Tanning while pregnant is perfectly safe if it’s natural and not under the harsh scorching sunlight. It’s easy to get a spray on tan by using a baby spa or by buying tanning lotion or spray on tanner. However, some mothers to be may find themselves wondering “can you tan while pregnant?” And the answer is an unqualified yes.
Although you may have heard that a tan is healthy for you, it can be dangerous to your baby. Sun exposure while on the birth canal and/or inside the womb can lead to premature birth and birth defects. Skin sensitivity also increases in pregnant women, so what’s the real truth? Can you spray tan while pregnant?
You can safely tan in the comfort of your own home, while taking precautions to protect yourself from the sun exposure. Sunscreen is the first thing you should do if you plan on any self-tanning. Even though tanning bed lotions and sprays contain many of the same ingredients that are in sunscreens, they are made with specially formulated formulations for indoor use and may not be as safe for use outdoors. If you use a non-prescription or over the counter tanning lotion or spray, be sure to thoroughly apply and reapply often, especially to prevent brown spots from developing.
Some women also turn to tanning booths or airbrush tanning salons when they think that their body temperature isn’t suitable for natural tanning. Unfortunately, these tanning products can also pose risks to pregnant women. Although many of them have low levels of the which are considered healthy for pregnant women, some are high. DHA can be absorbed through your skin and enter your blood stream, increasing your risk of blood clots.
Another type of spray tanning, and one which is especially dangerous for those who are pregnant, is called tanning accelerators. Tanning accelerators emit a chemical into your skin. This chemical is thought to act like a hormone, encouraging your skin cells to produce more of the tanning hormone. Although this effect can occur naturally, in most cases, more of the hormone is produced, leading to faster tanning. As a result, it can take a much longer time for your body to reach its natural temperature. Therefore, you can end up with orange, rather than the healthy, natural tan you originally had.
If you use spray tanning salons or tanning beds, be sure to wear sunglasses or a hat. Many people are under the impression that sunlight has no harmful effects on pregnant women. However, even a short exposure to the sun can cause painful sores on your lips and can lead to premature birth. Always make sure that you apply the proper amount of sunscreen. Women who are expecting will generally need to wear a hat or sunglasses during their pregnancy glow. This is especially important if you live in a region where there is a high concentration of UV rays.
Many pregnant women find that using sun baths and other sunbathing methods provide them with a healthy and natural tan. You can do the same. If you plan to tan at home, you can purchase a sun-bath oil, lotion, or creams to help you. When you use sunbeds or sun beds, keep in mind that your skin can become inflamed if you do not protect yourself properly, so wearing appropriate clothing and a hat are essential.
There are several types of self-tanner on the market today. Some work much better than others, depending upon how your skin reacts. If you have dry skin, then choose a product that is designed for your particular type of skin. Otherwise, you may end up with an orange or yellow-tanned look. Overall, self-tanners are a great way to achieve a beautiful and natural-looking tan, whether you’re pregnant or not!