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Sunscreen While Breastfeeding (Or Expecting): The Best Sunscreen For Nursing Moms

Sunscreen While Breastfeeding (Or Expecting): The Best Sunscreen For Nursing Moms

Baby And Toddlers Family Sun

When shopping for sunscreen while breastfeeding, many experts recommend to choose a mineral sunscreen instead of a chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen is often considered the best type of sunscreen for pregnancy and breastfeeding moms because mineral sunscreen active ingredients are gentle and naturally derived. We’ll be going into more detail as to why in the article below. 

In this article, we’ll be going over everything there is to know about breastfeeding and sunscreen, including what sunscreen ingredients expecting and nursing moms should avoid, the best sunscreen for nursing moms, and more. To learn more about breastfeeding safe sunscreen, continue reading the article or use the links below to navigate to a particular section of your choice.

What Type Of Sunscreen Should Expecting & Nursing Moms Avoid?

It’s very important to know the differences between mineral vs. chemical sunscreen so that you can choose a sunscreen that is safe for you and your baby. Chemical sunscreen contains ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which work by penetrating skin to absorb and neutralize UV rays.

How chemical sunscreens work is a process that allows UV light into the skin, converts the rays to heat, and then releases that heat from the skin. While this process may provide good sun protection, it’s not ideal for you or your baby.

The ingredients in chemical sunscreen are more likely to irritate skin, and some are suspected to be potential endocrine disruptors. . Some studies detected these suncreen ingredients in breast milk and urine samples even up to several days after sunscreen had been applied.

So whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or just want to use a more gentle sunscreen, mineral sunscreen often recommended as the often considered your best option. Mineral sunscreen is the best sunscreen for nursing moms because it contains ingredients from natual origin, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are actually the only two ingredients tare currently considered to be GRASE (Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective) by the FDA. This means the FDA considers they have enough evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide ; whereas the FDA still requests that more studies are conducted on chemical sunscreen active ingredients.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are mineral ingredients that work by reflecting UV rays on the skin surface. Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens don’t need to penetrate into skin to be activated. This is why mineral sunscreen considered by many as the best sunscreen for nursing moms, pregnant moms, and pretty much everyone.

For expecting moms, it might be best to try and stay out of the sun all together, as the sun can lead to harmful UVA and UVB rays, dehydration, and overheating. Also during pregnancy, your skin might become more sensitive, especially around your bump area, so it’s good to be mindful of that. During the summer, the sun’s effect is greatest from about 10am to 4pm, so if at all possible, try to limit exposure to the sun during this time. If you have to go out in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen and/or cover up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face. As well as sun protection, hydration is key! 

For breastfeeding moms, the same rules apply — with one more thing to keep in mind! If you are out in the sun or in a swimsuit etc., pay special attention to your breasts. Be careful they don’t get sunburnt, but also be careful of the amount of sunscreen that you put on them and what ingredients are in the sunscreen. Check in with your doctor or dermatologist for more information.

5 Best Sunscreens For Breastfeeding & Expecting Moms

There are so many sunscreen options on the market that sometimes it can be hard to know what to pick, and what will be best for your skin, and your baby.  Here are some of our favorite Babo products that are perfect for new moms out in the summer weather.

1. Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen

Our SPF 30 Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin and will protect you and your family against damaging UVA rays. It is also water resistant for 80 minutes. It has zinc oxide, is lightweight and has vitamins and antioxidants.

2. SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Our SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick helps capture that tinted glow! Formulated with plant-derived antioxidants, this water resistant zinc oxide sunscreen stick provides powerful UVA and UVB protection while delivering a gorgeous, glowing finish.

3. Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Our SPF 50 Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is ideal for moms, babies, and the whole family! This sunscreen is designed for extra sensitive skin and is formulated with zinc oxide, shea butter, and calendula to protect against UVA and UVB rays while keeping your skin soft and moisturized. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and made with a gentle formula that won’t irritate your skin. 

4. Super Shield Sport Stick Sunscreen

Our SPF 50 Super Shield Sport Stick Sunscreen is convenient and easy to apply when you need a quick sunscreen to use on the go. It’s formulated with zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Our sport stick sunscreen provides 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance and will moisturize your skin with ingredients like organic shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oils. 

5. Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF50 

Our Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF50 provides broad spectrum SPF50 protection and protection against blue light. These features make it a perfect option year round, for daily use. It’s available in a natural and a tinted version, and glides easily on skin with minimal whitening.

Breastfeeding And Sunscreen FAQs

What Sunscreen Ingredients Should You Avoid While Breastfeeding?

When shopping for sunscreen while breastfeeding, experts often recommend to avoid chemical sunscreens that contain ingredients like oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene. As the EWG highlights, certain chemical ingredients in sunscreen have also been found to potentially affect hormones. While more research is needed, health experts usually prefer the rule of caution when it comes to using these ingredients while expecting or breastfeeding.  

For more information about which sunscreen ingredients you should avoid while breastfeeding and in general, you can check out the EWG sunscreen guide.

What Sunscreen Ingredients Are Safe For Breastfeeding And Expecting Moms?

Generally speaking, the safest sunscreen ingredients for breastfeeding and expecting mothers are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, as these are the only two GRASE (Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective) ingredients the FDA currently recognizes for sunscreen use. Whether you’re expecting, nursing, or just looking for a safe sunscreen to use mineral sunscreen is the way to go. Mineral sunscreen works by staying on skin surface and reflecting UV rays off. Mineral sunscreen is also less likely to cause skin irritation, which makes it a better option for breastfeeding and expecting moms.

So when looking for sunscreen while breastfeeding or expecting, make sure you choose a breastfeeding safe sunscreen that is made with natural, organic ingredients, has an SPF of at least 30, and provides broad-spectrum coverage so you get optimal protection from the sun.

What Sun Protection Measures Should New And Expecting Moms Take?

In addition to using a breastfeeding safe sunscreen, new and expecting moms should also take additional sun protection measures, such as staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing. Wearing sunscreen isn’t enough. In order to properly protect yourself from the sun, you need to use other sun protection methods as well.

And as for baby sun protection, you should avoid using sunscreen on your little one until they’re 6 months old. Once they reach 6 months, you can use baby-safe sunscreen on them, in addition to other sun protection measures. 

Recap

When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to pay extra close attention to the products you put on your skin– including your sunscreen. You have another whole human being to think of! What you put on your skin directly affects them, which is why it’s crucial to use the right sunscreen while breastfeeding or expecting.

The best sunscreen for nursing and pregnant moms often considered to be a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. Just make sure to apply adequate sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay in the shade and you can enjoy a nice, relaxing day at the beach with your family.

If you’re looking for a safe sunscreen to use while breastfeeding or pregnant, check out Babo Botanicals. Babo Botanicals sunscreen products are all made with natural ingredients and naturally derived ingredients like zinc oxide, so you know you’re putting only the best ingredients on your skin. Babo Botanicals’ suncare products are safe for the entire family to use, so stock up now and you can be well prepared for a summer in the sun.