The best way to avoid a sunburn during pregnancy — when your skin is extra sensitive — is to wear a mineral-based sunscreen and avoid sun exposure when the sun's rays are strongest. If you do get burned, try a cooling oatmeal bath or aloe cream, and for a bad burn, talk with your health care practitioner about treatment.
It's impossible to avoid the sun altogether, nor should you. Here's what you need to know about sun safety during pregnancy.
Why is my skin more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy?
Women can be more prone to sunburn when they're pregnant thanks to a variety of changes happening in the body, most notably hormone fluctuations, says Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
"A major sunburn can be problematic because many of the medications we use to treat sunburn aren't ideal during pregnancy," she says. “That's why being diligent about sunscreen use during pregnancy is especially important."
Hormones aren't the only factor. Other changes that may contribute to increased sun sensitivity include:
- Immune system changes
- A fluctuating metabolism
- Increased blood volume and changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- A higher body temperature
"I noticed that not only was I more susceptible, but it took me longer to heal as well," says What to Expect Community mom PurpleCow23.
Sunburn isn't the only skin change you may experience during pregnancy. "You might also have increased dryness, eczema, acne, rosacea flares, and increased risk of hyperpigmentation," notes Michele Farber, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
"I've had rosacea flares since I was a teenager, but the only times in recent years have been when I'm pregnant," says Community mom CopperBooom.
Why is prenatal sun protection so important?
Making suncare part of your self-care routine is best for you and your growing baby.
"A healthy mom equals a healthy baby!" says Dr. Henry. "Anything that is not putting the mom at risk, like having a bad sunburn that needs to be treated medically, is going to lead to a happy, healthy baby."
Sunburns can contribute to skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. The following sun-related risks are the most important to watch out for during pregnancy:
Melasma or hyperpigmentation
Melasma or hyperpigmentation is a common skin change during pregnancy. Some people even refer to it as the "pregnancy mask" because it often appears on the upper lip, forehead, or cheeks. Exposure to UV light can trigger melasma and make it worse.
If you develop melasma during pregnancy, know that it usually fades after pregnancy and the postpartum period. Consult with a board-certified dermatologist to work on a treatment plan.
Overheating and dehydration
Pregnancy can make you more vulnerable to the heat, according to Dr. Farber. Because your body is working hard to support a growing baby, it also has to work harder to cool itself down. Heat exhaustion and heat strokes are real concerns.
It's also important to be aware of something called a vasovagal episode. "A vasovagal episode is when a pregnant woman faints from overheating as a result of blood pressure changes," explains Alicia Robbins, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN in Greenwich, Connecticut. "While this shouldn't have any serious long-term effects on the pregnancy, it's important to be proactive by limiting direct sun exposure and staying well hydrated."
That said, don't worry that if you get a sunburn, your baby will, too. "A fetus cannot get sunburned while in utero," says Dr. Farber.
How can I avoid a sunburn during pregnancy?
The most obvious way to avoid sun damage is by wearing sunscreen. You may be wondering: What's the safest type during pregnancy — mineral or chemical? And what number SPF should you choose — 30, 50, or higher?
"I always suggest that my patients use a mineral sunscreen rather than a chemical one, especially during pregnancy, as they don't want to absorb the chemicals into their bloodstream," advises Dr. Henry. "For daily use, I recommend an SPF 30, but if you plan to be outside for more than an hour, use an SPF 50 — and make sure to reapply every two hours."
Look for mineral sunscreens with the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. "Active ingredients in mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin, so they're less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions in skin that is already more sensitive," says Jessica Wu, M.D., dermatologist and What to Expect Medical Review Board Member in Los Angeles, California.
The main reason to stick to mineral-based sunscreens? The chemicals in others.
"Research suggests that some chemicals found in personal care products may act as endocrine disruptors, explains Dr. Robbins. "Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the body's hormone system."
She recommends avoiding sunscreen formulas that contain homosalats, oxybenzone, and avobenzone during pregnancy.
If you find yourself outside for extended periods of time, wear a hat and other protective clothing, stay in the shade, and drink plenty of water.
Timing matters, too. "Try not to spend a lot of time outside during peak hours of UV exposure," says Dr. Henry. Depending on where you live, that can be anywhere from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And last but not least, don't neglect skin checks during pregnancy.
How can I treat a sunburn in pregnancy?
If you do get a sunburn, ask your practitioner what they recommend. In many cases, they may suggest an after-sun product containing aloe vera, an oatmeal bath, or a cool shower, says Dr. Robbins. These treatments are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
"I tried an after-sun lotion with aloe and it helped a lot," says Community mom ksrk2024.
For a more severe sunburn, cortisone cream may be an option, but talk with your practitioner first.
"The most important thing is to bring down the inflammation," Dr. Henry says. But remember, NSAIDS (ibuprofen) are not recommended in pregnancy. If you feel like you need a pain reliever, you can ask your practitioner whether acetaminophen (Tylenol) is appropriate for you.
Try not to stress. There's a lot to remember during pregnancy, and sun protection is just one piece of the puzzle. Spending time outdoors, taking walks, and getting some sunshine can all be healthy parts of a healthy pregnancy. Just be sure to protect your skin, stay hydrated, and avoid overdoing it in the heat — especially since you're more susceptible to sunburn right now.
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