I’m pretty sure you already know that, during pregnancy, the skin becomes extra sensitive. All the more reason to not skip sunscreen, right? But can you use just about any sunscreen or self-tanner for pregnancy when you know that some of them contain questionable components? The answer is NO. That's why you need the best pregnancy-safe sunscreen on the market.
What you and your skin come in contact with your baby also comes in contact with. So it’s better to play safe with these ten best pregnancy-safe sunscreens. After all, the surface of your skin is the first defense line against the harmful rays of the skin. So it’s time to protect that surface with a good SPF cream, which is also pregnancy-safe.
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Best Sunscreens for Pregnancy
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Best Sunscreens for Pregnancy- Reviews
You’ll love this sunscreen spray by Sun Bum. And not because the brand's name is fun to pronounce, even though Sun Bum does sound comical. You’ll love this sunscreen because it works.
The moisturizing sunscreen spray protects the skin from UVB and UVA rays. Both cause premature aging of the skin, by the way. So it’s good to know your skin is well-protected against that.
The broad spectrum of this sunscreen appeals to so many pregnant women out there. You can expect a product like this to keep skin damage miles away. As for the SPF, you get four different levels to choose from. These include SPF 15, 30, 50, and 70. You can pick one depending on how fair-skinned you are or how sensitive your skin is.
But what about it makes Sun Bum one of the best sunscreens for pregnancy? The inclusion of friendly ingredients, what else! There’s vitamin E, the most suitable antioxidant for neutralizing the free-roaming harmful radicals that cause skin cancer.
Vitamin E is also very effective as a moisturizer. So the part where the sunscreen prevents premature aging is brought about by this same ingredient. So overall, whatever is added to the sunscreen is hypoallergenic. Meaning it’s not going to aggravate skin sensitivities.
Sun protection, no burns, vitamin E, and less greasy texture. Reasons to buy this sunscreen spray right away!
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Water-resistant, oil-free, and hypoallergenic; these qualities are a part of the very long product name on Amazon. So is this all true? Totally! The Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen has an SPF level of 60+. And that’s not even the best part. The most welcoming aspect is that the lotion is specially formulated for sensitive skin.
It’s a gentle sunscreen for pregnant women, no doubt with the ability to protect your skin from both the UVB and UVA sun rays. So sunburn is out of the question here. What about chemical components? Are they out of the picture too?
You’ll be very relieved to know that Neutrogena has used only naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients. This includes zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The mineral sunscreen has a hypoallergenic nature. As a result, you’ll find zero artificial fragrances and even oils that tend to bother sensitive skin.
All you have to do is apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure. And reapply after about an hour if you’re swimming or are more likely to sweat a lot. Just keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way. So even with a small quantity, you can expect your skin to look and feel soft and hydrated.
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If it’s safe for children, it’s safe for pregnant women. If you don’t believe me, the product’s over 2000 reviews are proof. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen is very reliable with zero toxic chemicals.
The sunscreen is safe functional, and it’s also a sustainable product. This means that the creation and packaging, along with usage and disposal, have the least possible impact on the natural conditions and environment.
The SPF level is 50+, which means it’s a UVB and UVA broad-spectrum protection sunscreen. So you’re looking at maximum sun protection. The brand has done an excellent job of creating such a safe alternative. That is good for babies, toddlers, pregnant women, and other adults.
Another piece of great nanoparticle that the formula is mineral-based. Chemical-based sunscreens use nanoparticle titanium and zinc. But not this one since these chemical particles are highly likely to enter your bloodstream. So Thinkbaby includes a non-nano solution of zinc oxide. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?
It’s a water-resistant sunscreen you’ll have to reapply after 80 minutes of pool or beach time. The texture is not greasy, meaning it absorbs pretty quickly. And even the scent is a factor you might appreciate. The natural, light fragrance is that of tangerines and peaches.
So for preventing sun damage and premature aging, and wrinkles, in a chemical-free manner, you know what to buy.
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It’s the perfect daily protection you’ve been looking for. This mineral sunscreen by Babo Botanicals is non-greasy, clean, lightweight, and sheer. Needless to say, it’s soothing and gentle for the most sensitive skin. After all, the sunscreen is unscented and allergy-tested.
But it’s the presence of 4 natural ingredients that you might love about it. The first is coconut oils. It’s what soothes and hydrates your skin. Then there’s sea buckthorn oil for rejuvenation and healing. This oil is known to reduce signs of stretch marks and aging. In addition, it’s full of vitamin A, which performs most of the slowing down action.
The third natural component is green tea extract. It’s packed with antioxidants for reversing the effects of free radicals. And lastly, there’s kahai oil. It boosts your collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and regenerates your skin. This too, contains lots of vitamin E for renewing and rebuilding.
The sun protection level is SPF 30, which is why it's the best pregnancy-safe sunscreen for mothers. It’s just what both medium and fair skin tones might demand. Apart from the four oils, there’s also non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. So chemicals don’t contact your skin and enter your bloodstream.
In all, it’s a high-quality sunscreen that is the healthiest option thus far. And in most cases!
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Essential oils on the skin can feel very soothing. The proof of that is this broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen by Sunology. Of course, complete UV protection is a part of the deal. But what might not be so evident is that the sunscreen doesn’t contain any active chemical ingredients. Such as avobenzone and oxybenzone.
It’s formulated for sensitive skin, unquestionably. So there aren’t any artificial fragrances or parabens either. Plus, the product is cruelty-free. And it’s an efficient sunscreen meant for daily use as well, other than the beach, of course.
What it contains is moringa oil. This is a natural, nourishing substance equipped with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for anti-aging, healing, and overall skin health. Even when clearing dark circles, wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation, moringa oil delivers favorable results.
The SPF 50 sunscreen is safe for the environment also. The ingredients added are gentle and low-hazard. Reef-safe and cruelty-free are also labels that make a significant impact if you’re an eco-friendly consumer.
Sunology sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection that loves your skin. And that is why you’ll love this mineral sunscreen even if you have strong skin sensitivities!
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Harmful chemicals in sunscreens have sort of ruined the whole sun protection game. But you don’t have to worry about it so long as there are safe alternatives like these. The Babyganics Sunscreen Stick is non-allergenic on just about any body part.
The broad-spectrum protection means the sunscreen offers safety against UVB and UVA rays. Application is not a worry either. The lotion is easy to rub into the skin. It even gets absorbed quickly.
If it’s safe to use on a baby, it’s perfect for pregnant women too. The SPF 50+ level is water-resistant, by the way. And just like the others, you have to reapply the lotion after 80 minutes.
As nanoparticles factor, the ingredients used are certified organic and plant-derived. On top of that, the mineral sunscreen is formulated without including parabens, nanoparticles, and artificial fragrances.
The sunscreen sticks are just like any other regular sunscreen, except that they don’t sting your eyes. You can be fair-skinned or sunbathing in a tropical climate; it doesn’t matter because the Babyganics Sunscreen is a terrific option no matter the circumstances.
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Let this broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen be a part of your daily beauty routine. The SPF 50 sunscreen blends into the skin quite seamlessly. And it helps in blurring wrinkles and fine lines. But before I get into the details, let me tell you that it’s gentle enough to soothe and protect your skin during your nine months and beyond.
SPF protection is long-lasting and water-resistant. It’s a non-comedogenic cream. So the chances of this sunscreen clogging your pores and causing breakouts are pretty low.
As for sensitive skin, it’s fragrance-free, thus non-irritating. This MDSolarSciences sunscreen is safe to use on children too.
But what exactly is present in here? Pomegranate, cranberry fruit, green tea, and vitamin C extracts. As you can see, plenty of antioxidants keep your skin well-protected against possible damage.
As for the broad-spectrum protection, both UVB and UVA rays lose their maximum power to harm your skin. You might also like to know that the sunscreen is oil-free. The matte finish it leaves looks and feels like no other sunscreen you might have ever used.
And here’s the best part of it all. A single tube can last for over six months. It’s a quality product that doesn’t end up making your face or skin look dull and dehydrated, or oily.
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Alba Botanica is a brand that values the coral reefs and our furry companions. This is why their sunscreen is 100 percent vegetarian and cruelty-free. And it’s not just caring for the environment the manufacturer does best. This sunscreen lotion also offers much-needed safe sun protection, whether pregnant or not.
Botanicals like aloe, green tea, and chamomile are included. These soothe and nourish the skin while protecting it against premature aging and sunburn. It’s a very lightweight sunscreen that gets absorbed into the skin quickly. And the finish of the lotion leaves is smooth and non-greasy.
The technology and protection factors infused here have been improved and enhanced for maximum defense. It is a broad-spectrum mineral-based SPF 30 sunscreen, after all. That’s also very emollient and long-lasting.
The fast-absorbing capacity earns bonus points since not many sunscreens out there blend into the skin so well and so soon. And lastly, the fragrance is mild not to overpower your senses or trigger any allergies.
You can apply it to your face without worrying about the lotion stinging your eyes. In that context, sunscreen is safe for kids too. It’s a great organic, affordable option that you might want to keep with you at all times, which is why it's the best pregnancy-safe sunscreen.
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This SPF 41 sunscreen comes from a dedicated company to help your skin look and feel great for life. So it’s no surprise that EltaMD has been a part of the scene for over 25 years. The tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen contains zero chemical filters. So a natural skincare routine is what they encourage.
The content of titanium oxide and zinc oxide is mineral-based. And the formula is water-resistant, lightweight for easy blending, and oil-free. Speaking of qualities, this facial sunscreen is also the best for pregnant women and those with extra skin sensitivities.
It’s a very light tinted cream that offers protection by nourishing your skin with antioxidants. The thing about antioxidant protection is that it fights off free radicals associated with infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
Speaking of which, UVA rays cause premature skin aging. And UVB rays lead to sunburn. In that case, broad-spectrum sun protection takes care of both the harmful rays of the sun. There’s no doubt about that.
In the end, I would just like to say that this is a highly rated sunscreen on Amazon. It ranks among the best sunscreens for pregnancy. Due to the lack of any type of chemical filters!
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For an organic purchase, there’s no point in looking for another pregnancy-safe sunscreen. The Coola Organic Suncare Body Sunscreen not only protects but also boosts your skin’s natural line of defense. It’s a very natural antioxidant-rich broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30.
The texture is non-greasy, sheer, and lightweight. And if you’re pregnant, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the cream contains zero nano-size particles.
But what about it is so organic? Here’s the breakdown of the ingredients. The first is argan oil, full of nutrients like vitamin E and fatty acids. These are ideal for conditioning and moisturizing your skin.
Then there’s a derivative of safflower oil for boosting UV protection. Also included is another omega-rich natural substance known as shea butter. It has nanoparticles that provide instant smoothness and softness.
So you can entirely rely on this water-resistant, hypoallergenic formula to take care of your skin during and even after pregnancy.
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Why Is Using Sunscreen So Important When Pregnant?
There are many skin conditions that are more likely to affect you due to sun exposure during pregnancy. So at such times, the best sunscreens for pregnancy provide much-needed sun protection. To prevent the chances of developing skin cancer and keep away skin discoloration.
Skin during pregnancy is slightly more sensitive. And this can give rise to melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Along with lines, wrinkles, patches, and scars! All these conditions become even more pronounced when you neglect the importance of good sunscreen.
What Should You Look for in a Pregnancy Safe Sunscreen?
A decent SPF level is essential. But that’s not it. There are more factors you might want to consider when choosing the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens.
1. Broad Spectrum Coverage
If you’ve gone through the reviews section, then you know that all the sunscreens I have shortlisted are broad-spectrum. Meaning they can protect you from UVB and UVA rays. It’s crucial to block both since one causes sunburn while the other premature aging.
2. SPF 30+
Just make sure your sunscreen has an SPF rating of 30 at the very least. SPF stands for sun protection factor. And it’s only effective if it’s 30 or above. The higher, the better, of course.
3. Mineral-Based
Physical or mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients like titanium oxide and zinc oxide. And they’re supposed to be the most suitable for pregnant women. But why is that? It’s because these elements are hypoallergenic. And they just rest on your skin instead of getting absorbed into it.
Mineral sunscreens are also great for sensitive skin.
4. Fragrance-Free
Another thing you want your pregnancy-safe sunscreens to be is fragrance-free. You'll want to avoid mineral sunscreen that has additives like fragrances. However, this will depend on preference since some people aren't sensitive to artificial smells. If you don't want a fragrance-free formula in your pregnancy safe sunscreen, you should ensure it's mild enough not to cause allergic reactions.
It's essential to stay away from products that can make you sneeze or affect your breathing, especially if you are hypoallergenic. Luckily, there are some mineral sunscreens that contain trace amounts of natural fragrances to ensure you smell good while protecting yourself from the sun.
5. Water-Resistant Coverage
A water-resistant feature isn't the most important thing, but it can be helpful for pregnant women who are prone to sweating. Unfortunately, most pregnancy-safe sunscreens are easy to wash off since they only sit on the surface of the skin.
If you are engaging in some physical activities that could make you sweat, you'll probably end up watering down the sunscreen if it's not water-resistant leaving yourself exposed to dangerous sun rays. That's why sunscreens that aren't water-resistant are not the safest choice for pregnant women.
You should also consider getting pregnancy-safe sunscreen that's water-resistant if you want to engage in some water-based activities like swimming. At the least, the mineral sunscreen should last about 40 minutes even during exposure to water to allow you enough freedom to enjoy yourself without leaving you vulnerable to UV rays.
What Ingredients To Avoid in Sunscreens During Pregnancy?
The only hard-hitting one on the list is oxybenzone. It’s widely present in chemical sunscreens. Unfortunately, the component runs the risk of entering your bloodstream, thus impacting the fetus.
The thing about oxybenzone is that it affects the health of your unborn child. Known to cause birth defects and developmental problems, oxybenzone is not a safe ingredient at all.
Even after pregnancy, it invades your breast milk. So it’s best to avoid applying chemical sunscreens during and beyond pregnancy.
What are the Benefits of Wearing Best Sunscreens for Pregnancy?
There are significant benefits of wearing the best pregnancy-safe sunscreen. Let's discuss them below
1. Prevent Sunburn
The first reason to get sunscreen is to protect your skin from sunburn. This is essential, especially for pregnant women, because your skin could be more sensitive during pregnancy. Also, if you spend a lot of time outside in the sun, you'll increase the chances of getting sunburn.
Regular exposure to unfiltered UV rays can lead to more severe side effects like listers which can be painful and will probably leave scars on your skin. So, it's essential to keep yourself safe by wearing pregnancy-safe sunscreen as you head out. So, you'll want to keep yourself safe from overexposure to the sun.
2. Prevent Aging Signs
Too much exposure to sun rays during pregnancy can lead to the development of skin defects like wrinkles, fine lines, and dry skin. Since you'll be in a delicate state because of the pregnancy, you shouldn't expose your skin to extreme conditions without protection. That's why you need pregnancy-safe sunscreen close by whenever you go outdoors.
Regular application of mineral sunscreen will save you from getting wrinkles and fine lines, ensuring you look as young and healthy as ever during your pregnancy. It's essential to maintain proper skin health since aging signs could wreak havoc on your body image.
3. Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer
Unfortunately, exposure to dangerous sun rays can do more than give you aging signs; it can lead to skin cancer. This can be devastating for pregnant women since such a disease can take you away from your child when they need you most. That's why you should always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors since it will minimize the risk of getting cancer from exposure to both UVA and UVB rays.
Additionally, you should reapply the best pregnancy safe sunscreens when engaging in watery activities or spend more than two hours in direct sunlight to be on the safe side. Mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or more should be enough to keep you safe from the risk of cancer.
4. Lower Inflammation
You should also wear pregnancy-safe sunscreen to reduce the chance of skin inflammation. People with sensitive skin, including pregnant women, could experience some irritation and skin redness when sitting in the sun for too long because of UVA and UVB rays. The risk increases further for those with conditions like rosacea or psoriasis since they have delicate skin.
Spray sunscreen is also harsh on those with sensitive skin since they usually contain alcohol which can cause excessive dryness. If you have severe skin sensitivity issues, you should consult a board-certified dermatologist before using pregnancy-safe sunscreens.
5. Preventing Discoloration
Another danger you face when going out without applying sunscreen is skin discoloration. Also known as sunspots, skin discoloration looks like small patches of skin that are brown or tan, contrary to your natural skin tone. Hyperpigmentation is a challenging condition to reverse especially once it has developed.
Instead of waiting for sunspots to form so that you treat them, you should take a preventive position. Wearing pregnancy-safe sunscreen will protect your skin from discoloration all over your body. However, discoloration usually affects the face, hands, and arms since these are the areas that are mostly exposed to sunlight.
Is Physical Sunscreen Better than Chemical Sunscreen?
1. Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens, also known as sunblocks, are the ones that act as a physical barrier against the sun's UV rays. They contain mineral-based components, which is why they can filter out the dangerous rays of the sun, preventing them from reaching your body. If pregnancy-safe sunscreen is labeled as physical, it probably has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Physical sunscreens sit on your skin and scatter the rays away. They offer broad-spectrum protection keeping your skin safe from UVA and UVB rays. If you have sensitive skin, you'll be glad to know that this sunscreen is gentle enough to use on babies. Physical sunscreens also counts as pregnancy-safe sunscreen so that you can use them without any worries.
Once you apply a physical sunscreen, it starts working immediately and doesn't require any waiting time. Plus, physical sunscreen has a longer shelf life than chemical sunscreen, making it an excellent addition to your outdoor skincare regimen. Unfortunately, since physical sunscreens are thick, they are heavy on the skin and can leave a white residue on top.
2. Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreen seeps into the skin, absorbs the UV rays, and dissipates them to prevent UV damage. They are also called organic sunscreens, and they have compounds that can absorb harmful rays. Chemical sunscreens work by changing the UV radiation into heat and scattering it from your skin, keeping you safe.
Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens have a thinner texter allowing you to spread them on your skin quickly. As such, you can use it daily without feeling an additional weight on your skin. You actually don't need that much chemical sunscreen since a little one goes a long way.
You can use chemical sunscreen with other products without harmful side effects. If you have some enzymes or peptides as part of your skincare routine, you can safely use them together with chemical sunscreen without fear. Unfortunately, chemical sunscreens are not a safe option for sensitive skin since they can cause irritation or a burning sensation.
You'll have to wait approximately 20 minutes for chemical sunscreen to become effective. So, you can't step outside immediately after applying it unlike when using physical sunscreens. If you have rosacea-prone skin, you'll want to avoid this sunscreen because it releases heat and gives you skin redness. It can clog your pores and cause acne breakouts if you have oily skin.
Tips for Sun Protection During Pregnancy
You can follow the instructions below if sun safety is your priority. These tips might seem a bit time-consuming and demanding to follow at first. But it’s only a matter of time for the practice to become a daily part of your skincare routine quite effortlessly.
- The peak hours of the sun start from 10 in the morning till 2 in the afternoon. So, if possible, avoid stepping out at this time. But if that’s not possible, make sure to remain under shade.
- Apply sunscreen on your face and body at least half an hour before leaving. And then reapply every 2 hours.
- A single ounce of sunscreen is more than enough. You can thoroughly spread it all over the face.
- Wear breathable materials like cotton for maximum skin comfort. Along the same lines, choose light colors that reflect light away from your body rather than absorbing them.
- Apply a lip balm that also offers sun protection. Preferably SPF 30 or above.
- And finally, don’t forget to put on sunglasses and a hat. This is 99 percent protection against UV rays.
Final Words
What happens during pregnancy are your cells responsible for producing pigments go into overdrive. This makes the skin more prone to discoloration due to sun exposure. At the same time, pregnancy affects the immune system as well. So your skin cells become more vulnerable to the harmful impact caused by the UVB and UVA rays of the sun.
No wonder the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens have become so popular. These mineral-based formulas don’t include chemicals that usually tend to enter the bloodstream. So your skin is in safe hands, and so is your precious baby growing inside you.
