Pregnancy mask is a discoloration of skin that affects more than 50% of the pregnant women. It is officially known as chloasma or melasma. It is called melasma because it is caused due to the action of the human coloring pigment melanin. If the action of melanin is more in a particular area than the others then that area gets darker. It is mostly found in the cheeks of the affected person.  Pregnant women who live in sunny regions are more affected.

Pregnancy mask may show up in upper lip, nose, cheekbones, forehead, or around jaw line. During pregnancy the parts such as nipples which are dark can become darker. The parts like inner thighs which undergo friction also become darker. Pregnancy mask is caused due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.  The hormonal changes stimulate the production of melanin in your body. Thr skin returns to normality after a few weeks of delivery. In some rare cases the original complexion is never regained. Some women who undergo hormone therapy but are not pregnant may also be affected by this. Women with darker complexion are more affected than women with fair complexion.

Pregnancy mask usually disappears. But if you are concerned it can be minimized to a certain extent by doing some things such as:

1.       Avoid exposure to sun. The sun's rays have ultraviolet rays which intensifies the discoloration. So protect yourself from sun. Apply sunscreen lotions when you go out. Wear wide hats to protect your face from getting exposed to sun. Don't remain in the sun for a long time. Avoid standing in sunlight during noon time.

2.       Make sure you are taking enough folic acid.

3.       Gentle creams may be applied to the spot.

4.       Other medications should be avoided during pregnancy. It is better to use makeup concealers instead. 

5.       You can also go for natural methods such as applying turmeric paste, oat meal and milk mixture, honey and almond paste, or lemon juice. Applying them reduces the dark tan to some extent.

Pregnancy mask is not dangerous at all. But if you are under stress because of this meet a professional counselor to avoid depression. But understand that majority of the pregnant women face this condition and it normally goes off within two to three weeks after hormonal levels decrease and thereby melanin content also decreases. But it may return with your next pregnancy.