The gynecologist and obstetrician Maricruz González, responsible for the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit of the University Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario, advises pregnant women to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen against UVA and UVB radiation every day, with an SPF of 50.
She details that, during pregnancy, hormonal changes make the skin especially vulnerable to the sun, which favors the appearance of dark spots on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip, known as melasma or chloasma. "The good news is that proper sun protection can help prevent or reduce the appearance of these spots," the expert added.
González reminds that numerous dermatologists recommend giving preference to mineral or physical sunscreens, formulated with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both, as they not only provide effective protection but are also well tolerated on very sensitive skin.
"Sunscreen should not be our only strategy. It is also important to seek shade, wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers the skin when exposure is prolonged," González advises.
Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of applying the product well: "Sunscreen should be applied every day to exposed areas, even if it is cloudy, and reapplied according to the product's instructions, especially after bathing or if we sweat a lot. This consistency is key for the protection to be truly effective."
In women predisposed to melasma, some specialists point out that colored sunscreens may offer added defense against visible light, which also contributes to the formation of spots.
"During pregnancy, protecting the skin from the sun is not just an aesthetic issue. It is an important measure to maintain skin health and prevent spots that, in some cases, can persist for years," she concluded.