The importance of sunscreen in pregnancy

Can you sunbathe while pregnant? Is sunscreen always needed or can you even do without it? Here are all the answers!

Summer is beautiful, but when it comes to sunbathing while pregnant, a little more care is needed.

Due to the hormonal changes that accompany sweet expectation, the skin tends to become more sensitive and prone to irritation. Consequently, it requires more attention, both in daily care and during sun exposure .

Of course it is important to remember that the sun’s rays are essential for the production of vitamin D , which in turn plays a key role in the absorption of calcium (the mineral that is used to “build” the bones of the future baby).

On the other hand, however, it is equally true that  excessive exposure can be a source of various types of problems , both for the mother and for the child.

Can you sunbathe while pregnant?

The answer is yes: sunbathing during pregnancy is not forbidden, as long as you don’t exaggerate with exposure and always use adequate sunscreen.

In fact, when you are expecting a child, your skin undergoes changes that require greater attention to the sun . Excessive exposure to UV rays and heat could in fact aggravate some typical problems of pregnancy. Let’s see which ones.

Skin spots on the face and body

The blame lies with the increase in estrogen which leads to a greater production of melanin , especially in some areas of the body, such as the abdomen and face.

For this reason, it is very common for pregnant women to have a dark line on the belly, called “linea nigra” , which tends to disappear after giving birth.

In addition, exposure to the sun may cause the formation of dark spots on the face , which are called “chloasma gravidarum” or “mask of pregnancy” . This blemish, however, in some cases can prove to be permanent.

Since the sun’s rays stimulate the formation of melanin, always using a face cream with a high protective factor (even in winter ) can prevent the appearance of this blemish.

Nei (or nevi)

During pregnancy moles tend to increase in number and size , again due to the action of estrogen.

As we know, UV rays can contribute to the formation of new moles and their transformation into melanoma (a type of malignant skin tumor that tends to become more aggressive in pregnant women). To prevent them, therefore, it is essential to moderate exposure to the sun and always apply sunscreen when doing outdoor activities (and not just at the sea).

In this regard, we remind you that in the second or third trimester it would be good to make an appointment with the dermatologist for an accurate control of the moles. Fortunately, in fact, in doubtful cases or in the presence of a melanoma, surgical removal can also be performed during pregnancy.

Swelling and varicose veins

Hormonal changes and an enlarged uterus can promote the appearance of swollen legs and feet , varicose veins , dilated capillaries , and stellate angiomas (so called for their sunburst appearance). In addition, they can be responsible for skin redness , itching and heat rash .

The sun’s rays can have a vasodilatory effect and accentuate circulation problems , aggravating swelling and contributing to the formation of varicose veins and broken capillaries.

Skin irritations

During pregnancy it is quite common to have drier and more sensitive skin , with the consequent appearance of itching and irritation , which could be worsened by exposure to the sun.

Let’s also not forget that pregnant women tend to sweat more and that increased perspiration can aggravate these problems, as well as causing loss of fluids and mineral salts (with the risk of dehydration ).

Sunscreen during pregnancy: what you need to know

Now that we have seen what the risks are, let’s see what the rules are for safe tanning during pregnancy (and beyond).

1. Avoid exposing yourself to the sun in the central hours of the day .
2. Choose a cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF no less than 30), broad spectrum (UVA and UVB), and water resistant .
3. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out in the sun. In particular, in addition to the belly and face , be sure to cover the feet , ears and hands well , areas that are often forgotten.
4. Repeat the application after swimming or if you’ve sweated a lot (even if the cream is water-resistant ) and in any case every 2 hours .
5. Apply sunscreen even if:

• • you have dark skin (you are at higher risk of developing chloasma gravidarum)
  • you’re already a little  tanned
  • stay under an umbrella  or  in the water
  • the sky is cloudy
  • it is early morning or late afternoon

6. Do not use the product beyond the expiration period .
7. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to better protect your face.
8. Drink often to prevent dehydration and reduce bloating and water retention.
9. If you must use mosquito repellent , apply it 20-30 minutes after sunscreen and never before.
10. After sun exposure, apply a moisturizer .

Is it true that sunscreen can cause a vitamin D deficiency?

Many expectant mothers wonder if it is preferable not to use sunscreen because it prevents the production of vitamin D. The answer is absolutely not : in fact, very limited exposure to the sun is sufficient to synthesize an adequate quantity of this vitamin.

In particular, to cover the vitamin D requirement during pregnancy, all you need to do is expose yourself to sunlight every day for about 10-15 minutes .