Sun Protection During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

As summer approaches and temperatures rise, families often wonder about the most appropriate sun protection for their little ones.

The sun plays a crucial role in the well-being of living organisms, but it also necessitates adequate protection to prevent skin issues. Choosing the right sun protection is vital during this season and should be tailored to individual circumstances.

Sunlight

The sun emits energy in the form of radiation, which includes a mix of waves. Some of these waves are harmless, such as long waves, while others, like ultraviolet rays, can be more harmful.

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is responsible for synthesizing vitamin D but can also cause tissue damage. UV radiation is classified into three main types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The ozone layer completely absorbs UVC radiation and a significant portion of UVB, meaning that the rays reaching the Earth are primarily UVA and some UVB.

• UVA: These rays penetrate the skin and are responsible for tanning. However, they also accelerate skin aging and the formation of wrinkles.
• UVB: These rays penetrate the skin minimally and are the primary cause of sunburns.

Benefits and Risks of Sun Exposure

Sunlight is essential for life and offers several important benefits:

• Aids in the synthesis of vitamin D.
• Provides anti-inflammatory effects for certain skin conditions, promoting healing for psoriasis lesions and some dermatitis, and helps prevent and manage acne.
• Regulates sleep cycles by influencing melatonin production.
• Enhances mood.

Vitamin D is crucial as it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food, playing a significant role in bone formation and preventing conditions like rickets and osteoporosis. It also contributes to the functioning of the nervous, muscular, and immune systems. Conversely, a deficiency in vitamin D can lead to fatigue, pessimism, depression, muscle weakness, anxiety, and insomnia.

While the benefits of sunlight are clear, excessive and unprotected exposure can lead to damage.

Sunscreen Products

Sunscreen, available in creams, lotions, or serums, uses the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) designation to indicate how long one can be exposed to the sun without burning.

SPF measures protection against UVB rays, while UVA protection is more variable and harder to quantify. It is generally recommended to apply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming.

There are two types of filters for sun protection:

• Mineral Filter: This type does not absorb into the skin; instead, it reflects most of the UV radiation, preventing it from penetrating the skin. Common ingredients include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
• Chemical Filter: This filter penetrates the skin and absorbs radiation, converting it into harmless radiation for the skin.

Several chemical sunscreen filters are known to act as endocrine disruptors, potentially affecting the reproductive system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in infants. Various studies have detected these compounds in breast milk in varying amounts, although they are significantly lower than doses studied for endocrine disruption effects.

The long-term effects of chronic exposure to chemical sunscreens with endocrine-disrupting properties remain unknown. Therefore, during breastfeeding, physical sunscreens are preferable.

For infants, it is generally recommended to avoid sun exposure during peak hours. If necessary, high-SPF, broad-spectrum physical sunscreen should be used for infants over six months. It should be applied before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours or sooner if swimming. Additional protective measures include wearing sunglasses, hats, and clothing with sun protection. This clothing is labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), similar to SPF ratings for fabrics.

Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding stages, there is insufficient research on the use of sunscreens, but recommendations lean towards using physical protection without nanoparticles whenever possible. For breastfeeding mothers, it is advisable not to apply sunscreen to the breast area.