Pregnancy: How to Use Sunscreen Safely While Pregnant
You have probably already heard about the controversies surrounding sunscreen. This is a question that concerns you even more now that you are expecting a child. So, during pregnancy, using sunscreen is of course recommended, but not just any kind. To protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun with peace of mind, follow the guide.
Skin (and a baby) to protect: why is sunscreen essential during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, fluctuate to support fetal development. But they also stimulate melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This reaction can lead to hyperpigmentation, especially when you are exposed to the sun.
The brown line on the belly and the pregnancy mask on the face are among these skin-darkening phenomena, whose appearance is significantly reduced by applying a suitable sunscreen.
Also, using sunscreen while pregnant indirectly helps protect your baby. That said, always choose products suitable for sensitive skin due to their high tolerance, or for the very thin and delicate skin of children.
Using sunscreen during pregnancy is a simple step that takes little time and helps you counteract skin aging and the risks associated with UVA, UVB, and UVC rays (the most dangerous ones) for longer.
4 Criteria for Choosing a Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
For 9 months, and even a little after, your skin is more fragile than usual. So, you need to pamper it with products suited to your condition.
What we often forget is that even brief exposure, like a walk or lunch on a terrace, is enough to trigger hyperpigmentation during pregnancy. That’s why daily protection is so important, even on cloudy days.
So, SPF 50+ babies & kids creams, organic sunscreens, mineral filters, and products free from endocrine disruptors should all find a place in your medicine cabinet.
To find them, don’t hesitate to check the ingredient labels before buying, or trust products made in France. At Corine de Farme, we adhere to the strictest composition standards, are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our production, and above all, we aim to meet your expectations!
Your Summer Routine: 4 Steps for Perfect Protection During Pregnancy
Before each exposure, even if you’re not lying on the sand, always apply your pregnancy sunscreen—seven teaspoons for your whole body and face.
For optimal protection, reapply it regularly, about every two hours, especially after swimming or if you’ve been sweating a lot.
Also, don’t forget to protect all exposed and often overlooked areas like the nape of your neck and your ears.
Finally, as a complement, pair lightweight long-sleeved and long-legged clothing with a wide-brimmed hat, which should be your summer staple.
False Friends to Avoid During Pregnancy
Pregnant or not, the sun should always be approached with caution, but during pregnancy, nothing beats the double protection of Corine de Farme sunscreens and the best advice from its Sacrées Natures.
Above all, avoid, at least for a few months, prolonged exposure. In addition to your favorite sunscreen, always wear a t-shirt, loose pants, a summer dress, or a hat. Better yet, enjoy the welcoming comfort of shaded areas to prevent sunburn.
The riskiest hours are between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., and even until 5 p.m. on hotter days. Also, if you pay extra attention to your sun protection during heatwaves, don’t forget cloudy days, which also carry their own risks for your skin.
In summary, pregnant or not, always protect yourself against the sun’s harmful effects in the short, medium, and long term.
How long does sun protection last?
