to treat. Only we often see with melasma that it is a combination of superficial and deep pigment. By applying different treatment techniques very nice results can be achieved;

• Reduction of hyperpigmentation;
• Equalization of the skin;
• Stabilization of the pigment;
• Inhibition of new pigment production.

Personalized treatment plan

Depending on the depth and extent of the pigment, a customized treatment plan is created. This plan may consist of the following facets:

• Skincare with the goal of inhibiting new pigmentation and eliminating existing pigment. A customized skincare plan offers 30% of the treatment result.
• Peelings that stimulate cell division, reducing superficial hyperpigmentation, smoothing skin tone and stabilizing pigment.
• Microneedling aiming to lock in active active ingredients / peels, making the treatment more effective. In addition, microneedling improves skin texture.
• A Cosmelan treatment, which consists of different products with a cocktail of active ingredients. The Cosmelan course can be used in the autumn and winter period.

Effective combination treatment for melasma

Peelings and microneedling can be very well combined in one treatment. This treatment is also called the Confidence Booster® Melasma and can be used in both summer and winter. By combining different treatment techniques we can work faster and more effectively towards optimal results.

Would you like to be informed about an effective melasma treatment tailored to your skin type? Or would you like to know which treatment works best for your pregnancy mask? Then schedule a free consultation with one of our skin therapists at our clinics in Rotterdam or Nijmegen and they will customize a suitable skincare plan for you!