Bump Beauty: Are Sunscreens Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Here's what to look out for in your next SPF.
The general rules of sun safety apply whether you’re pregnant or not, but you may find that you experience more discomfort as your bump grows and the temperature increases.
Stay healthy and happy by ensuring you are well hydrated at all times and eat balanced meals. When you head out of the house, dress in lightweight clothing that does not cling to your skin and cover up the areas of your body that would be exposed to sunlight. Try, as much as possible, to seek cover from direct sunlight especially between 11am and 3pm. When you are in the sun, wear a wide-brim sun hat and apply sunscreen every two hours.
Sunscreen is highly recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and is essential in keeping you safe from the sun’s harmful rays. Since your skin tends to be more sensitive when you are pregnant, melasma and other kinds of hyperpigmentation are more of a possibility and can become more pronounced when you're exposed to the sun.
When it comes to shopping for a SPF, opt for a mineral sunscreen. “A mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide with broad spectrum coverage (protects against UVA and UVB rays) is preferred,” says Cape Town-based obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Palesa Kennedy.
What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?
Dr Kennedy explains that sunscreens work by forming a protective layer on your skin that absorbs the sun's rays and turns it into heat, which is then dissipated. “The primary difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is in the active ingredients,” she says.
“Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals such as avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, octisalate and octocrylene. These are usually water-resistant and great if you are swimming or sweat a lot. In addition, they are absorbent and blend in much quicker with the skin.”
Mineral sunscreens work by creating a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. They sit on the skin, instead of being absorbed by it. “Mineral sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as an active ingredient. In addition to absorbing 95% of the sun’s rays, they also reflect about 5% of it. Mineral sunscreens usually cause a white cast on skin and are difficult to blend into skin. They are recommended for people with sensitive skin as they cause less skin irritation,” explains Dr Kennedy.
Your skin, which is likely more sensitive due to changing hormones during pregnancy, will benefit from a formulation that is gentler and contains fewer harsh chemicals. Mineral sunscreens are therefore recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and for use on your little one. Opt for one that is fragrance-free (as much as possible) to prevent any irritation caused by smell, and look for an easy-to-apply formula like a lightweight lotion or spray-on SPF.
Which skincare ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?
Before you slather on the SPF, take a look at the product label. “In general, skin ingredients to avoid in pregnancy include: retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone and parabens. This is because they either dry out the skin or may have a negative effect on the development of the foetus,” says Dr Kennedy.
If you're unsure about whether a particular sunscreen is safe during pregnancy, check the label and talk to your doctor.
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