Dark patches on your face that seem to appear out of nowhere, especially on your forehead, cheeks or upper lip? Chances are you are dealing with melasma, also known as the pregnancy mask. This stubborn form of pigmentation is caused by hormonal fluctuations – think pregnancy, the contraceptive pill or menopause – and can have a real impact on how comfortable you feel in your own skin.
The frustrating thing about melasma is that it often does not disappear on its own and is difficult to treat with standard skincare. Fortunately, there are effective and safe solutions that can visibly reduce these pigmentation spots. In this article we explain how hormonal pigmentation develops, what you can do yourself and which professional treatments at Skin Kliniek really deliver results.
Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation in which dark, irregular patches appear on the face. These pigmentation spots often show up on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. Because melasma regularly develops during or after pregnancy, it is also known as the pregnancy mask.
The underlying cause of melasma is an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour. With melasma, the melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells) become overactive. Hormones play a crucial role in this. Oestrogen and progesterone in particular can trigger this overproduction, resulting in the characteristic brown patches.
Factors that can trigger or worsen melasma include:
Melasma is known as one of the most difficult forms of pigmentation to treat. This is because the pigment changes are not only located in the upper skin layer (epidermis), but often also deeper in the dermis. In addition, your skin remains hormonally sensitive, which means the patches can return after treatment.
Sunlight is a major trigger that can worsen melasma or reactivate it. Even after successful treatment, a day in the sun can make the pigmentation spots visible again. That is why consistent sun protection is essential in managing hormonal skin concerns.
It is important to know that melasma is not a dangerous condition. It is a cosmetic skin concern that carries no health risks. Even so, it can have a big impact on your self-confidence and on how you see yourself in the mirror. These feelings are understandable and are the reason many people seek professional help.
At Skin Kliniek we always start with a thorough skin analysis. Using the VISIA skin scan, we accurately map the depth and severity of your pigmentation. This helps us determine which treatment best suits your specific situation.
To treat melasma, we use several proven effective methods:
With melasma, patience is essential. A treatment plan often consists of several sessions, combined with a tailored home care routine. Our skin therapists guide you throughout the entire process and adjust the plan where needed.
No treatment is effective without adequate sun protection. We advise using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, including on cloudy days and in winter. After all, UV radiation penetrates cloud cover and windows. This is the most important step you can take yourself to keep melasma under control.
Hormonal pigmentation calls for an expert approach. At Skin Kliniek we combine skin therapy expertise with advanced treatment techniques to improve your skin as effectively as possible. We are honest about what you can expect and draw up a realistic treatment plan together.
Would you like to know what the options are for your skin? Book a no-obligation consultation with one of our registered skin therapists. During this appointment we analyse your skin, discuss your wishes and advise you on the best approach for your situation.
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation in which brown or greyish-brown patches appear, often on the face. It is caused by an overproduction of melanin, triggered by hormonal changes such as pregnancy, contraception or hormone therapy in combination with UV exposure.
In some women the pregnancy mask fades after delivery once hormones stabilise, but in others the pigmentation stubbornly remains. Professional treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy can help reduce the patches effectively.
At Skin Kliniek we treat melasma with a combination of specialised peels, pigment lasers and skin-improving products. During a VISIA skin scan we map the depth of the pigmentation, so we can create a treatment plan that suits your specific skin type.
Daily protection with a high-quality SPF50 sunscreen is essential to prevent melasma from worsening, including on cloudy days. We also advise limiting direct sun exposure and using skincare with ingredients that inhibit pigment formation.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, not all treatments are suitable because of the skin’s hormonal sensitivity. In a no-obligation consultation we discuss the safe options available and draw up a plan that fits your situation.
Hormonal pigmentation spots such as melasma develop from within, but with the right approach you can visibly reduce them.
Pigmentation spots caused by hormonal changes, such as melasma or a pregnancy mask, are stubborn but certainly not untreatable. With the right combination of professional treatments and consistent sun protection, you can effectively reduce the pigmentation and give your skin a more even tone again. Because hormonal pigmentation often returns when handled the wrong way, expert guidance is essential for a lasting result.
Would you like to know which treatment suits your skin type and pigmentation best? Book a no-obligation consultation at Skin Kliniek. Our skin therapists map your skin with a VISIA skin scan and create a personal treatment plan together with you — safe, effective and tailored to your situation.