#melasma

So, fun things happen with aging. Around when I turned 30, I started to notice some light brown "splotches" on my forehead in photographs. I thought it was just sunburn or something. Gradually, it became more noticeable, and I realized I also had some underneath my eyes. I learned that this is called melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation that can happen for women due to hormone fluctuations. It's volatile and difficult to treat. As a chronically ill person with little energy, little money, and truly no interest in cosmetic treatments, I don't plan on using lasers or peels to try and treat it. But it's hard to accept. I am self-conscious and insecure about it. I am afraid it will get worse, that it makes me look old, etc.

The funny thing is, I rarely notice it in other people. And I certainly don't find it ugly. Yesterday I realized an example of this. I remember reading a quote from David about playing Polka Dot Man and how he had "spots" on his body as a kid that he was teased for (I believe vitiligo, not certain). I just sort of assumed it went away. Then I saw a fan blog post a photo saying "I love his spots!" I didn't even notice them. But I felt emotional, like, could someone love my spots? (My partner does, btw.) Anyway, yesterday was the first time I saw a photo of him where I could see the pigmentation differences on his chin and neck. I hadn't even noticed it, all this time. And here I am thinking, "everyone who looks at me must be staring at my brown spots. It must be the first thing they see. It makes me look old and ugly."

As any expectant mother knows, taking care of yourself during pregnancy is a top priority. From monitoring your diet to getting regular exercise, there are many things you can do to promote a healthy pregnancy. One question that often arises, however, is whether it is safe to use sunscreen during pregnancy. In this blog, we will explore this topic in detail and answer the question: can the use of sunscreen be considered safe during pregnancy? 

The short answer is that using sunscreen while pregnant is safe. In fact, medical experts strongly advise against it. Pregnant Women should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and protective gear to shield themselves from the sun's harmful rays. This is due to the fact that being pregnant might make your skin more sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause skin damage, early ageing, and even skin cancer. 

Yet, some pregnant women can worry about the safety of sunscreen due to the presence of certain ingredients. For instance, the popular sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone has been proven to mimic oestrogen in the body and may cause hormonal imbalances. Retinyl palmitate, another component, is a form of vitamin A that, when consumed in high concentrations, has been associated to birth abnormalities. So, if you are worried about these components, what should you do? 

It is essential to note that the risks associated with these ingredients are generally considered to be low. In fact, many experts believe that the benefits of using sunscreen far outweigh any possible risks. Pregnant women who used sunscreen regularly had a lower risk of developing melasma, a condition characterized by dark patches on the skin. 

If you are still concerned about the safety of sunscreen during pregnancy, there are some tips you can take to minimize any potential risks. You can choose a sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate. Look for sunscreens that use physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. These ingredients work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays away from the body, rather than being absorbed into the skin. 

Another option is to use a mineral-based sunscreen. These sunscreens are made with natural ingredients such as zinc oxide and are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Some mineral-based sunscreens are also formulated to be water-resistant, which can be a plus if you plan to spend time in the water or sweat a lot. 

Lukewarm Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen that functions by dispersing UV radiation, shielding against both shorter and longer UVA rays. Zinc oxide in Lukewarm Sunscreen is primarily used as a barrier against skin-damaging irritants and UV radiation, it may also have some potential benefits for correcting dark spots or melasma. 

When choosing a sunscreen, it is also important to pay attention to the SPF rating. An SPF of at least 30 is advised by the American Academy of Dermatology, as this will block 97% of UVB rays. However, higher SPF ratings do not necessarily offer much more protection, so there is no need to go overboard with a super-high SPF. 

In addition to using sunscreen, there are other steps you can take to protect yourself from the sun during pregnancy. You can wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face and neck, and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. You can also stay indoors during the hottest time of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).