What Sunscreens Are Safe To Use During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a special time for expectant mothers who want to take precautions to protect their babies from harm and sunscreens are no exception. Sunscreens are important for all skin types, but even more so for those pregnant in order to prevent sunburns and skin damage associated with excessive exposure to the sun’s rays. When it comes to sunscreen, however, it is important to choose carefully; some sunscreens contain potentially dangerous chemicals, particularly those containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. But the good news is that there are safe sunscreens for pregnant women to use to protect their skin and their unborn baby.
Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients
When deciding which sunscreen to choose during pregnancy, it’s critical to know what ingredients to look out for. Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate should be avoided, as they have been linked to hormonal disruptions, which can be especially dangerous to unborn babies. Other potentially harmful chemicals to look out for are PABA, nano-sized particles and preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde.
Finding Organic Sunscreens
Organic sunscreens are becoming increasingly popular because they are made with natural, often plant-based ingredients like zinc oxide, carrot seed oil and aloe vera. They are free of any synthetic chemicals that may be potentially harmful for pregnant women and their unborn baby. Organic sunscreens are typically a bit pricier than their chemical-based counterparts, but if a pregnant woman wants to be sure she’s choosing a safe sunscreen, they are the way to go.
The Benefits of Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens , made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, provide effective protection against the sun’s UV rays, without the potentially harmful chemicals found in other sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are often used for babies and are considered safe for pregnant women as well. They are effective because the particles physically block the sun’s rays, rather than relying on chemical filters to absorb them.
The Benefits of Sunscreen with Non-Nano Particles
Non-nano sunscreens are the safest and most effective because the particles are too large to be absorbed through the skin. Non-nano sunscreens are made with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and are labeled as such. Unfortunately, many conventional sunscreens use nano-sized particles which may be absorbed into the skin and bloodstream, so it’s important for pregnant women to look for non-nano products in order to get the protection they need without the risks of chemical absorption.
Choosing the Right SPF Rating
When choosing a sunscreen during pregnancy, it’s important to consider the SPF rating. The SPF stands for sun protection factor and indicates how well the sunscreen protects against both UVB and UVA radiation, which are the two types of solar radiation. A sunscreen with higher SPF provides more protection, so pregnant women should look for an SPF of at least 30, although higher numbers offer more protection.
The Best Sunscreens for Pregnant Women
Once a pregnant woman has armed herself with the knowledge of what to look for in a sunscreen, she may be feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available. To make choosing a sunscreen easier, here are some of the best sunscreens for expectant mothers:
• All Good Zinc Oxide Face Stick SPF 50
• Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+
• ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50
• Badger Baby SPF 40 Sunscreen
• Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunscreen is important for everyone, but even more so for pregnant women who have an extra layer of protection and caution to consider. Pregnant women should be vigilant when choosing a sunscreen, making sure to avoid products containing potentially harmful chemicals and seeking out organic, mineral or non-nano sunscreens instead. With the right information and some of the best sunscreens for pregnant women, all moms-to-be can protect their skin and their unborn baby as they enjoy the benefits of being outdoors in sunny weather.
