How to combat hyperpigmentation during pregnancy?

The pigment responsible for skin pigmentation is the melanin. Produced by melanocytes and transferred to the surface of the epidermis, it provides some protection to the skin against the sun and gives it its natural color. However, during pregnancy, the body undergoes several hormonal variations, including an increase in the production of estrogen and progesterone.

According to several studies, these steroidal hormones are capable of stimulating the expression of type I melanocortin receptors (MC1R), playing a role in the melanin synthesis pathway. This overproduction of pigments is the cause of the appearance of brown spots on the face or body of pregnant women, also referred to as "pregnancy mask".

It's also worth noting that hyperpigmentation predominantly affects individuals with darker skin, specifically those within phototypes III to VI in the FITZPATRICK classification. Indeed, darker skin contains more melanin than lighter skin, and more specifically, it contains eumelanin, a darker form that provides better protection against UV rays.

Once established, it should be noted that hyperpigmentation spots take quite a long time to naturally fade away. They generally take a year to diminish and, in some cases, are permanent. Thus, the prevention remains the best option. For this, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to combat the effects of UVA and UVB rays, and limit the appearance of new pigmentation spots.

There are, however, certain actions that can help to diminish the appearance of pigmented spots. Indeed, there are treatments specifically designed for this purpose. It is even recommended to use them before the spots appear, as a preventative measure. They are often rich in depigmenting agents, such as kojic acid or tranexamic acid and exfoliants, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or gluconolactone.

In terms of their mode of action, depigmenting ingredients work by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that allows the conversion of tyrosine into melanin. This effectively blocks its production and reduces hyperpigmentation. Other active ingredients are capable of preventing the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes.

Exfoliating ingredients, on the other hand, are capable of targeting the corneocytes in the stratum corneum and causing their degradation, which induces skin peeling. By breaking the bonds between dead cells, it allows for a smoother and more radiant complexion. Indeed, this gradually eliminates the pigmented cells located on the surface of the epidermis. In addition to depigmenting creams, it is beneficial to perform one to two exfoliations per week. These promote cellular renewal and the surfacing of less pigmented cells in the epidermis.

A recommendation?

At Typology, we have developed a serum suitable for pregnant women and designed to diminish hyperpigmentation marks. Enriched with 5% tranexamic acid, it targets hyperpigmentation at its source by limiting the synthesis of melanin and blocking the interaction between skin cells and melanocytes. This serum also contains tetrapeptides, which further inhibit certain reactions in the melanogenesis process, thus reducing pigmentation spots. Moreover, these active ingredients possess a strong antioxidant power that ensures skin protection against free radicals and revives its natural glow.