Pregnancy is a wonderful yet thrilling journey for women. As you wait to know your little one’s gender, one thing is for sure, there are lots of changes that will happen in your body. And one of the changes you’ll notice along the way is the change in your skin color. This is why we’ve done our assignment to help you in searching for the right whitening products for you.
Whether you want to address the discoloration in your face, neck, underarm or whole body, these products we’ve listed will surely help you with your targeted concern.
Also, know why skin discoloration occurs during pregnancy and if it is safe to use whitening products while pregnant.
Why skin becomes dark during pregnancy
Skin discoloration is one of the most common changes an expectant mother might experience throughout her pregnancy journey.
Usually, areas on the body affected by this concern are the face, neck and underarms. But there are some cases wherein nipples, genital skin, inner thighs and some areas on the stomach are getting dark as well.
Darkening of the skin during pregnancy is triggered by hormonal change. As the levels of melanocyte hormone gets high, it produces more melanin, which is a natural substance that gives dark color pigment to skin.
Furthermore, if a pregnant mom gets exposed to the sun, her skin can get darker easily because of this hormonal change.
This concern is not permanent. The affected areas should get lighter after giving birth. Pregnant mom’s skin tends to go back to its normal color as her hormones start to normalize.
Is it safe to use whitening products while pregnant
If you are wondering if it is safe to use whitening products while you are pregnant, the answer is “YES".
But, you have to be keen on checking the list of ingredients of the products that you will use.
Some products that promise brightening effects have pregnancy-safe ingredients, while others are formulated with strong substances that might harm you and your little one.
So to give you a hint on what product ingredients you should avoid, here is a list of substances unsafe for pregnant moms that are usually added to whitening products:
- Hydroquinone – a lightening agent that has a high skin absorption rate that might enter the bloodstream and affect the baby inside the mother’s womb.
- Retinol – a form of vitamin A that evens out skin tone. This substance can result in birth defects and developmental abnormalities.
- Chemical sunscreen – most of the whitening products are also mixed with sunscreen for a maximum skin lightening benefit and protection. But this type of sunscreen might contain hormone disruptors which can affect the development of baby’s nervous system.
- AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) – both of these peeling and exfoliating agents should be avoided because these can lead to developmental abnormalities for babies.
Whitening products for pregnant: Toner, underarm care, and lotion brand options
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Underarm whitening safe for pregnant
Unlike other deodorants in the market, Mama’s Choice Dry Serum Deodorant offers complete safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
With Mamas in mind, Mama’s Choice formulated a deodorant that is aluminum-free! Since aluminum can be a harmful chemical to pregnant women, this deodorant is perfect for you. It’s also alcohol-free, and dermatologically tested.
You’ll also love that this deodorant is not only brightening; it also eliminates body odor, and stops sweating.
Features we love:
- Specially made for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Made with triple action formula. Brightens, eliminates body odor, stops sweating.
- Aluminum-free, alcohol-free, and dermatologically tested.
Underarm whitening safe for pregnant
Deonat Papaya Mineral Deodorant Spray not just protects you from having underarm odor, but also lightens your underarms while keeping it dry all day.
It contains papaya extract which has powerful enzymes that lightens dark skin. This whitening deodorant spray also has natural mineral salts that provides all day protection against odor-causing bacteria.
It does not contain harsh substances that might harm pregnant moms.
Features we love:
- Lightens underarms naturally.
- Contains papaya extract and natural mineral salt.
- Safe for pregnant moms.
Whitening toner for pregnant
Nivea Extra White Pore Minimizing Toner will definitely help you in reducing the appearance of pores and dark spots on your face.
This facial toner contains natural whitening ingredients such as licorice extract and pearl whitening complex which are both safe for pregnant moms.
It does not contain AHA or BHA which can irritate the skin, and at the same time can pose a risk to the pregnancy development of an expectant mom.
Aside from that, this product is non-comedogenic and dermatologically-tested.
Features we love:
- Reduces pores and dark spots.
- Contains natural whitening ingredients – licorice and pearl extract.
- Formulated without AHA or BHA.
Whitening toner for pregnant
For a brighter and smoother skin, try on Cetaphil Brightness Refresh Toner. This skin-perfecting toner hydrates and brightens skin, while making it more soft and smooth.
It is gently formulated with natural sea daffodil extract which effectively reduces the intensity and color of dark spots, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) that works best to even out skin tone and is proven safe for pregnant moms.
The product is also perfect for moms with sensitive skin because it is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Features we love:
- Effectively hydrates and brightens skin.
- Formulated with natural sea daffodil extract and niacinamide.
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Whitening toner for pregnant
Made to whiten, hydrate and moisturize skin, the Korean skin care brand, Nacific offers Phyto Niacin Whitening Toner that is safe for soon-to-be-moms.
With the combination of natural ingredients such as niacinamide, camomile flower extract, water lily flower extract and bergamot oil, it gently brightens skin while leaving it soft and supple.
Features we love:
- Whitens, hydrates, and moisturizes skin.
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Used water lily flower extract as whitening agent.
Whitening body lotion safe for pregnant
For a fairer, firmer and smoother skin during pregnancy, try Nivea Extra Whitening Firming Lotion. It repairs signs of dull damaged skin like dark spots, dry, and itchy skin or uneven skin tone.
The product’s brightening ingredients, which are the vitamin C rich super fruit extracts, are derived from concentrated Camu Camu and Acerola Cherry, which are more powerful than the whitening properties of lemon.
Its firming ingredient, Q10 which is a skin cell booster, effectively firms skin and restores skin’s elasticity. With this lotion’s gentle formulation, it is safe to use for your whole body, even for pregnant moms.
Features we love:
- Whitens and firms the skin.
- Contains Camu Camu and Acerola extract that act as skin whitener.
- With Q10 that keeps skin firm and elastic.
Whitening body lotion safe for pregnant
Hurray for Olay’s new whitening body lotion which contains 99% pure niacinamide that effectively brightens and hydrates skin in just 28 days.
It is gently formulated with natural brightening ingredients which makes it safe to use even for pregnant women.
Olay Body Science Lotion Brightening & Care is also rich in vitamin C which is naturally derived from honey dew lemon, apple blossom, and green bamboo.
This whitening body lotion diminishes dullness and repairs signs of skin damage.
Features we love:
- Brightens and hydrates skin in 28 days.
- Contains 99% Niacinamide (vitamin B3).
- With naturally derived vitamin C.
Whitening body lotion safe for pregnant
Achieve smooth, fair and hydrated skin with Garnier Bright Complete Body Lotion.
It is safe to use as whitening lotion for pregnant women because it uses lemon essence which is rich in vitamin C, proven to brighten skin and strengthen skin’s protective barrier.
The product locks in hydration while fading dark spots and illuminating your skin tone. It has UVA/UVB filters that provide sun protection as well.
You’ll also love its non-greasy and fast-absorbing texture that won’t give you a sticky feeling after every application.
Features we love:
- Rich in vitamin C that effectively brightens skin.
- With UVA/UVB sun protection.
- Non-greasy and fast-absorbing.
Note: Each item and price is up to date as of publication, however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
However, if you prefer such moisturizing lotions to cure your pregnancy dry skin. Check out the best options for you here: Best Safe Lotion For Pregnant With Dry Skin In Pregnancy
