If you liked this post, check out these past posts: Suzi is a wife, and mama who is passionate about sharing her natural lifestyle with those around her. It doesnt blend in but does give that white cast, but Ive found for long days in the summer at the beach or pool thats almost needed to really protect the skin. These are simply recommendations and things that have worked for me during pregnancy. Since theyve reformulated and its better than ever! If youre just at a grocery store search for this one! Sunscreen should be the last line of defense to protect your skin from the sun. In May 2018, for instance, lawmakers in Hawaii passed a bill to ban the use of sunscreens containing octinoxate. Its important to block both UVB and UVA rays. Can cause acne, skin irritant. Is Sunscreen Safe for Pregnancy: Can You Wear Sunscreen When You're Pregnant? Once the chemicals enter the body, they can cause skin cancer and other dangerous problems, including birth defects in unborn babies. Women who are trying to conceive should consider avoiding the product, along with those who aren't even planning on itnearly 50 percent of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, after all. Aluminum- Neurotoxin and has been found in breast tissue. The study found a link between oxybenzonean organic compound used in chemical sunscreens which turn UV rays into heat and then release it from the bodyand a birth defect called Hirschsprung's disease. Check out our blog on Seasonal Sun Protection. I have an entire post dedicated to. Instead of blocking the suns rays, like natural sunscreens do, they absorb the rays, and turn them into heat, which are then transferred from skin to the air. The animals were also exposed to higher levels of the chemical than are typically used outside of a lab setting. UVB rays are the rays that cause sunburn and can cause skin cancer. You can't wait to pick out names and nursery dcor, but you've likely also fallen into the black hole of Google, researching everything that touches your skin to make sure it won't cause harm to your baby. Being pregnant can be equal parts exciting and terrifying. You can also find Badger at most health food stores. Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 30(fragrance free) Coola is a brand that is easy to find often at stores and is also great for sensitive skin. On the other hand, chemicals, Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, and Homosalate are examples of common active ingredients not recognized as safe and effective. PEGs/Propylene Glycol- Has been found to be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane, which is cancer causing. Oxybenzone- Allergen, hormone disruption, cellular damage. *Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. Its no secret that pregnant women have to avoid many popular activities, foods, and products to make sure their babies are born healthy. Your email address will not be published. Can you say NO THANK YOU! Skin irritants, and has been known as a neurotoxin. This will protect your eyes from those same UV rays that can be so damaging. Chemical sunscreens can also produce free radicals, which cause skin damage, irritation and aging. It also increases the skins ability to absorb other chemicals even more. This was one of the first clean sunscreens I tried years ago. Who wants to wait anyways?! It also absorbs into the skin quickly and has been found in the bloodstream, urine and breast milk. UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day typically 10am to 4pm. Pregnancy and special skin needs go hand and hand. It may then reach the fetus, causing harmful cell changes during embryonic development. Even if youre not going to the beach, youre still being exposed to sunlight. Spend more time outdoors in the morning and the evening hours. Im a wife, and mom who is passionate about all things natural living. However, natural mineral sunscreens are on the rise. After discussing with you doctor, also consider taking a B complex supplement and extra folate which may help decrease the flow of toxins to the fetus. Those working indoors or who drive a lot should also consider that UV light comes through windows as well. And this isn't only a cause for concern during pregnancy. 5 Reasons You May Be Experiencing Painful Sex During Pregnancy, Hyperemesis Gravidarum Is Making Me Fearful of Having Another Kid, How Overturning Roe v. Wade Will Impact Parents, Pregnant People, and People Who Want To Get Pregnant. Weve all been taught from a young age that we should use sunscreen to keep safe in the sun. This lotion is literally made with pregnant mamas in mind! Keep reading to find out how to when to use sunscreen, how to pick one out and more. "They are ubiquitous in our environment.". 2022 - GURL GONE GREEN. Even though its often included in skin care products to make your complexion look better, some people say that octinoxate causes acne. UVA and UVB light are still both present, so its important to protect against them. It blends in so well and is a great primer before makeup. Certain chemicals used to make many types of sunscreens. The list may seem daunting at first, and you may have a lot of questions about what is safe and what isnt. Having the right hat or cloth to cover up an exposed area will make a big difference in keeping sun damage at bay. American sunscreen may also be less great at sun and skin protection than brands from other countries. These ingredient are especially dangerous when applied to children. Sevin A. Most human studies have focused on visible concerns like rashes and skin allergies, and havent proven serious harm to humans. The scary fact about these chemicals is the, , compared to other ingredients. Octocrylene- Quickly absorbs into the skin and trace amounts can be found in the bloodstream. Skin irritants, and has been known as a neurotoxin. As of now, the choice of whether to use products that contain octinoxate is left up to you. This is one of my favorite facial sunscreens. It can be a great sunscreen booster. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. In addition to most mainstream sunscreens, youll find octinoxate in lots of conventional (nonorganic) skin and cosmetic products, including: According to the Environmental Working Group, mainstream companies like Dove, LOral, Olay, Aveeno, Avon, Clairol, Revlon, and many others, all use octinoxate in their products. Update of sunscreen ingredients nomination to NTP. But does that mean its safe for you and your family? Its called by many names, so in addition to octinoxate and octyl methoxycinnamate, youll need to look for names like ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, escalol, or neo heliopan, among several other potential names. The study shows pregnant women in their first trimester who apply sunscreen containing 6 percent oxybenzone twice a day (the recommended usage) can absorb the chemical into their bloodstream. Beautycounter Sheer Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 25 This is another great daily facial sunscreen. So far, theres not much evidence that this chemical causes serious harm in humans. Great for quickly getting the product on kids too! Is It Safe To Take a Bath While Pregnant? Schneider SL, et al. For instance, those who live in a sunny, warm location and use sunscreen with oxybenzone year-round and daily, may have a higher risk factor than someone who uses it less frequently, such as on vacation or seasonally. First, look for a sunscreen with SPF between 30 and 50. Anti-Perspirants, makeup, skincare. The only way to know whether a sunscreen is made with ingredients that are safe for you, your baby, and the environment is to check its ingredients. These chemicals are known, . The term, "Mineral-based sunscreen generally refers tomixtures of Zinc-Oxide and Chemical UV filters, many of which exhibit human and environmental toxicity. There are many rays present in sunlight but the most harmful are UV rays- ultraviolet rays. Its no secret that pregnant women have to avoid many popular activities, foods, and products to make sure their babies are born healthy. Avobenzone- Endocrine Disruptor(hormone disruptor). That depends on what kind of sunscreen youre using. To answer these questions, we sat down with Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO of LovelySkin! Learn more aboutUV rays and sunscreen terminology here! The ingredients are excellent and great for even the most sensitive skin. I can think of several very effective sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, and a lot of times you need those chemicals to get the best protection possible. Avoiding the below ingredients can also ensure youre going to be avoiding a host of other harmful chemicals too! Multiple studies with rats have found strong evidence that OMC can negatively affect internal systems. They can have one or a combination of these six ingredients: Instead of blocking the suns rays, like natural sunscreens do, they absorb the rays, and turn them into heat, which are then transferred from skin to the air. The skin is already sensitive during pregnancy, so you want to make sure to protect it the best you can. I am sharing my favorites as well as exactly what you need to avoid for ingredients when pregnant. But what if you find out that youre pregnant, and suddenly all of your skin care changes? No chemical sunscreen for you. Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 This lotion is literally made with pregnant mamas in mind! Suntegrity Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen(fragrance free) This is a fragrance free sunscreen that really feels lightweight and not heavy like many mineral sunscreens. A recent study showed that octocrylene degrades into a compound called benzophenone, a. Its the best thing you can do for the health of your skin! We work hard to ensure that everything we make is safe for the environment and also for your skin, even during pregnancy. accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=352.50, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521690X05000746, link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00244-015-0227-7, niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm, ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704203/OCTINOXATE/#.W2DYpDNKgdW, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5355130, safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/octinoxate/, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969713003859?via%3Dihub, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S157002320400008X?via%3Dihub, ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/chem_background/exsumpdf/5466-77-3_508.pdf. Last medically reviewed on April 8, 2021, Propanediol is a chemical found in a number of cosmetics, lotions, and other skin care products. OMC has been detected in human urine. "The reality is that all pregnant women are exposed to endocrine disruptors throughout gestation," says Felice Gersh, M.D., founder of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in Irvine, California, and the author of PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones and Happiness. Also, enjoy your time in the sun, but make sure to give your skin some rest indoors or in the shade every so often. The list may seem daunting at first, and you may have a lot of questions about what is safe and what isnt. UVA rays also can contribute to skin cancer and penetrate the skin even further causing skin aging. All of our products are reef-safe, chemical-free, cruelty-free, and even come in recyclable packaging. To find a pregnancy-safe sunscreen, check the ingredients, and stay away from any active ingredients other than Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. That said, switching to entirely non-chemical sunscreens might not be the best idea. What Vaccines Do You Need Before and During Pregnancy? The answers are mixed. (2020). We explore whether this chemical is safe when, Cyclopentasiloxane is an ingredient used in countless cosmetic products, and questions about safety and environmental impact of the chemical have been, Phenoxyethanol is found in many cosmetics and household products, and acts as a preservative. Anti-Perspirants, makeup, skincare. , but today I am going to dive into the specifics of what pregnancy safe sunscreen looks like. Petroleum or Mineral Oil- Reports they are cancer-causing. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, instead use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically deflect the suns rays. However, these studies were conducted on animals, not humans. Octinoxate has, definitively, been found to be an endocrine disruptor in animals, which means that it can alter the way hormones work. Even if it says its a mineral sunscreen, check that it doesnt also have chemical active ingredient. Learn more below about how to choose the right types of sunscreens with the safest ingredients, so you never have to worry about whether you are harming your baby. What if youre a parent now, and you want to know whats going to be safe for your baby or kids? Clean sunscreens! Coola is a brand that is easy to find often at stores and is also great for sensitive skin. Another thing to keep in mind is protective clothing. It moisturizes while also providing some SPF protection. This has caused the authors of one 2006 study to suggest that heightened exposure to chemicals like OMC through cosmetics might contribute to higher incidences of breast cancer in humans, although there are, as of yet, no human studies to prove that. (2015) Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Gersh recommends eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables (aim for nine to 12 cups daily). It offers great coverage but blends in clear. Still nervous about past exposure to oxybenzone? Hormone disruptor. "You could be away on a honeymoon using a product with oxybenzone thinking that everything is fine, and then you could wind up being pregnant and having an unintended exposure to it," Dr. Dardarian says. A recent study showed that octocrylene degrades into a compound called benzophenone, aknown carcinogen and endocrine distuptor. SPF claims above 50 are generally recognized as giving afalse sense of security. You can also find Badger at most health food stores. CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. When a sunscreen blocks both UVB and UVA it is called broad spectrum. Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 Beautycounters Mineral Sunscreen doesnt feel heavy and blends in so well. But so far, in-depth research on humans has been limited. There are chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. "When it's time to have a bowel movement there are neurotransmitters that are sent from the body to the colon to signal this. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen- This is another safe sunscreen for the whole family, even baby and mama. Environmental oestrogens, cosmetics and breast cancer. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. Join our community and get our Natural Target Shopping Guide- the first of many freebies to help support your natural/clean lifestyle. Plus, these arent going to irritate your skin compared to chemical sunscreens and you wont have to worry about hormone disruptors. This spray uses compressed air and not an aerosol to spray the product. Found in chemical sunscreens. This chemical was first produced in the 1950s to filter out the suns UV-B rays. The two rays that reach the earths surface are, UVB and UVA. So, if you miss a couple spots or forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, this supplement can be a great way to help with that. Liquid chromatographic assay for common sunscreen agents: Application to in vivo assessment of skin penetration and systemic absorption in human volunteers. Darbre PD. Neurotoxin and has been found in breast tissue. So whats the alternative?? shorter pregnancy and disrupted birth weights. Heres what we, It's not just the ingredients. Certain chemicals used to make many types of sunscreenshave been proven to cause birth defectswhen used by the mother during pregnancy. However, dont just assume that products labeled with terms like natural will automatically be free of OMC. Log in to see your cart items. Pregnancy-safe sunscreens containonly non-nano active ingredients, Titanium Dioxide and or Zinc Oxide and have a SPF of 30 or higher. known carcinogen and endocrine distuptor. If youre just at a grocery store search for this one! Quickly absorbs into the skin and trace amounts can be found in the bloodstream. According to the study, the chemicals in sunscreen are part of the reason coral reefs around the world are dying. Chemical sunscreens contain these big long words. The nice thing about chemical sunscreens is that they tend to cover a wider spectrum and last longer than mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens should hold a prominent place on this list. Phrases like, mineral sunscreen, chemical-free, non-nano, and reef-safe can be helpful but the they are not regulated, meaning anyone can make the claims regardless of whether it is true. It moisturizes while also providing some SPF protection. It blends in so well and is a great primer before makeup. Comments will be approved before showing up. Some research has found that octinoxate can cause negative skin reactions, like acne and contact dermatitis in humans. American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones and Happiness. Oxybenzone is also fat-soluble, meaning it gets into the fat cells and can stay there for weeks, making it difficult for expecting women to know what their exposure level really is. If you want to avoid the potential risks of octinoxate and use personal care products that dont contain this chemical, be prepared for a challenge. Not only that, but they start working the moment you apply them to your skin, unlike chemical sunscreens where you have to wait 20 minutes. I have an entire post dedicated to Pregnancy Safe Skincare, but today I am going to dive into the specifics of what pregnancy safe sunscreen looks like. Octinoxate is one of the strongest chemical sun blocks available and a huge majority of brands still use it. Downs CA, et al. Endocrine Disruptor(hormone disruptor). But are these restrictions enough to keep consumers safe from any potential harm OMC can cause? These sunscreens either use titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or a combination of both. Read ourSafest Sunscreen for Babies blog, so you know what sunscreens are safe to use on your newborn! Has been found in breast cancer tumors, may cause male infertility and early puberty. That's why it may be best to simply avoid using sunscreens with oxybenzone on your child at all times. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. You can even play it safe by checking the UV index in your area. That will give you a good amount of protection. The scary fact about these chemicals is the high absorption rate, compared to other ingredients. Can cause acne, skin irritant. Parabens Pretty common in most skincare products. It also increases the skins ability to absorb other chemicals even more. Chemical sunscreen typically only blocks UVB, while mineral sunscreen blocks UVB and UVA. Has been found to be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxane, which is cancer causing. These sunscreens are also known as physical or mineral sunscreens. All Good Spray Sunscreen- This spray uses compressed air and not an aerosol to spray the product. Some regions, however, have instituted their own restrictions of OMC due to developing evidence of its environmental effect. It is a great choice for anyone who wants to avoid chemical ingredients, not only in sunscreen but in all theirskin care products. Although studies have shown it to cause harm to rats and the environment. Whats been your favorite pregnancy safe sunscreen? Plus, they, damage the sea and all its creatures and plant. Minerals Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the only two active sunscreen ingredients recognized as safe and effective by the FDA. It also absorbs into the skin quickly and has been found in the bloodstream, urine and breast milk. A sunscreen labeled broad-spectrum has been tested to protect against both UVA and UVB light and will shield you from much of the suns harmful rays. "X-Free" nail polish may sound safe, but there's more to the story. Learn more below about how to choose the right types of sunscreens with the safest ingredients, so you never have to worry about whether you are harming your baby. Required fields are marked *. They can have one or a combination of these six ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Badger Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 This rubs in clear and has ingredients you can recognize right away from the label. When tested, these chemicals have been found in blood, urine, and even breastmilk. As a result, all of our products are pregnancy safe. First and foremost, there are chemical sunscreens and there are mineral sunscreens. when used by the mother during pregnancy. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hi! (2004). Brands like Goddess Garden, Badger, and Mandan Naturals produce whats often called reef-safe sunscreen that works without using OMC. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Skin Brightening: Best Vitamin C Serums for Glowing Skin, Best Non Toxic Bakeware (2022 Ultimate Guide). She loves holding space where people can weed through the marketing clutter to find truth, and ultimately make the best decision for their families. Chronically dry or chapped lips stand no chance against these 20 moisturizing lip balms. More research is definitely called for to determine potential long-term risks to humans. Oxybenzone and Octocrylene have also been known to cause hormone disruptions and allergic reactions. Review of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients. Search through the ingredients list for all of this chemicals various names. Whether it be more sensitive skin or having to avoid your normal products due to not being pregnancy safe. To prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer, apply sunscreen every morning, and reapply as needed. Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50- I found this one on a recent vacation when I was in a pinch and needed a mineral sunscreen. Thinkbaby SPF 50- This is a high SPF Mineral sunscreen that really delivers on protection. Join our email list and save 20% off your next order, Free 2-3 day shipping most orders, no minimums, Thicker hair starts here - Free $15 RevitaLash Hair & Lash Trio*, neuLASH/neuBROW PROFESSIONAL by Skin Research Laboratories, The same goes for your winter skin care routine. Whether you're looking for powder, cream, or liquid mineral makeup, we've got you covered with eight recommended foundations. Whether it be more sensitive skin or having to avoid your normal products due to not being pregnancy safe. If I am, its because I believe in the company and their product. Since theyve reformulated and its better than ever! Beautycounters Mineral Sunscreen doesnt feel heavy and blends in so well. You want to make sure you are using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Looking into SPF ratings above 30, SPF 50 will protect against 98% of ultraviolet rays, just one percent more than SPF 30. Incorporate it into your daily skin care routine, year round. It doesnt measure how good it is at stopping UVA light, which can cause premature wrinkles and other signs of aging. In the meantime, limited levels remain the widespread norm as allowable in thousands of hygienic products and cosmetics. Canada, Japan, and the European Union also place limits on how much OMC a product can contain. Hormone disruptors with high absorption rates are not something you want coupled together especially in pregnancy! Chemical sunscreens can also produce free radicals, which cause skin damage, irritation and aging. It's not a bad idea to focus on your diet. Combating Pregnancy Constipation, Morning Sickness & Heartburn, I'm a Mom and a Pediatrician: Here's How I Limit My Family's Exposure To Harmful Chemicals During Mealtime, A Crash Course in Having Sex During Your Third Trimester, Study Shows Use of Diabetes Medication Before Conception Impacts Sperm Quality and Risk of Birth Defects, What Pregnant People Need to Know About COVID-19. The main benefits of clean sunscreens are that the minerals reflect the suns rays instead of absorbing them, and they offer broad spectrum protection. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin, allowing the chemical ingredients to enter the bloodstream. Great for everyone in the family. Hormone disruptor also known as endocrine disruptor. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Plus, they damage the sea and all its creatures and plants. I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly. Im so glad youre here! This is great for anyone who has oilier skin and can tend to get breakouts from sunscreen. You should also check your moisturizers, lotions, and cosmetics to find out if these ingredients are in products you are already using. It offers great coverage but blends in clear. So, here are a few tips to minimize damage to your skin by too much sun exposure: Thankfully there are many great sunscreen options that are pregnancy safe! Add ourUV Index Meaning Blog to your reading list to learnall aboutthe UV index. This rubs in clear and has ingredients you can recognize right away from the label. Many scientists and consumers consider it a risky chemical in need of more research, particularly on humans. Anything higher than SPF 50 might offer a little more protection, but not usually enough to justify the increase in price. Chemical sunscreens are also not considered reef safe since some of their ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, are potentially harmful to coral. Baby Sunscreen Guide: Sun Protection Safety Tips, Here's What Doesand Doesn'tCause Miscarriage, Pregnancy Pampering: What's Safe, What's Not, COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy: Everything Parents Should Know.