Best response to — why is chemical sunscreen bad for pregnancy?

Contents

Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially harm the developing fetus, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.

If you want a thorough response, read below

Chemical sunscreens have become a popular way to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. However, during pregnancy, women are often advised to avoid using chemical sunscreens as they contain ingredients that can be harmful to the developing fetus.

According to Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a professor and chairman of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, “some chemical sunscreen ingredients – including avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate – have been shown to get absorbed into the bloodstream in small amounts.” This absorption can potentially lead to negative impacts on fetal development.

Research has shown that oxybenzone and octinoxate have hormone-like effects on the body and can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the body’s hormones. In pregnant women, this can potentially lead to developmental issues in the fetus.

Apart from these two chemicals, several other ingredients in chemical sunscreens have been linked to potential harm to the environment. For instance, oxybenzone has been shown to contribute to coral bleaching and damage marine ecosystems. In places like Hawaii, the use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate has been banned to protect natural resources.

In contrast, physical sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are generally considered safe for pregnant women. These options, although often seen as less ‘cosmetically elegant,’ create a physical barrier on the skin surface and reflect the sun’s rays away from the skin rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream.

In summary, while chemical sunscreens are effective in the short term, the long-term effects must be considered, particularly when it comes to fetal development. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “pregnant women should avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate and choose sunscreens that contain physical blockers.”

Famous quote on the topic: “You can’t undo sun damage.” – Gwyneth Paltrow

Interesting facts:

Chemical sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been detected in human milk, urine, and blood.
In addition to disrupting the endocrine system, oxybenzone has also been linked to increased skin allergies and photoallergic reactions.
A study conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that six common chemical sunscreen ingredients were absorbed into the bloodstream at concentrations higher than previously thought.
According to the Environmental Working Group’s 2020 Guide to Sunscreens, only 25% of the sunscreens evaluated were considered safe and effective.
Sun-protective clothing and staying in the shade during peak hours are also recommended methods for protecting the skin from UV radiation.

THIS IS INTERESTING: Quick response to "What pops out of a pimple?"

Table comparing chemical and physical sunscreens:

	Chemical Sunscreens	Physical Sunscreens
Active Ingredients	Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate	Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide
Method of Protection	Chemical filters that absorb UV radiation	Physical filters that reflect UV radiation
Risk during Pregnancy	Can be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially harm the developing fetus	Generally considered safe
Environmental Impact	Some ingredients (like oxybenzone) have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching and damage marine ecosystems	Generally considered more environmentally friendly
Ease of Application	Often seen as more ‘cosmetically elegant’	May leave a white residue

Video answer

In this video, Dr. Sam Ellis, a board-certified dermatologist, discusses skincare ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy, including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, chemical sunscreens, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, licorice root extract, self-tanner, sulfur, and azelaic acid. She also advises against using retinoids, hydroquinone, and alpha arbutin during pregnancy and recommends removing these products from the bathroom if trying to conceive or pregnant. Dr. Ellis emphasizes the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider if there are concerns about using a particular product during pregnancy.

See more responses

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. It may then reach the fetus, causing harmful cell changes during embryonic development.

Chemical sunscreen might cause a rare congenital disability, primarily when used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Chemical sunscreen is also known to have a higher chance of irritating the skin. If a pregnant woman uses a chemical sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, she runs the risk of it being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can impact the fetus. New research published in Reproductive Toxicology suggests that if you use certain chemical sunscreens, it might be time to toss the tube.

A recent study on the effect of chemical sunscreen on pregnancy revealed that it might cause a rare congenital disability, primarily when used during the first trimester. Moreover, chemical sunscreen is also known to have a higher chance of irritating the skin.

And while most of the hair, skin, and makeup products you use are safe to continue during pregnancy, new research published in Reproductive Toxicology suggests that if you use certain chemical sunscreens it might be time to toss the tube.

If a pregnant woman uses a chemical sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, she runs the risk of it being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can impact the fetus.

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. It may then reach the fetus, causing harmful cell changes during embryonic development.

In addition, people ask

Is it bad to use chemical sunscreen while pregnant?

Answer to this: It’s best to avoid chemical sunscreens and opt for physical (sometimes called mineral) sunscreens when you’re pregnant. You may want to look for a sunscreen that includes titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. It’s also recommended to use mineral sunscreens while breastfeeding too.

What is unsafe sunscreen pregnancy ingredient?

The answer is: Spilman, Sadeghpour and Sherber call out the following ingredients as ones to avoid in sunscreen for pregnant and nursing women:

Oxybenzone.
Octinoxate.
Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinol, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin)

THIS IS INTERESTING: How do you use yellow peeling oil?

How do I know if sunscreen is safe during pregnancy?

Answer to this: Make sure they also have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Products in which the active ingredient is zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide — also called mineral or physical sunscreens — are a good choice for pregnant women, as they’re hypoallergenic and sit on the skin instead of being absorbed by it.

What happens if you use chemicals while pregnant?

Response will be: During the last six months of pregnancy, exposures to harmful chemicals can slow down the growth of the baby or affect brain development, but are less likely to cause physical birth defects. If growth is slowed down, the baby may weigh less than normal at birth.

Are chemical sunscreens safe during pregnancy?

The chemicals that are often found in chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone, all of which should not be used during pregnancy. Pregnant women should always use paraben-free and fragrance-free sunscreen as those are the most gentle and non-irritating on the skin.

What happens if a pregnant woman uses oxybenzone sunscreen?

Answer to this: If a pregnant woman uses a chemical sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, she runs the risk of it being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can impact the fetus.

Are sunscreens bad for your health?

Answer to this: But some researchers have raised concerns that, despite being an undeniably important tool in our fight against skin cancer, the formulation of sunscreen may need to be improved to contain safer ingredients – and, at worst, some sunscreens could be damaging our health.

Are skin care ingredients safe during pregnancy?

Response will be: In almost all cases, clinical trials on pregnant people that could even start to prove that certain ingredients are harmful are an ethical no-no. But some animal, anecdotal, or case-specific studies have shown some serious fetal effects related to a few common skin care ingredients. That’s the basis for our recommendations.

Is chemical sunscreen bad for pregnancy?

As a response to this: A recent study on the effect of chemical sunscreen on pregnancy revealed that it might cause a rare congenital disability, primarily when used during the first trimester. Moreover, chemical sunscreen is also known to have a higher chance of irritating the skin.

What happens if a pregnant woman uses oxybenzone sunscreen?

If a pregnant woman uses a chemical sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, she runs the risk of it being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can impact the fetus.

Are sunscreens bad for your health?

In reply to that: But some researchers have raised concerns that, despite being an undeniably important tool in our fight against skin cancer, the formulation of sunscreen may need to be improved to contain safer ingredients – and, at worst, some sunscreens could be damaging our health.

What sunscreen should I use if I'm Pregnant?

Response will be: These sit on the surface of the skin and deflect and scatter damaging UVA rays away. What sunscreens are best if you’re pregnant? If you’re pregnant, your safest choice is a mineral sunscreen. Specifically, you’ll want to look for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide on the label.