Chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy

How to treat the “mask of pregnancy"

[Q] What are these dark spots on my face?

“Chloasma, or the ‘mask of pregnancy,’ is caused by surging estrogen levels and is exacerbated by sun exposure,” says Deborah Sarnoff, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. To prevent the spots from getting darker, use sunscreen daily during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. As your estrogen levels drop and the skin naturally exfoliates after pregnancy, the pigmentation should fade. Products containing hydroquinone and kojic acid will help diminish dark spots, but they should not be used while pregnant or nursing.