Can pregnant women use sunscreen
Release time : 06/09/2025 09:30:01
During pregnancy, due to changes in hormones and endocrine function, many physiological functions of pregnant women also change. One such change is the alteration of skin texture.
Experienced mothers know that after pregnancy, the skin becomes highly sensitive and easily damaged by external environmental factors. Among them, ultraviolet damage is most apparent.
Because many expectant mothers are wondering whether they can use sunscreen during outdoor activities, let's explore the issue together.
Sunscreen is essential for pregnant women. Its primary function is to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, tanning, and premature aging. Sunscreen absorbs or reflects UV rays, shielding the skin from direct sunlight. During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, the skin of pregnant women becomes more susceptible to UV damage. Exposure to sunlight for extended periods can lead to darkening, roughness, and even an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women to choose sunscreen that suits their sensitive skin and follow proper sun protection measures. However, when selecting and using sunscreen, pregnant women need to be cautious. Firstly, they should avoid using sunscreens containing harmful chemicals like lead and benzoic acid, as these can harm the developing fetus. Secondly, opt for physical sunscreens, as they do not contain harmful chemicals. Finally, pregnant women should use sunscreen in moderation and avoid excessive use to prevent skin allergies or other adverse reactions. In conclusion, pregnant women can use sunscreen, but it is essential to choose products suitable for sensitive skin and follow the principle of moderation. At the same time, it is important for pregnant women to minimize exposure to sunlight to reduce the harm caused by UV rays to the skin.
The primary function of sunscreen is to physically separate the skin from ultraviolet rays and other external environmental factors, thereby protecting the skin from damage.
During pregnancy, pregnant women's skin becomes more sensitive and prone to sunburn. However, due to concerns about the potential harm of skincare products on the fetus, some may choose to bare their skin under the scorching summer sun despite this, leading to a decline in skin quality and increasingly noticeable hyperpigmentation (melasma).
During pregnancy, expectant mothers need more sunlight than others to meet their body's high demand for calcium and ensure the normal development of their baby's bones.
To meet the needs of the body without damaging the skin from sunlight, expectant mothers need to take more adequate sun protection measures than others.
Therefore, skincare experts suggest that pregnant women must pay attention to sun protection when traveling, especially in summer. It is necessary for pregnant women to apply sunscreen when going out to bask in the sun.
Of course, when selecting sunscreen for pregnant women, it is essential to choose products that are gentle and safe, without causing harm to the baby. Sunscreens that only protect against UV damage are the first choice. Other sunscreens that also contain whitening, spot-fading, and anti-aging effects are not suitable for use by pregnant women. This is because the more complex the ingredients, the greater the potential risk of harm to the fetus.
Which brand of sunscreen is best for pregnant women? This is a question many pregnant women are curious about, as the fetus in the belly of pregnant women absorbs nutrients or skincare ingredients absorbed by the mother during this special period.
If the sunscreen is not properly selected, its harmful ingredients may indirectly harm the fetus through the mother.
Experienced mothers recommend the following brands of sunscreen suitable for pregnant women:
The sunscreen in the Yayang Natural Sunscreen series mainly uses hot spring water as an element, without adding any unhealthy substances. Pregnant women can still use it with confidence.
Qinrun brand's maternity sunscreen, Qinrun is a maternity skincare brand specially designed for Eastern women's skin types and women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Their sunscreen, BB cream, face cream, and other various products are all made from natural raw materials, effectively avoiding the harm that heavy metals in ordinary cosmetics may cause to fetal development. It is safe for both babies and mothers.
3. Clarins is a brand known for its plant-based skincare products, including a line specifically designed for expecting mothers called Clarins Prenatal Care. This includes a sunscreen specifically formulated for pregnant women.
The product is characterized by its naturalness, safety, specialization, effectiveness, and foundationality. It does not contain heavy metals, alcohol, hormones, mineral oil, or chemical fragrances, which are harmful to the fetus and pregnant women. Additionally, it can effectively improve skin problems during pregnancy and childbirth.
How to Choose Sunscreen for Pregnant Women: A Complex Matter, Regarding the Needs of the Mother in Her Skincare and the Principle of Not Injuring the Baby. When pregnant women choose sunscreen products, they must be cautious. Here are some suggestions on how to choose them.
1. It is not advisable to choose sunscreens with whitening effects. The incidents of mercury in whitening cosmetics that were widely publicized a few years ago are still fresh in everyone's memory. Sunscreens containing harmful metal elements such as mercury, lead, or titanium dioxide have been found to be problematic. If pregnant women continuously absorb mercury from their skin, it can lead to neurological disorders, diminished vision, and kidney damage. Moreover, when the mother passes this substance through the placenta into the fetus, it may cause developmental issues in the newborn, potentially leading to birth defects.
2. When selecting sunscreen, it is essential to opt for a physical formula. Sunscreens can be categorized into two types: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens primarily employ the principle of reflecting sunlight, effectively blocking UV rays from reaching the skin. While physical sunscreens may be slightly greasy, they are generally considered safe.
Chemical sunscreens rely on chemical reactions to absorb ultraviolet rays from sunlight, which can appear lightweight and translucent, making them easy to absorb by the skin. However, they tend to be less safe than physical sunscreens.
Pregnant women undoubtedly need to choose sunscreens that are purely physical.
3. Avoid sunscreens with rapid skin-softening effects. If a salesperson recommends that a sunscreen can make your skin look smooth and delicate within one week, it's likely that this type of sunscreen contains hormones, which poses a risk to baby health.
4. When selecting sunscreen products, it is important to recognize the labels on the packaging and choose sunscreens that meet the required standards.
Including the product name, manufacturer and address, health permit, production license, execution standard name, production date, shelf life or batch number and limit date, usage instructions, etc.
Furthermore, special use permit numbers must be displayed on the label of sun protection products.
When purchasing imported cosmetics, it is also important to verify the import license number and the names and addresses of the distributor.
What sunscreen should pregnant women with different skin types use? Pregnancy is a joyful experience, but facing the series of changes in one's body, especially during pregnancy, the skin is prone to UV damage and dark spots and melanin deposits. This can make pregnant women feel uneasy.
Therefore, purchasing sunscreen for skincare during pregnancy is indeed necessary; of course, different skin types require sunscreens that are suitable for pregnant women.
Generally speaking, pregnant women with oily skin should opt for water-based sunscreens with strong penetration capabilities.
If it is dry skin, a cream like sunscreen should be chosen.
For neutral skin, there are generally no strict regulations.
Usually, the emulsion-based sunscreen is suitable for all skin types.
Sunscreen lotions are classified by the PA (Protection Grade) sun protection factor, with the lowest being 10+ and the highest reaching up to 60+ or more.
Because everyone's skin type is different, the higher the sunscreen SPF, the more oily its texture.
Generally, pregnant women have more facial skin oil secretion, so they can't accept sunscreen with higher SPF. Therefore, the best sunscreen for pregnant women should be at least PA 15+.
The medical information in this document is for reference only.
If there is any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately, and the diagnosis and treatment should be based on offline medical examination.