In general, it is safe to use sunscreen during pregnancy. However using sunscreen in pregnancy is not safe always. But wait, there is no need to panic. The safe sunscreens are available now. All you need to do is to find them. While few sunscreen ingredients are unsafe during pregnancy, there are few physical sunscreens, which are safe.
A safe sunscreen should not cause allergic reactions, or any other negative side effects. It should be safe for babies, too. There are some ingredients, which are not safe for the baby and may cause birth defects. It is recommended that pregnant women do not use sunscreen with these ingredients. Common sunscreen ingredients to avoid during pregnancy are Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, Avobenzone, and Octinoxate.
There are a number of physical sunscreens that can be used during pregnancy. Physical sunscreens are safe because they don’t get absorbed in skin, but just reflect sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Physical sunscreens 9also called as mineral sunscreens) are safe to use during pregnancy.
Mineral or physical sunscreens in which the active ingredient is zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide — are a good safe choice for pregnant women. Physical sunscreens are hypoallergenic and sit on the skin instead of being absorbed by it. Choose those sunscreens labeled as water-resistant, as most of them are physical one & safe during pregnancy.
Here are few examples of pregnancy safe sunscreens to consider -