You already know that staying safe in the sun is essential throughout all stages of life. However, sun safety is especially important during pregnancy! When you become pregnant, you may notice a few changes in your skin – it may burn faster, dry out in no time, and breakouts could pop up without warning. Needless to say, during those precious nine months, female skin is pretty sensitive.
Let’s take a closer look at the importance of sun safety while you’re pregnant.
Pregnancy & Sensitivity
While everyone should take steps to avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, pregnant women need to be especially cautious. Why? Pregnancy causes your hormone levels to increase, and in return, the skin can often become more sensitive. With this heightened sensitivity comes a higher risk for developing dark patches on the chin, lips, forehead, and cheeks – a condition known as melasma. These spots occur in roughly half of all pregnant women and can take up to one year post-delivery to fade.
Additionally, pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes are known to kick into overdrive during pregnancy (thanks, hormones!). This makes you more susceptible to other forms of discoloration when exposed to UV rays.
Even worse, however, you may have a higher chance of developing skin cancer while you’re expecting, as your immune system will likely change. Our opinion? Ramping up your sun safety routine is more than worth it when you have a baby on the way.
Sunscreen Safety
Estrogen levels skyrocket during pregnancy, which stimulates the production of melanin in the skin. Because of this increase, you should opt for sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more that guards against both UVA and UVB rays.
You’ll also need to take special care to steer clear of chemical sunscreens while you’re sporting a baby bump. Recent studies have shown that oxybenzone, a chemical found in many sunscreen formulas, can affect your newborn’s health. Specifically, it’s been known to cause a birth defect called Hirschsprung’s disease, which affects infants’ large intestines and requires surgery. Therefore, it’s important to look for “no chemicals” labels on sunscreen bottles. Luckily, Cabana Life offers great alternatives that are formulated for sensitive skin, like the CoTZ sunscreen line.
Cover Up & Head to the Shade
In addition to lathering up with a chemical-free sunscreen, moms-to-be should seek shade under an umbrella or awning – especially when outside for long periods. Ideally, you should head for cover when the sun is at its strongest, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Another great way to keep you (and your baby bump) protected in the sun is to cover up with sun-protective clothing. And when you shop Cabana Life’s selection of UPF 50+ pieces, you’ll stay sun-safe and stylish. How’s that for a win-win?
The Bottom Line
With skin sensitivity increasing significantly during pregnancy, you’ll want to take every precaution under the sun (literally). Therefore, you need to follow a comprehensive sun safety routine that includes sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and ample time in the shade. That way, you can keep yourself – and your little one – safe throughout your pregnancy.
To stock up on fun and functional beachwear options, browse our new arrivals today!