With the heat, you dream of settling on the beach or by the pool. If the sun is a source of vitamin D, beneficial to the future mother, you should still be wary of it. What sunscreen to use for protection? Answers and advice from Dr Caroline Verhaeghe, obstetrician-gynecologist.
If exposure to the sun is without risk for the fetus, it can be problematic for the mother-to-be. And for good reason, during pregnancy, the body secretes estrogen in greater quantities, which stimulates the production of melanin and causes a hyperpigmentation of the skin. Discover the interest of betting on an SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Why is the SPF 50+ index essential during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the sensitivity of the skin is increased because the body secretes more estrogen, hormones that stimulate the production of melatonin. The main risk is to increase the risk of occurrence of pregnancy spots, better known as “pregnancy mask”, chloasma or melasma. This phenomenon occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by the appearance of brown spots on the eyes, forehead, cheekbones and around the lips. “This hyperpigmentation of the skin is also at the origin of the linea negra, the famous brown line of the belly. The pregnancy mask mainly affects women with dark skin, but those with fair skin are not spared either. Hence the need to protect yourself with a cream with an SPF 50+ index, which corresponds to the highest protection index. This is the best way to avoid pregnancy mask“, adds Dr. Caroline Verhaeghe.
What are the risks of UV exposure during pregnancy?
Beyond the risk of occurrence of the pregnancy mask, UV exposure during pregnancy can promote heatstroke and dehydration. This is why it is recommended to expose yourself as little as possible, to avoid working hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and to wear a hat and glasses in addition to sunscreen. “The main risk of sun exposure in pregnant women is the appearance of the pregnancy mask which does not always disappear after childbirth.comments the obstetrician-gynecologist.
“The main risk of sun exposure in pregnant women is the appearance of the pregnancy mask which does not always disappear after childbirth”
Pregnant, which sunscreen to use for the face?
To avoid the appearance of the pregnancy mask, it is recommended to bet on a day cream with an SPF 50+ index and this, throughout the pregnancy. Indeed, whether you are pregnant or not, it is essential to protect yourself against UVA and UVB rays, which is why dermatologists recommend putting on sunscreen daily, especially on the face, even if it is not nice. “During pregnancy, it is imperative to avoid endocrine disruptors, so we avoid very chemical products and we favor organic sunscreens which contain mineral filters. It is essential to apply it every morning and to renew the application regularly when exposed to the sun.“, advises our expert.
Which sunscreen to choose during pregnancy?
Here are some examples of sunscreens that can be used during pregnancy:
- Sunscreen SPF 50, Respire, 19.90 euros for 100 ml.
- Alga Maris organic sunscreen SPF 50, Laboratoires de Biarritz, 18.90 euros for 50 ml.
- The SPF 50+ sun milk, the Dew, 21.90 euros for 150 ml.
- Intense Protect 50+, Avène, 18.90 euros for 150 ml.
- Photoderm Lait Ultra SPF 50+, Bioderma, 18.90 euros for 200 ml.
Thanks to Dr Caroline Verhaeghe, obstetrician gynecologist