Stock up on the best sunscreen for pregnancy ahead of the summer months.

 

One of many unexpected pregnancy symptoms (hello, full-body inflammation and stuffy nose) is that those surging hormones make skin even more sensitive to sun exposure than usual. We’re guessing that sunburn and heat rash aren’t really emblematic of the pregnancy glow you were expecting? During those magical nine months, you have to be careful to protect against not only skin cancer but also melasma and other types of discoloration, which are quite common (albeit unfortunate) pregnancy side effects that result from sun damage. Protecting your skin from the sun is also a crucial step in preventing signs of premature anti-aging, like crow’s feet, sun spots, and fine lines, whether pregnant or not.

 

The basic tenets of avoiding damage from UVA and UVB rays still apply: Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, and rely on big shade hats when you must go out. And, of course, always, always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen, even when you’re just out and about running errands. Those rays can sneak up on you even if you’re not sunbathing! 

 

What to Look for in a Sunscreen While Pregnant

 

General guidelines for pregnancy and breastfeeding are to opt for mineral sunscreens, which are also known as physical sunscreens. These products contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which sit on the skin and form a physical layer of protection.

 

Chemical sunscreens, by contrast, are absorbed by the skin and create a chemical reaction to convert UV rays and release them from the body. The most problematic of the chemical sunscreen ingredients is oxybenzone, which has been linked to birth defects (as well as hormonal disruption, skin reactions, and harm to coral reefs). Both while pregnant and breastfeeding, you want to keep your little one away from the potentially-harmful chemicals in these sunscreens.

 

While the jury is still out on how much of these chemicals actually make it into the bloodstream and to the baby, the safest options if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding are generally physical sunscreens since they don’t get absorbed. Mineral sunscreens get a bad rap for historically being easy to see on skin (think the white smear of zinc in old lifeguard movies) and needing re-applications sooner than their chemical counterparts. The good news is that modern versions can be just as sheer as chemical alternatives, and there are a plethora of mineral sunscreen options, from those created specifically for sensitive skin to sweat-proof formulas and convenient sticks.

 

Read on for the 15 best pregnancy-safe sunscreens, and get ready to say “hello” to summer.

 

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