Sun Protection During Pregnancy - What to Watch Out for to Avoid Dark Spots.

Our body, including our skin, undergoes significant changes during the months of pregnancy, requiring special care. During the summer period, due to the heat and intense UV radiation, even greater and more specific attention is needed.

How does UV radiation affect our skin?

UV-A radiation passes through clouds, smog, and window glass without any obstacles. It is responsible for quick and non-lasting tanning and can reach the deeper layers of the skin (dermis). It damages collagen and elastin fibers in the skin both directly and indirectly, thereby accelerating the aging process of the skin. UV-A radiation can cause sun allergies, melanoma, and eye and retina damage.

UV-B radiation can only penetrate the upper layer of the skin (epidermis). Through its direct DNA damaging effect and the free radicals generated by it, it can cause sunburn, eye and retina damage, and in severe cases, skin cancer. Fortunately, it also has positive effects on our body. It contributes to the production of vitamin D, thickens the stratum corneum, and the pigment cells produce melanin, which protects our skin against radiation.

Why is sun protection important during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in the body. The female hormones can increase the body's melanin production, causing pigmentation disorders. Hyperpigmentation (pregnancy mask) most commonly appears on the face. It appears as brown or grayish spots, most frequently in the middle of the forehead, on the chin, and around the mouth. Its development is more common in the first months of pregnancy and may spontaneously disappear after the child is born, posing only an aesthetic problem. UV radiation significantly increases the chance of developing large dark spots, technically known as melasma, which is why it is important to pay careful attention to sun protection during pregnancy.

What can we do to prevent the pregnancy mask?

- Minimize the time spent in the sun between 11 AM and 3 PM, as UV rays are most intense during this period.

- Wear tightly woven but well-ventilated clothing.

- Protect yourself with a hat and sunglasses.

- You can also protect your skin through diet and fluid intake. Vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids (red, yellow, orange) strengthen the skin's natural defense function. Ensure adequate consumption of clean water.

- Gradually acclimate your skin to the sun.

- Use sunscreen containing physical sunblock suitable for your skin condition.

Sun protection products should not only be used during beach vacations, as UV-A radiation, which can cause skin aging, sun allergies, melanoma, and damage to the eyes and retina, can penetrate clouds, smog, and window glass.

What type of sunscreen should we choose?

Based on the filter in the cream, we distinguish between products containing chemical and physical filters. Sunscreens with chemical filters penetrate deeper layers of the skin and can absorb UV rays due to their chemical structure. On the other hand, sunscreens with physical or mineral filters do not absorb into the skin; they remain on the surface and reflect or scatter UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin. Consequently, physical sunscreens are safer for everyone, including pregnant women.
Manufacturers label their products with "Mineral" or "contains physical sunscreen" to indicate that the product contains a physical filter. Besides the filter, it is worth paying attention to the other ingredients: the best and safest choice is a product made from natural ingredients.