What Sunscreen Is Best When Pregnant

Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreenlotion

6 MUST-TRY Tinted Mineral Sunscreens + 2 To Skip!

Future mommas need a reliablesunscreen during summertime so they can also enjoy the beach. The Earth MamaMineral Sunscreen Lotion is perfect for a beach day and every day! Thissunscreen is water-resistant for 40 minutes after application, so yoursensitive skin is protected from direct sunlight.

It also has no fragrance, makingpregnant women comfortable wearing this sunscreen without feeling dizzy ornauseous. This product contains organic red raspberry seed oil and organicargan oil to make your skin soft and supple too.

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What Spf Should I Use While Pregnant

You want to make sure you are using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or more. A sunscreen with rated SPF 30 will protect you from 97% whereas a SPF 15 sunscreen would only be protected from 93% of UV rays, increasing the risk of skin damage. The skin is already sensitive during pregnancy, so you want to make sure to protect it the best you can.

Looking into SPF ratings above 30, SPF 50 will protect against 98% of ultraviolet rays, just one percent more than SPF 30. SPF claims above 50 are generally recognized as giving a false sense of security. For added UV protection cover your skin with clothing on top of the sunscreen you have applied. Wear a hat and try to avoid being directly in the sun as much as possible. Learn more about UV rays and sunscreen terminology here!

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Is Sunscreen Safe During Pregnancy

One more time for the people in the back: YES! There are plenty of pregnancy-safe sunscreens to choose from. Youre not necessarily more sensitive to the sun now that youre expecting, and while uncomfortable, a sunburn wont pose any harm to your developing babybut like any other time in life, its important to shield yourself from harmful rays to protect your skin and help prevent skin cancer, says Neil Sadick, MD, founder and president of Sadick Dermatology in New York City.

When it comes to using sunscreen during pregnancy though, youll want to be mindful of which type you choose. As Nava Greenfield, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, New York, explains, the best sunscreen for pregnancy uses a physical blocker instead of a chemical one. Chemical blockers absorb the sun rays, while physical ones bounce the sun rays off the skin, she explains. Physical blockers are active mineral ingredients that sit on top of your skin, and have the added benefit of being all-natural.

For the best protection, go for SPF 30 or higher, and make sure to reapply every two hours .

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Best Sunscreen For The Face

When applying sunscreen to the body, weâre usually reminded to pay special attention to applying sunscreen to the face. Coming from the famous skincare brand, the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Sunscree, is a mineral sunscreen that uses Purescreen technology to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Aside from that, users love how easily spreadable the formula is with its non-greasy, matte finish. You can even use it as a primer when youâre applying makeup! If youâre looking for a product that can give efficient sun protection for your face, this all-rounder might just do the trick.

Neutrogena Sensitive Skinmineral Sunscreen Lotion

15 Best Pregnancy Safe Sunscreens 2020

If you prefer a sunscreen lotionwithout any fragrance, the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotionshould be your choice. So far, this sunscreen has the strongest sun protectionamong the rest that we have reviewed. It has SPF 60+ to prevent sunburnswithout harming your skin and unborn baby from harsh chemicals.

It is specially formulated with100% naturally-sourced ingredients designed for pregnant womens sensitiveskin. The Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion also features PurescreenTechnology to absorb, reflect, and scatter UVA and UVB rays away.

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Other Visible Skin Changes

When youre pregnant, your blood flow and body weight increase, putting more pressure on your legs and veins. And because your skin is stretching faster than usual, it may prompt the appearance of stretch marks , varicose veins or spider veins.Youve probably noticed that the sun can actually cause scars and stretch marks to stand out more. Your skin tone will darken but not the scars, resulting in tanned skin with white or reddish marks . We all know that sunbathing exposes you to harmful UV rays, but even more so during pregnancy, because your skin becomes more sensitive and reactive to environmental factors, including the suns rays.

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What Sunscreen Is Safe During Pregnancy

Congratulations on becoming a soon-to-be mom! Youre about to embark on a wonderful journey filled with exciting new changes in your lifeand your body! From nutrition to exercise and personal care, pregnancy comes with an exhaustive list of dos and donts in order to keep both you and baby happy and healthy. But what about sun exposure? Is your sunscreen safe for pregnancy? Are they taken into consideration?

While sunscreens remain the best form of protection from ultraviolet rays, many contain questionable ingredients that can have adverse effects on you and your babys well-being. So, the question is: are sunscreens really safe to use during pregnancy? Whats the best way to protect yourself and your baby from the suns damaging rays? Read on to find out!

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Why Is Using Sunscreen Especially Important When I’m Pregnant

Not only will sunscreen protect you from skin cancer, but it will also shield your skin from discoloration and other pregnancy-related conditions that can be exacerbated by sun exposure.

Since your skin tends to be more sensitive when you’re pregnant, melasma and other kinds of hyperpigmentation blotches, patches, dots or lines that can vary in color from reddish-purple to brown, blue or gray are more of a possibility and can become more pronounced when you’re exposed to the sun.

What Is Pregnancy Safe Sunscreen

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Mineral sunscreens, or physical sunscreens as they are sometimes called, get the greenlight during pregnancy since they are hypoallergenic and sit on the skin like a barrier. They work by scattering and deflecting UV rays instead of being absorbed by your skin. Meanwhile, certain ingredients are safer for pregnant women than others.

To be considered non-toxic for use during pregnancy, a sunscreen must only contain ingredients that are generally recognized as safe and effective . Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only sunscreen ingredients in pregnancy safe sunscreens that meet the FDAs criteria for GRASE ingredients.

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Sunscreen While Pregnant Faqs

Expecting women are often told to avoid using sunscreen because of the risk of chemicals being absorbed into the skin. However, not using sunscreen can lead to sunburns and other health risks.

It can be hard to know which sunscreens are safe for women who are pregnant to use. There are a lot of conflicting opinions out there about what is and isnt safe.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best sunscreens for pregnancy. This comprehensive guide will help you choose a sunscreen that is both safe and effective.

What is the best sunscreen to use while pregnant?

A great sunscreen to use while pregnant is a mineral sunscreen lotion that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. They are also safe to use during pregnancy, as they are non-toxic and will not be absorbed into the skin.

What brands of sunscreen are safe during pregnancy?

Sunscreens are important during pregnancy because they protect skin against premature aging. However, some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to the developing baby.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and avoid exposure to the sun during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. ACOG also recommends that expectant women choose a mineral sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen because it is less likely to be absorbed into the skin.

What Are The Types Of Sunscreen

Let’s start with a quick refresher as to the different types of sunscreens out there. There are two categories: chemical and physical . Chemical sunscreens contain ingredientscommon ones include avobenzone, oxybenzone, and homosalatethat are absorbed into the skin. There, they work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which prevents the skin from burning, explains Chimento. On the other hand, physical sunscreens, which rely on minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are not absorbed into the skin. Rather, they sit on the surface and work by reflecting or redirecting the damaging UV rays, she says.

Broadly speaking, they each have their own sets of pros and cons. For example, chemical sunscreens are traditionally more cosmetically elegant, while physical sunscreens tend to be less irritating for those with sensitive skin. If you’re not pregnant, the best sunscreen for you is the one that you like and are going to actually use every day, 365 days a year. That being said, for those who are pregnant, there is a clear winner…

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What Makes A Sunscreen Pregnancy Safe

Mineral only sunscreens are safe and non-toxic for moms-to-be and their babes, and you will want to get one with active ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Make sure your sun protection product also has an SPF of at least 50. Moreover, broad-spectrum pregnancy safe formulas that block UVA and UVB rays are excellent for everyone, including those sporting a baby bump.

While we are on the subject of the bump, its best to cover yours with a one-piece bathing suit instead of a two-piece bikini. Why? Your prominent belly will catch rays from every angle of the sun while you are lolling about in the sun, making it more prone to sunburn. Covering up your tummy as much as possible will also prevent or minimize the appearance of the linea nigra, or the dark zipper that appears and runs down the middle line of your pregnant belly by your second trimester.

Beyond that, skin can be pretty sensitive when you are pregnant, so opt for fragrance-free options while youre shopping around.

Other Reasons You Need Sunscreen

Another important reason to slather on sunscreen is to ward off skin cancer. During your daily routine of putting on sunscreen, or after-shower moisturizing, you can use the time to do a self-check of your skin, looking for moles youve never noticed before or ones that may have a significantly altered appearance.

Tips To Protect Your Skin Beyond Sunscreen

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Sunscreen should be the last line of defense to protect your skin from the sun. So, here are a few tips to minimize damage to your skin by too much sun exposure:

  • Plan your outdoor time around the sun. UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day typically 10am to 4pm. Spend more time outdoors in the morning and the evening hours. You can even play it safe by checking the UV index in your area.
  • Cover up. This can include hats, shirts, shorts, pants, swim shirts, etc to protect your skin.
  • Utilize shade. Whether it be in the shade of a tree or creating your own shade with an umbrella this will protect your skin from the suns rays and keep you cooler.
  • Wear sunglasses. This will protect your eyes from those same UV rays that can be so damaging.

Thankfully there are many great sunscreen options that are pregnancy safe! Sharing my favorites below.

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What Should Pregnant Mothers Look For In A Sunscreen

There are too many sunscreens out in the market these days. Thatâs a good thing if you know what youâre looking for. But if you have no idea how to choose a product, it can become tedious to sift through the brands. To make it easy for you, just go by these three things according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association:

  • broad-spectrum â Make sure it covers both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays because they can cause cancer.
  • SPF 30 or higher â Get at least SPF 30 to protect you from sunburn.
  • Water-resistant â Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours especially after swimming or sweating.

For expectant moms, we also recommend checking out the following:

  • ingredients â Steer clear from those with retinoids, high-dose salicylic acid, hydroquinone, phthalates, formaldehyde, oxybenzone.
  • type â Say no to chemical sunscreens because they have ingredients that can harm you and the baby. Come to think of it, you should stay away from this whether youâre pregnant or not. Instead of chemical sunscreens, go for the mineral type. As its name suggests, it uses minerals. They donât go into your bloodstream and they just sit on top of the skin while effectively protecting the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

What Kind Of Sunscreen Is Best For Pregnant People

As any pregnant person will tell you, the list of things that are off-limits during pregnancy is a lengthy one. That list also includes a subset of many common skincare products and ingredients that need to be avoided during pregnancy as well.

While things such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide are clear no-nos, when it comes to sunscreen, the lines are a little blurrier. Make no mistake, you absolutely canand most definitely shouldbe using sunscreen while you’re both pregnant and breastfeeding, but it is important to be a bit more selective about the type. Ahead, dermatologists Dr. Stacy Chimento, MD, and Dr. Jessie Cheung, MD, explain everything parents-to-be should keep in mind.

Meet the Expert

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Another Safe Active Ingredient

Another safe and active ingredient in mineral sunscreen is titanium dioxide. This is a mineral based ingredient that is hypoallergenic and safe for use as a physical sunscreen during pregnancy. The active ingredients of the sunscreen just sit on the surface of your skin and wont absorb it. That way you dont have to worry about chemicals being introduced into your bloodstream with the potential to harm your baby. Its just not possible with mineral sunscreen featuring zinc and titanium dioxide. Luckily Sdara Skincare is coming out with the perfect sunscreen for pregnant moms. Its our Sdara Skincare Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.

How To Make Sure Your Pregnancy Safe Sunscreen Protects From Uva And Uvb Rays

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When it comes to protecting your skin from the potentially harmful rays of the sun, there are two different types we need to be thinking about: UVA and UVB.

UVA and UVB are two different kinds of rays from the sun that enter our atmosphere and can lead to things like premature skin aging, skin cancer, eye damage, and sunburns. But how are these two sunrays different?

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Ingredients To Avoid In Sunscreens While Pregnant

Avoiding the below ingredients can also ensure youre going to be avoiding a host of other harmful chemicals too!

Homosalate- Hormone disruptor. It also increases the skins ability to absorb other chemicals even more.

Oxybenzone- Allergen, hormone disruption, cellular damage. Found in chemical sunscreens.

Quickly absorbs into the skin and trace amounts can be found in the bloodstream. It causes free radical damage, which then attacks the DNA in the cells and causes cellular damage from cellular death to cell mutation.

Avobenzone- Endocrine Disruptor. It also absorbs into the skin quickly and has been found in the bloodstream, urine and breast milk.

PEGs/Propylene Glycol- Has been found to be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane, which is cancer causing. Can cause acne, skin irritant.

Fragrance- Can cause photo-toxic reactions and can be photo-allergic. Skin irritants, and has been known as a neurotoxin.

Petroleum or Mineral Oil- Reports they are cancer-causing.

Retinyl Palmitate- Reproductive toxin.

Butylated hydroxyanisole – Carcinogen, liver damage.

Cyclopentasiloxane- It is known to bioaccumulate over time in the body.

Parabens Pretty common in most skincare products. Hormone disruptor also known as endocrine disruptor. Has been found in breast cancer tumors, may cause male infertility and early puberty.

Aluminum- Neurotoxin and has been found in breast tissue. Anti-Perspirants, makeup, skincare.

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Thinksport Spf 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

Why its great: Free from biologically harmful chemicals and a non-nano formulation, Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen is a safe and natural mineral sunscreen option. The special formula is water resistant and absorbs easily into the skin. The non-oily feel and easy application of this pregnancy-safe sunscreen mean youre more likely to wear and reapply this formula throughout the day for broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen.

Keep in mind: This sunscreen is on the thicker side and is not sweat-resistant. Be sure to reapply at least every two hours if you are heavily sweating.

Good for: Moms-to-be who prioritize vegan products that are free from animal ingredients.

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Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid For Pregnant Women

Not all sunscreens are safe for pregnant women. There are some sunscreen formulations that contain harmful ingredients which can put your health and your babys health at risk. If youre a little bit muddled in determining the ingredients to be avoided, heres your guide to help you in choosing the right sunscreen to use on your pregnancy journey.

The most dangerous ingredient of sunscreen that must be avoided is the Oxybenzone. This chemical is known to be an Ultraviolet absorbing substance, a harmful chemical which can turn into Hirschsprungs Disease is neglected. Worst case scenario, your baby will experience a critical fetal development.

Aside from this, pregnant women should also avoid PABA as these harmful chemicals are targeting the endocrine system of a pregnant woman.

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