Can I use sun creams if I am pregnant?

In the height of summer, we all like to sunbathe from time to time. The rays from the sun give us vitamins that can only capture in this way, such as vitamin D . During pregnancy it is vital that the woman be exposed to the sun’s rays from time to time so that both she and the future baby can benefit from it .

Logically, when we sunbathe in summer we must choose sun creams that protect our skin, also during pregnancy. When it comes to health, many times we prefer to pay something a little more expensive if we are sure that it will be better for us than something cheaper. For example, very few people think of buying prescription glasses from an optician that is not approved. The same can happen with creams. Who has ever gone to a pharmacy to buy a sun protection cream believing that it is of better quality and despite the fact that the price is skyrocketing? Surely more than one has been guilty.

Well, a study by the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users) analyzed sun creams to determine which ones had the best quality / price. In the study, 30 sunscreen creams were analyzed, observing the real factor of protection, if they were resistant to water, the labeling, price, if they contained allergens and photostability. The results were surprising because what everyone expected is that the most expensive brands would correspond with the most effective, however, it was not like that.The 3 best quality sun creams can be found in any neighborhood supermarket and at affordable prices. : “Babaria Solar Milk Aloe Vera SPF 30”, and two of Nivea: “Nivea Sun Moisturizing Solar Milk 30 Alta” and “Nivea Sun Protect & Broncea Solar Milk 30”

CAN PREGNANT WOMEN USE THEM?

During pregnancy you must correctly inform yourself of what sun creams you can or cannot use. The three mentioned above are the best in terms of quality, however, these cannot be used by pregnant women because they contain some parabens such as propylparaben , a type of preservative that acts in the body as if it were estrogen and can affect our endocrine system. Normal people are not affected but it is dangerous if there is pregnancy or risk of pregnancy. In young childrenit is also not highly recommended for the same reasons. In the case of making mistakes and using them, the consequences are not excessively serious, but we can experience spots around the mouth and nose and a darkening of the linea alba (the line that goes down from the navel to the pubis).

The sun creams that you CAN use during the summer and during pregnancy because they do not have parabens or allergenic substances are the ones that were a little below that of Babaria and Nivea. Although all are sun protection, 30 scored less in the study because they did not protect as much from the sun’s rays as advertised, however it does not mean that they are not safe, but in this case they are the most suitable for these groups. You can find them in any perfumery and in many supermarkets, without having to go to pharmacies. The quality, even if it did not score the same, is still high compared to the others. The creams are (ordered according to the quality of the brand in the study): Avene, Vichy, Lancaster, Piz Buin and Garnier.

The other creams that were analyzed by the OCU and that occupied the last positions are mainly found in pharmacies, following the order are: Biotherm (prices between 18 and 32 euros), Delial and La Roche-Posay (with prices from 21 to 31 euros ) . Therefore, not only do you have to be cautious and be well informed about the products you are going to buy, but we also have to be careful with the misleading advertising that they put on the back labeling. For example, many sun creams say that they are dermatologically tested, but this does not mean anything because all the creams on the market are. In the same way, most are considered hypoallergenic but cannot guarantee 100% that they are capable of preventing an allergic reaction., only that the probabilities of being it are smaller (but of course, there is still a small risk).

WHAT MEASURES SHOULD I TAKE IN SUMMER IF I AM PREGNANT?

If you are pregnant in summer you must follow the following recommendations to avoid dangers:

1. The first and most important thing is to protect yourself from the sun with a good sun protection cream, ideally without parabens. Once this is done, we must avoid exposing ourselves as much as possible in the noon hours (from 12:00 to 14:00), even if it is cloudy and we have the cream on. A pregnant woman has a very sensitive one compared to the rest of the people and the risk of spots appearing is high, but not only that, burns to the skin can also harm the fetus. Therefore, if you want to go for a walk or go to the beach, choose an early hour in the morning or in the afternoon.

2. On the beach, better in the shade : sandy surfaces reflect the sun very easily, and it is easier to get burned or stains, even if we are exposed for a short time. On the other hand, it is advisable to renew the cream at least every 2 or 3 hours , if you go with small children the intervals have to be even shorter. If you get into the water, the cream must be waterproof . After sun exposure, it is also advisable to use moisturizers to re- nourish the pregnant woman’s skin. The recommended ones are those with a base of aloe vera or rosehip, but above all it must be free of allergens and parabens.

3. When you go out, wear clothes that completely cover the belly . A physical barrier against the sun is safer than a chemical barrier based on creams (apart from more natural). Also use approved glasses and wide hats to protect the skin and hair of the pregnant woman.

4. It is necessary to hydrate also inside . For this you must owe at least two liters of liquid every day, even if you are not thirsty. The person only feels thirsty when he is already dehydrating, so we must anticipate.