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

Splurge
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

Save
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