Your skin when you’re pregnant is extra sensitive and more susceptible to wrinkles, dark spots, and sunburn. That’s why keeping your skin protected is highly important when you’ve got a bun in the oven. However, many conventional sunblocks contain chemicals that can affect your baby’s health. Here are six tips to help you stay protected and keep you and your baby healthy:
1. Reapply, reapply, reapply.
We’ll make this easy for you: choose at least an SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, more if you're going in and out of the water.
2. Opt for a mineral/physical sunscreen.
Though chemical sunscreen ingredients often look and feel better than their natural counterparts, some studies have shown that sunscreens containing chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate might disrupt hormones. Though this is a contentious issue, it’s best to play it safe and go natural. Look for sunscreens that reflect UV rays with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, like Mama's Choice Daily Protection Face Moisturizer with SPF 25++ protection ($12.90)
3. Say no to sprays.
You definitely don’t want to be inhaling your sunscreen. Titanium dioxide, a common sunscreen ingredient, was identified by the International Agency for Research on Carcinogens as a “possible carcinogen” when inhaled in high doses. Stick with lotions.
4. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
These offer protection against UVB rays and UVA rays, which both cause skin cancer.
5. Go for oil-free options.
Your pregnancy hormones can be causing some breakouts, and oily sunscreens will only make it worse. Look for an oil-free and non-comodogenic sunscreen for your face.
6. Stay hydrated.
Dehydration and overheating can cause pregnancy complications, so drink lots of water, and stay in the shade when the sun is high.
To steer you in the right direction, here are some recommended drugstore brands: Coppertone Water Babies Pure + Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 and Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 60+
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