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Pregnancy Wellness

I’m Pregnant, Which Sunscreen is Safe for me?

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Finding Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen

Summer is a wonderful time of the year, but here in the Arizona desert, it can be dangerous if you’re not adequately prepared. With up to 14 hours of sunlight a day at the peak of the season, protecting your skin is more important than ever. 

If you’re pregnant, that’s even more reason to take sun protection seriously. Pregnancy makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of dark spots, hyperpigmentation like melasma, and even folic acid depletion from UV exposure.

That’s why it’s essential to use a high-quality, pregnancy-safe sunscreen for your skin health and your baby’s well-being. In this post, we’ll share what to look for in a pregnancy-safe sunscreen and why sun protection is a must during pregnancy.

Why Pregnant Women Need to Take Sun Protection Seriously

We all need to wear sunscreen every time we leave the house, but if you’re pregnant, it’s more important than ever. Pregnancy hormones increase the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to your eyes, skin and hair. The increased production makes pregnant skin more prone to melasma and linea nigra, which are both types of discoloration.

Pregnant skin is also more sensitive to sun damage and prone to oxidative stress, which can worsen hyperpigmentation. So, pregnant individuals, especially those with darker skin tones, a history of pigmentation issues, or living in sunny climates like Arizona, need extra protection against the sun.

Lastly, there’s evidence that sun exposure can also reduce folic acid levels, an important nutrient that helps prevent congenital disabilities.

What to Consider When Looking for Sunscreen During Pregnancy

Your skin is your largest organ and the first barrier of protection, so it’s critical to pay attention to the topical products you’re using, including sunscreen. Finding the right sunscreen is a matter of ingredients, SPF and formula. 

Ingredients

Not all sunscreen products are created equal. Some sunscreen chemicals may interfere with hormones or have uncertain safety during pregnancy. It’s best to avoid:

  • Oxybenzone
  • Octinoxate
  • 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
  • Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives)
  • Arbutin, resorcinol derivatives
  • Salicylic acid
  • Parabens

You should also avoid spray sunscreens with mineral filters to prevent inhalation of the particles.

SPF Protection

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. For optimal SPF pregnancy protection, choose a formula with SPF 30 or higher that is also water-resistant.

Formula

All sunscreens fall into two categories of formulas–chemical and mineral: 

  • Chemical sunscreens: Contain synthetic compounds and work by converting UV rays into heat and releasing it from the skin. 
  • Mineral sunscreens: Made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, and work by providing a physical barrier to block UV rays

Chemical sunscreens are generally considered safe for older children and people with healthy skin. However, these ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream and may not be safe during pregnancy. Mineral sunscreens are considered safer for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Tips on Choosing the Best Maternity Sunscreen

Fortunately, the sunscreen market has expanded in recent years to include a range of safe and effective options at every price point. Below are what to look for when choosing a pregnancy-safe sunscreen:

  • Mineral-based filters: Look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide 
  • Broad-spectrum protection: Covers UVB, UVA, and high-energy visible light (HEVL), which contributes to hyperpigmentation.
  • Extras like antioxidants: A water-resistant formula with Ingredients like vitamin E, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid can provide added skin benefits.

What Should I Do If I Get Sunburn While Pregnant?

Even with physical protection and a sunblock, there’s always the potential for a sunburn. If that happens, you need to take extra care with recovery. Here are steps to treating sunburn while pregnant:

  • Start by applying a cool compress to the affected area to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support your body’s natural healing process.
  • Moisturize regularly with a pregnancy-safe lotion containing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter to help replenish moisture and minimize peeling. 
  • Use pure aloe vera gel which can be effective for calming sunburn and promoting skin recovery.

If you experience severe pain, blisters, fever, chills, dizziness, or signs of infection like pus or red streaks, contact your Genesis Ob-Gyn provider.

What About Sun Tanning While Pregnant?

Tanning while pregnant comes with several risks. Traditional sunbathing and tanning beds increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the only cancer that can spread to your placenta and potentially harm your baby.

If you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe glow, self-tanning lotions, creams, or foams are a safer alternative. However, avoid spray tans while pregnant, since the you may potentially inhale the aerosolized form of dihydroxyacetone (or DHA, a plant-derived ingredient that temporarily darkens skin) and we still do not know it’s effects.

Summer Pregnancy Wellness is Critical

Sunscreen is one of several ways you can ensure you and your baby are safe this summer, which is important. Prolonged exposure to heat can raise your body temperature to unsafe levels. You’re also at heightened risk of dehydration, which can be dangerous for you and your baby.

Follow the below summer safety tips to maintain your cool in this heat:

  • Physical protection: Pair sunscreen with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing.
  • Consistency is key: Reapply sunscreen, especially after sweating, swimming, or long sun exposure.
  • Vitamin D balance: Moderate sun exposure is usually sufficient for maintaining vitamin D levels, but you may need additional vitamin D supplements.

Staying Safe and Healthy This Summer in Phoenix, AZ

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should prioritize mineral-based, broad-spectrum, and tinted sunscreens, as they avoid the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Combining sun protection with physical barriers and skin-friendly ingredients helps maintain skin health and protects both parent and baby from sun-related risks.

Beyond sun screen, you should make sure you’re staying on top of your prenatal care. Schedule an appointment with a Genesis OB/GYN provider today. Our board-certified OB-Gyns, midwives and nurse practitioners are ready to provide experienced care, no matter the temperatures outside!