The ESK blog
What is the best sunscreen to use in pregnancy?
19 August 2024
Dr Anne Thomson
What is the best sunscreen to use in pregnancy?
Hey there, sunshine!
Navigating skincare during pregnancy can be a bit like dodging landmines, especially when it comes to sunscreen. Let’s chat about the best sunscreen ingredients to use while you’re expecting and which ones to avoid.
Best Sunscreen Ingredients for Pregnancy
Just because you’re pregnant, doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburnt. Plus, with melasma affecting so many women, wearing sunscreen will be on the top of your priority list.
Caveat - a major lack of research
We are seeing an incredible lack of research when it comes to sunscreen ingredients for pregnant and nursing mothers - and no guidelines. In Australia, our Therapeutic Goods Administration only requires information about pregnancy for old ingredients according to the Australian regulatory guidelines for sunscreens. But old ingredients don’t need to be investigated or declared pregnancy safe. With that in mind….
Here are the top sunscreen ingredients that are both effective and pregnancy-friendly:
In 2021, The FDA in the USA put 12 chemical sunscreen ingredients on a watch list over its safety. Following this, an editorial published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology warned that “additional studies are needed to support the use of …. chemical sunscreens, for dermatologists to provide confident recommendations to potential mothers. Research on sunscreen in pregnancy is limited and requires attention and scrutiny.”
So what is safe then?
The FDA has stated that only inorganic UV filters (ie, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are proposed to be categorized by the FDA as generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).
Zinc Oxide: This mineral sunscreen ingredient is your best friend. It sits on top of your skin and reflects UV rays. It’s super safe for you and your baby and great for sensitive skin.
Titanium Dioxide: Another mineral sunscreen, titanium dioxide works similarly to zinc oxide by reflecting UV rays. It’s also safe for use during pregnancy.
These mineral sunscreens are also known as physical sunscreens. They provide broad-spectrum protection and are less likely to irritate your skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
Concerns have risen about the long-term effects of sunscreen due to the body's absorption of certain chemical sunscreen ingredients. A preliminary study in 2019 found that the levels of chemical byproducts from sunscreen ingredients including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene and ecamsule in the bloodstream exceeded the limits recommended by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
So if you’re going to be super careful about sunscreens, what else can you do to avoid melasma acne flare up, sun damage and sunburn?
Extra Tips to Avoid Sun Damage
Absolutely, the most effective sun protection is prevention. So, ideally, try to stay indoors or seek out the shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are the most intense.
Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can provide extra protection from the sun. Look for clothes with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) for added defence.
Social Media Influencers: To Trust or Not to Trust?
Social media influencers can be a great source of tips and product recommendations, but always take their advice with a grain of salt. Not all influencers have the same level of knowledge or credentials, and what works for one person might not work for another—especially when you’re pregnant. Always check the credibility of the information and consider consulting with your doctor or dermatologist before making changes to your skincare routine, especially your sunscreen.
Wrapping It Up
Keeping your skin safe from the sun during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated. For the best guarantee of safety, stick with mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and embrace protective clothing and shade. And while those social media tips can be fun, always double-check with a professional.
Zinc Shade is a lightweight matte day cream and primer. Its non-greasy, matte finish allows for smooth application and works well under makeup. We spent countless iterations perfecting this lightweight, non-greasy formula to avoid the typical white cast and thick feel of zinc products. The results? A matte finish that works beautifully under makeup. With well tolerated matte finish, it's also well suited to irritable and blemish and bump prone skin. With SPF 15 it also provides broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays. Key features: Lightweight, matte formula suitable for daily use Smooth application with minimal white cast Broad-spectrum UV protection Tested SPF 15 with enhanced UVA coverage Usage: Apply evenly to all exposed areas of skin before sun exposure. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
Zinc Shade
You’re doing an amazing job taking care of yourself and your little one. Keep glowing safely!
** Please check with your clinician before using any skincare products in pregnancy.