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By now we know sunscreen is a must for all seasons, outdoors or indoors, summer or winter, yet, many women stop using sunscreen when they get pregnant. Contrary to popular belief, and according to a study, pregnant women should apply sunscreen before stepping out in the sun to prevent sun damage, especially hyperpigmentation, which may get aggravated due to hormonal changes in pregnant women.
Safe Chemicals For Pregnant Women
Research conducted on expectant mothers on the safety of topical skin products during pregnancy suggests that sunscreen application is safe during this period. However, there are a few nasty ingredients that pregnant women should avoid. Some of them are oxybenzone, avobenzone, benzophenone, and octinoxate. On the other hand, mineral sunscreen is not only safe for mothers but also for their babies. Minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally safe for expecting mothers. A mineral sunscreen is perfect for all skin types as it doesn’t get absorbed into the skin, rather, it reflects the UV rays to protect you without entering the deeper layers of your skin.
Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens
Here is a list of the best sunscreens for pregnancy that you can apply on your face, neck, hands, and even your belly!
Aroma Magic Cucumber Sunscreen Lotion
This non-greasy, lightweight lotion sunscreen made with cucumber extract is perfect for expecting mothers. With full spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, this product prevents tanning, lightens skin tone, and feels comfortable on the skin.
The Moms Co Natural Mineral Sunscreen
This lightweight sunscreen is non-comedogenic and quickly spreads across the skin without leaving any white residue, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion. Infused with zinc oxide, liquorice extract, chamomile, and calendula extract, it protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays while combating pigmentation.
Minimalist SPF 60 PA ++++ Sunscreen
Formulated with antioxidant-rich SPF, this lightweight product provides overall protection from UV through modern filters. It does not pill, applies invisibly on all skin tones, and doesn’t leave a white cast. It is reef-safe and free of nasties such as OMC, benzophenone/oxybenzone, and homosalate, making it perfectly safe for expecting mothers.
Re'equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Sunscreen Spf 50 Pa+++ 100% Mineral Sunscreen
With UVA, UVB, and infrared protection, this tinted sunscreen has 25% zinc oxide and it suits even the most sensitive skin types, forming a barrier between the harmful sun rays and the topmost layer of your skin with no white cast.
Rivona Naturals Mineral Sunscreen With SPF 50 UVA UVB Protection
Enriched with nourishing ingredients, this mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 is loaded with the goodness of tomato extract, rose, jojoba oil, safflower oil, and shea butter. This bunny-certified lightweight formula is the best SPF for pregnancy because it doesn’t contain chemical additives like parabens, silicones, sulphates, mineral oils, and SLS.
Episoft AC Moisturiser SPF 30 With Microencapsulated Sunscreen
From the house of Glenmark, this best suntan lotion for pregnancy is derma-approved. The microencapsulated sunscreen is formulated with D-Panthenol, Caprylic Triglycerides, and glycerin that delivers instant hydration and long-lasting protection from the first use itself.
Leaf Monk Mineral Sun Balm
Rooted in the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic and modern science of healing and wellness, this sun balm protects your skin against 97% of eUVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide, vitamin E, rosehip and eucalyptus oils nourish and minimise sun damage, making it the best sun shield for pregnancy.
DeBelle Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+++ With Vitamin C Water Resistant
Trust this sunscreen to protect you in humid conditions as it blends effortlessly into the skin leaving no white patches. It is also water-resistant, making it perfect for pregnant women with an imbalance in hormones and hot flashes. This vitamin C-enriched formula reduces signs of ageing while the non-comedogenic formula can be used on all skin types.
Best Sunscreens For Your Babies
Mamaearth Mineral-Based Sunscreen For Babies SPF20+
This sunscreen has zinc oxide with an SPF of 20, making it the best sun protection your baby can get. Infused with cocoa, shea butter, and aloe vera, this formula moisturises your little one's sensitive skin and helps it soothe.
Fixderma Shadow Kids SPF 30+ Lotion Sunscreen For Kids
Infused with Zinc oxide, Sun Cate, niacinamide and vitamin E this sunscreen for kids creates a protective barrier on their delicate skin. It’s a lightweight formula that doesn’t irritate your child’s skin at the same time hydrates to enhance their soft skin.
How To Apply Sunscreen
- Take two fingers’ worth of sunscreen and apply it on parts of your body exposed directly to the sun.
- Massage the product and spread it evenly till it gets absorbed into the skin properly.
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you step outdoors for it to absorb fully into the skin.
- Re-apply every two hours for optimal protection.
FAQs
- Can I use sunscreen during pregnancy?
- Which is a good sunscreen for pregnancy?
- When should I apply sunscreen?
Yes, you can and should use sunscreen during pregnancy. Your body and the fetus won’t be harmed with topical skincare products free from harmful chemicals.
A mineral or physical sunscreen is ideal during pregnancy. These sunscreen products have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect the sun's rays without letting them affect you and your baby. Plus, these sunscreens are formulated for even the most sensitive skin types.
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you step out of the house every day. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 PA++++ for better protection, and look for markers such as water-resistant or sweat-resistant for complete care.
