How to Choose a Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
How to Choose a Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
The need for sun protection doesn’t go away when you're pregnant. It's important to do everything you can to prevent UV rays from harming your skin. Fortunately, choosing a pregnancy-safe sunscreen isn’t hard. While there are certain ingredients in cosmetics you should avoid when you’re pregnant (like retinol), there’s not much in sunscreens that’s off limits.
Is it safe to use sunscreen while pregnant?
Yes! “Sunscreen is generally regarded as very safe and effective in protecting against skin cancer,” says Steven Q. Wang, M.D., chair of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee and Chief of Dermatologic Oncology & Dermatologic Surgery at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California.
It’s understandable that people who are pregnant may be more cautious about what they put in and on their bodies. “I think for anyone who is concerned, especially about the organic sunscreens that have systemic absorption, the recommendation is a using mineral sunscreen,” says Dr. Wang. “That includes titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.”
When it comes to the delivery method, lotion, cream, liquid and gel sunscreens are all safe to use while pregnant, according to explains Valencia Thomas, M.D., a professor of dermatology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “As long as the individual is careful not to inhale sunscreen sprays during application, sprays may be used during pregnancy,” she adds.
Sunscreen is a great help for protecting your body from harmful UV rays, but it’s just one part of a comprehensive approach. Dr. Thomas recommends avoiding the sun during peak hours (usually 12 to 4 p.m.), wearing sun-protective clothing and seeking shade to prevent skin cancer. It's also important to schedule your annual skin cancer screening. “For individuals who have a history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, they should not forgo their annual exam,” Dr. Wang says. If you see something abnormal, schedule a visit with your dermatologist because they can follow pregnancy-specific guidelines to ensure safe care.
Below, top dermatologists answer your biggest questions around sunscreen that’s safe to use during pregnancy. We also have a list of the best sunscreens to use during pregnancy, according to the Good Housekeeping Institute. However, it's important to note that the best sunscreen is actually one you'll use every day. Remember, skin cancer is a known risk of exposing yourself to UV rays, but there are no proven risks to using sunscreens that are currently sold in the U.S.
Our top picks:
Dermatologists explain why nearly all sunscreens are safe to use during pregnancy. See the best pregnancy-safw sunscreens according to consumer tests.
