After spicy foods and fitted dresses, are spray tans off the market, too? Now, I am no gynecologist, but I can share with you what most gynae say about this.
Can You Get a Spray Tan While Pregnant?
Gynecologists tend not to have a problem with it. But they tell women to be cautious, especially in the first trimester!
The active ingredient in most commercial spray tan solutions is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a carbohydrate derived from sugar cane and sugar beets that’s safe to use for external purposes. The other components in spray tan solutions are adjuvants or inactive additives that carry the DHA.
Here is the good news about these products: the FDA approves the topical use of DHA. In 2004, a research review showed that DHA does not absorb much systemically when applied to the skin and mostly stays on the outermost layer of the skin. Hence, there is little to no chance of your baby getting affected.
Spray Tanning Is Good When It’s Limited To External Use
However, although spray tanning during pregnancy is considered safe, it is still advisable to only use it occasionally, especially while pregnant, because you never know what it might cost you. I have seen cases where certain cosmetics have consequences for pregnant women.
Basically, anything is good unless it’s not entering your bloodstream and internal system (through inhalation).
With the internal system mentioned, also remember not to inhale spray tans at salons, as that can damage your baby.
Safety Precautions To Take For Spray Tanning While Pregnant
Now listen, I understand that you may eagerly want a pregnancy glow and honestly, being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy self-care perks anymore. But make sure you take precautions and keep in mind the following precautionary steps:
- Choose a reputable salon with high-quality spray tan products that are safe for external use or more natural ingredients.
- Do a patch test before getting a full spray tan to see if there is an allergic reaction.
- Avoid inhaling the spray tan or getting it in your eyes or mouth.
- Wear protective clothing, like a nose filter and goggles, to lower your risk of inhaling and ingesting the spray tan.
- To protect your skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Opt for a physical- or mineral-based formulation that’s free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone.
Many doctors also recommend trying alternatives to sunless spray tan. This includes using self-tanning foam or lotion instead.
Evidence of this can be seen in advice from a reputable doctor who quotes, “If a pregnant woman is concerned about the safety of spray tanning, she may want to consider alternative methods of achieving a tanned appearance or avoid getting a spray tan until after the pregnancy.“
Self-Tanner: Using Fake Tan Lotions & Self-Tanning Foams
Considering the mention of alternatives, I would consider it my duty to help you use these options, too.
Fake tanning lotions and foams are considered much safer options, as there is less chance of you inhaling any dangerous fumes.
You’ll still want to be careful when applying any product close to a mucous membrane.
Using a Tanning Bed While Pregnant
Okay, so we are clear that lotions and foams are safe, but what about tanning beds? Honestly, a tanning bed is the last thing I recommend you use during pregnancy. Here is everything you need to know about tanning beds risks for pregnant women.
Skin Cancer
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, just one indoor tanning session (using a bed, booth, or sun lamp) can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Melanoma is the only type of cancer that can spread to the placenta, which means it’s the only type of cancer that can be passed to your unborn baby.
Body Temperature
Moreover, UV rays from tanning bed can also raise your body temperature to a level that may be dangerous for your baby.
Having an elevated body temperature during pregnancy – that is, above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which can happen in a tanning bed, hot tub, or sauna – can raise the risk of birth defects.
Using Pills For Tanning During Pregnancy
Using tanning pills during pregnancy raises concerns regarding safety and potential risks to both the mother and the developing baby.
Moreover, many tanning pills contain ingredients that are not well-studied in pregnant women, leading to uncertainty about their effects.
So, Slay Your Tan Skin While Carrying a Child
With all the precautions taken, getting a spray tan is no problem. Just make sure you are not inhaling it and that you are in a well-ventilated space.
You will slay with golden skin. And most importantly, don’t let any situation hold you back from looking FAB all the time, especially when you’re pregnant!