Splurge or Save: Whitening Products to Use after Pregnancy

Pregnant women often experience chloasma or melasma gravidarum, the darkening of the skin during pregnancy that is caused by the increased production of melanin in our body. Unfortunately, this appears more commonly to those with darker complexions. The discoloration may appear around the face and areas exposed to the sun, as well as parts that are prone to friction like the underarms and thighs. The good news is that the pigmentation completely disappears a few months after giving birth – at least for some women -- while others have a permanent trace of the condition.

Because the discoloration can be quite embarrassing, women are always on the lookout for the best whitening products available in the market. Since our bodies react differently to substances, it is possible that some discoloration may disappear with a little help from over-the-counter products such as those below, while some may require professional treatment from a specialist. It is very important to discuss the use of such products with your doctor especially if you are breastfeeding.

Here are our top recommended whitening products for different areas of the body:

Facial Cleanser

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Derma E Glycolic Facial Cleanser, P775.00, available at Healthy Options, Shangri-La Mall

With gentle and all-natural ingredients, this cleanser deep cleanses the skin while helping remove old dull skin cells and also unclogs pores. It’s paraben-, oil- and fragrance-free. Photo Source: iherb.com

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Lush Dark Angels Facial Cleanser, P495.00/100g., available at Lush, Trinoma

Lush Dark Angels Facial Cleanser is a soft velvety scrub that doesn’t just exfoliate dead skin cells and dark spots, but also fights blemishes and clogged pores. It’s rich in natural ingredients that will leave skin moisturized and soothed. Photo Source: lush.co.uk

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Dark Spot Corrector

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The Body Shop Moisture White Shiso Concentrated Target Perfector, P1,395.00, available at The Body Shop, Trinoma

Rich in Vitamin C, this product helps minimize dark spots and the roller ball applicator tip makes it easier to apply on targeted areas. Photo Source: thebodyshop.co.id

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L’action Cosmetique Lightening Gel, P525.00, available at beautybar.com.ph

Infused with licorice extracts, this product helps remove dark spots and discolorations. Also comes with a roller ball applicator tip. Photo Source: lipglossismylife.com

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Body Lotion

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Palmer’s Skin Success Ultra Fade Milk, P695, available at Rustan’s

Palmer’s is a lightening body lotion that eliminates age spots, freckles and skin discoloration. It also has sunscreen for extra protection. Photo Source: chemistdirect.co.uk

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Be Organic Papaya Bearberry Lotion, P140, available at Sesou, Glorietta

With two of nature’s most natural lightening ingredients, this product helps lighten and fade dark spots. It contains grapeseed extract and Vitamin E that protects skin from free radicals. Photo Source: direct from Be Organic

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Bath Soap

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Lush Bohemian, P245/100g

A popular variant, this lemon-based soap has natural skin lightening properties and also helps balance skin’s moisture. It smells very refreshing, too! Photo Source: lush.com.au

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Snoe White Organic Green Papaya Beauty Bar, P139, available at The Landmark, Trinoma

Papaya is one of nature’s most powerful lightening ingredients. This soap helps remove dead skin, and can be used both for the body and the face as well.

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Underarm Care

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VMV Hypoallergenics Illuminance + Axillight: Treatment Antiperspirant, P890, available at VMV Hypoallergenics, Trinoma

This spray-on antiperspirant lightens the underarms while providing all-day dryness. It’s fragrance-free, and contains no dyes, paraben or preservatives. Photo Source: vmvhypoallergenics.com

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Snoe Armed Forces Whitening Natural Deo Spray, P449, available at The Landmark, Trinoma

This cutely-packaged deodorant will repair damaged skin while lightening and helping even out the skin tone. The mistletoe extract found in this product will help slow down hair growth, reduce melanin production and minimize chicken skin.

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Daily Sunscreen

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Supergoop! SPF 40 Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Day Cream, P900, available at beautybar.com.ph

This is a lightweight sunscreen that doesn’t just protect but also repairs the skin. Those suffering from rosacea can also use this product as it helps reduce redness and skin irritation. It’s also safe for children to use (4 months and up). Photo Source: diaper.com

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisture with Helioplex SPF 50, P459.75, available at The Landmark, Trinoma

Sheer, light and non-greasy, this oil-free sunscreen boasts of high SPF content (SPF 50) which gives great protection from the harmful rays of the sun. It is also non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores. Photo Source: herbal4human.com

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