Safe Sun Care During Pregnancy
I recently read an excellent article on safe sun care while pregnant. I think it’s important enough to pass along because I know all of my pregnant clients want to know what ingredients to avoid while pregnant or nursing which is why I am sharing this information. With that in mind, the following information is meant to only give you useful information to make informed decisions. Not to cause alarm. If you would like a copy of the actual article I am happy to send one along.
In 2019 the FDA confirmed that “12 soluble organic UV filters (SOUVF) used in sunscreens are all bioavailable to every human. Twelve SOUVF are neither safe nor effective.” And in 2021 the FDA “denoted them as “Marketed Unapproved Drugs.” “The offending chemicals include, avobenzone,, oxybenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, octinoxate and six others.” In 25 years of published science the SOUVF have been found to permeate skin and are bioavailable. SOUVF share structural and functional properties with human estrogen, pesticides (e.g. DDT) and known hormone disruptors. Therefore it is “absolutely contraindicated in couple’s trying to conceive and during pregnancy.” Many dermatologist are starting to admit “that only mineral sunscreen should be used by women of childbearing age and who are pregnant.” Studies confirm that SOUVF have been found in “100% of pregnant people, 98% of non pregnant American women, in the breast milk of 85.2% of European women as well as in blood, urine, amniotic fluid, placenta, fetal cord blood, semen, ovarian follicular fluid and adipose tissue.”
The best and safest choice for sun screen while pregnant or nursing is a mineral filter with no risk of bioavailability. A 25% zinc oxide sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin against photodamage.
I am sure you are wondering what a good choice for SPF is at this point. I did look at the Clear Choice Sports Shield SPF 45 up close again and found the following ingredients to satisfy the above requirements: 9% Zinc, Certified Organic Aloe, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Grape Seed Extract, Evening Primrose, *Sunflower Seed, *Safflower Seed, Slippery Elm, *Borage Oil, Alpha Bisabolol (chamomile), Plantains, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane.
I also double checked the MAD Hypersheer Moisturizer and SPF along with Societe’s Prime & Defend and found these to be acceptable.
Once again, I hope this was helpful and gives you the confidence to make informed decisions for you and your family.
Smiles,
Jenny
*Non-comedogenic