During pregnancy, women do everything they can to protect their baby’s health, and that includes questioning the safety of certain skincare products, such as sunscreen for example.

Does Sunscreen Pose Risks?

The biggest worry for an expectant mother is that using sunscreen during pregnancy could cause some kind of problem in the baby’s development. However, avoiding sunscreen can do more harm than its use. Protecting yourself from the sun’s bright rays is especially important during pregnancy when the skin tends to be more sensitive than usual. Sunscreen during pregnancy is a necessity for all women, and regular use can help prevent dark spots related to pregnancy1.

Best Times for Sun Exposure

The best way to protect yourself from the sun is through prevention, so it’s important to stay in the sun only during the recommended times, which are before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.2. If you need to go out in the sun outside of these times, it’s necessary to take certain precautions, including using sunscreen during pregnancy.

Benefits of Using Sunscreen During Pregnancy

Dermatology specialists recommend that all women use sunscreen during pregnancy with at least an SPF of 30 or more to avoid sunburn. Sunscreen not only helps protect against premature aging and skin cancer, but it can also help mitigate skin problems related to pregnancy. Sun exposure can worsen melasma (a hormonal condition during pregnancy that causes dark skin patches). The UV ray protection provided by using sunscreen during pregnancy can prevent these spots from getting darker and becoming more visible.

Recommended Sunscreen for Pregnant Women

In general, choose lotions that offer UVA and UVB protection (called “broad spectrum sunscreen”) and a sun protection factor (SPF) ideally between 30 and 50. Products in which the active ingredient is zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide (also called mineral or physical sunscreen) tend to be safer than chemical sunscreens for pregnant women, since they are hypoallergenic and stay on top of the skin instead of being absorbed3.

SPF 50 Sunscreen

Experts also recommend not using products with an SPF higher than 50, because they can block out the beneficial part of sunlight. But there is no specific concern related to SPF over 50 when it comes to using sunscreen during pregnancy. Another point to check is whether the sunscreen contains chemical ingredients with repellent action. If you need to use insect repellent, it’s best to buy it separately and apply it after using sunscreen.

Sunscreen Ingredients Pregnant Women Should Avoid

Using sunscreen during pregnancy is extremely important, but there are two ingredients found in almost three-quarters of all sunscreens that experts advise pregnant women not to use.

Oxybenzone

The first is oxybenzone, an active ingredient found in many common chemical sunscreens, which is a potential hormone disruptor and can also cause allergic reactions. In some studies, oxybenzone has been linked to low birth weight in female infants. Although these studies cannot identify oxybenzone as the only cause of low birth weight, there’s no reason to put the baby at risk if there is a viable and considered safe alternative for sunscreen use during pregnancy. The reason why oxybenzone cannot be pinned down as the cause of birth problems is because of its effect on the skin. It is a chemical compound used to help other chemical ingredients penetrate the skin. Unlike zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which remain on the surface, products containing oxybenzone penetrate the skin, allowing chemicals to reach the bloodstream. Although the risk is unclear, it is safer to use mineral sunscreen during pregnancy that’s zinc and/or titanium-based, or a non-mineral sunscreen without oxybenzone.

Retinoids

Much of the skepticism about using sunscreen during pregnancy stems from the potential risks associated with retinoids. Retinoids are forms of vitamin A used in many over-the-counter skincare products, including anti-wrinkle creams and sunscreen. On sunscreen labels, retinoids are usually listed as retinyl palmitate, also called retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, and retinol. While these ingredients have not been scientifically proven to cause problems in babies, the concern lies in the fact that taking too much vitamin A orally can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women. But only in very high dosages. Through supplements and personal care products, vitamin A can potentially cause birth defects in a developing baby. In addition, excessive exposure to vitamin A can accelerate the development of tumors and skin lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight. Therefore, many women prefer not to risk using sunscreen during pregnancy.

How Can Pregnant Women Protect Themselves from the Sun?

Sunscreen during pregnancy is not the only line of defense against harmful sun rays. If the pregnant woman can’t avoid being outside only in recommended hours, it’s important to protect herself from the sun. For this to happen safely, just follow these simple tips:

  • Don’t forget to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and part of your face.
  • Stay in a shaded area whenever possible when outside.
  • Apply sunscreen during pregnancy 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 to 3 hours if it’s water-resistant and every 1 to 2 hours if it’s not.
  • Cover as much skin as possible with loose, light, and colored clothing, made of cotton or other breathable fabric, as these help repel UV rays.
  • If you go to the beach, try to go early or late in the day to avoid the strongest sun. Also, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or towel drying.
  • Stay indoors or in covered areas during the critical sun hours, which are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially on very hot days.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to help skin cells retain water and therefore not become more fragile and prone to sunburns.

Overall, the benefits of sunscreen during pregnancy outweigh potential risks. But it’s always good to check with your doctor before deciding which one to use. See also: Artificial Tanning During Pregnancy Photos: dimitrisvetsikas1969