Is That Safe? Self-Tan, Tanning Beds, And Sunbathing During Pregnancy
Welcome back to our series, Is that safe? This week, we’re answering your most (sun)burning questions about self-tanning, tanning beds, and sunbathing.
We know that the cold winter might have left some of our mamas feeling a little less glowy than they would like (winter skin and hair, if you know what we mean). However, with summer right around the corner for those in the northern hemisphere, we want our mamas to be feeling their best and there is no better way to get your glow back to full beam with a beautiful tan - but is there a safe way to get a tan during pregnancy? We’re breaking down all of your options.
Is it safe to use self-tan whilst I am pregnant?
If you are looking to get that gorgeous all-over glow, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are self-tan lotions and foams available that are safe for you to use whilst you are pregnant.
The active ingredient in self-tan is called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and is a non-toxic ingredient that only reaches the outer layer of the skin. It produces a brown pigment (color) called melanoidin and doesn’t go beyond the outer layer of the skin. According to the NHS, this ingredient and the application of fake tans are safe for you and your baby.
Remember though, during pregnancy, the sensitivity of your skin can change and you may be more likely to have an allergic reaction because of your changing hormone levels, so it is always recommended to do a patch test before applying any new products.
Is it safe to get a spray tan whilst I am pregnant?
There may be some mamas out there who prefer a professional all-over spray tan and we can understand why - a professional spray tan application can last twice as long and ensure a full-body glow. However, research shows that pregnant mamas need to avoid spray tans as the inhalation of the product might not be completely safe for baby.
Is it safe to use tanning beds whilst I am pregnant?
Tanning beds, also known as sunbeds, are machines that imitate the sun’s rays and therefore give you an artificial tan. They might seem like an easy and quick way to get a tan, but research shows that exposure to the UV rays from sunbeds at any time can increase your risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and can cause your skin to age prematurely. When you’re pregnant, you may also be more likely to burn your skin due to new skin sensitivities.
There is currently no clear evidence about the effect of sunbeds on your baby, but some studies suggest there is a link between increased UV rays and folic acid deficiency because UV rays can break down folic acid. Folic acid is critical for baby’s development and it’s most commonly known for its ability to help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects. For more information on that, check out this article about why You Absolutely Need Folic Acid When You’re Pregnant.
On top of all that, it is best to avoid laying on your back for too long during the later stages of the pregnancy and the average tanning session can last between 3 to 10 minutes depending on skin type and the depth of the tan required.
Overall, we don’t recommend using tanning beds, especially not during pregnancy.
Is it safe to sunbathe whilst I am pregnant?
In short, yes, it is safe to sunbathe whilst you are pregnant if you are taking the right precautions. Like always, you’ll need sun protection (did you know that you can still tan with sun protection?!) and your skin is likely more sensitive than it was before you fell pregnant, so take extra precautions as you may be more likely to burn. You should also avoid spending too long in direct sunlight and wear a hat or coverup during the hottest hours of the day.
As we mentioned above, laying on your back for long periods after the first trimester is not recommended, so for maximum comfort (and safety!) we recommend getting comfy in a chair or reclined seat, grabbing a delicious drink to stay hydrated in the summer heat, and a tasty refreshing meal - try out some of our poke bowl recipes!
Questions about tanning or summer pregnancies? Let us know in the comments!
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