What Type of Suncream Should I Use During Pregnancy?

Did you know that nearly 45 percent of people admit they do not apply suncream daily? Despite growing awareness around skincare, consistent sun protection is still overlooked. During pregnancy, however, daily SPF becomes even more important.

In a recent Expert Insights discussion, Professor Caitriona Ryan outlines which suncreams are safest and most effective during pregnancy and explains why daily sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin throughout this stage of life and beyond.

Why Is It Important to Apply Suncream Daily?

Ultraviolet rays are present every day, not just during hot or sunny weather. UVA rays can penetrate clouds and glass, meaning your skin is exposed even when you are indoors near windows or outside on overcast days. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays contribute significantly to premature ageing and long-term skin damage.

Daily SPF use protects the skin from both UVA and UVB radiation. Without adequate protection, cumulative exposure can lead to premature wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, reduced elasticity, and increased long-term DNA damage.

During pregnancy, consistent sun protection becomes even more critical. Hormonal changes increase melanin production, making the skin more prone to pigmentation concerns such as melasma, often referred to as the pregnancy mask. Skin may also become more sensitive and reactive. Daily suncream helps prevent worsening pigmentation and supports a more even, stable complexion.

For these reasons, dermatologists widely recommend broad-spectrum SPF as a foundational step in any pregnancy-safe skincare routine.

What Is the Best Suncream to Use During Pregnancy?

Most dermatologists and healthcare professionals advise choosing a mineral-based, also known as physical, suncream during pregnancy. Mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and reflect ultraviolet radiation rather than absorbing it.

Pregnancy-safe mineral suncreams typically contain zinc oxide, which provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and iron oxides, which offer additional defence against visible light that can worsen pigmentation. These filters are currently recognised by the FDA as safe for use during pregnancy.

In contrast, certain chemical sunscreen filters have been shown in studies to be absorbed into the bloodstream after full-body application. Although research into their long-term impact during pregnancy is still ongoing, many experts recommend avoiding chemical formulations as a precautionary measure.

Choosing a broad-spectrum mineral suncream during pregnancy helps protect hormonally sensitive skin, reduce the risk of melasma and uneven pigmentation, and provide effective ultraviolet defence without relying on filters that may be systemically absorbed.

Sun protection is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to safeguard your skin’s health, particularly during pregnancy when hormonal changes can increase vulnerability to pigmentation and sensitivity.

Opting for a gentle, mineral-based suncream offers effective protection while prioritising safety for both mother and baby. By making daily SPF a consistent part of your routine, you are not only preventing pigmentation and premature ageing but also investing in long-term skin resilience and overall skin health well beyond pregnancy.