Sunless Spray Tanning and Pregnancy

Feeling frumpy and pale from your pregnancy? Need something desperately to boost your confidence and take your mind off the changing shape of your body? Sunless spray tans can give you that great healthy glow and darken your skin to make you feel great again. However, quite a few people share doubts and concerns about whether sunless spray tans are safe during pregnancy. When in doubt about whether sunless spray tanning is right for you during pregnancy, consulting your Ob/Gyn would be a good idea. Here in this article we will take a closer look at sunless spray tanning, whether it affects pregnancy and whether there are any other tanning options during pregnancy. Chemicals in Sunless Spray Tans All sunless spray tan solutions contain chemicals which react with the body’s skin cells to produce a darker color or tan. The main active ingredient in sunless spray tanning solutions is known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is responsible for producing the bronzed tan. According to the Environmental Working Group, DHA has been approved for usage in cosmetics as a coloring additive and is safe for usage on skin. However, according to a study conducted by the Skin Absorption and Metabolism Section of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that about 22 percent of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is absorbed within the skin, rather than just staying on the top. Unfortunately, though the effects of DHA absorption have not been studied yet on pregnant women. Sunless Spray Tanning during Pregnancy: Is it Safe? According to the March of Dimes Foundation, sunless spray tanning solutions are considered safe for pregnant women and quite a lot safer as compared to other tanning alternatives. However, the March of Dimes Foundation does suggest that you should first test a small area of your skin with the spray tan solution before going all the way. This is important because the skin can become much more sensitive during pregnancy and the tanning agent in the sunless spray tanning solution might react with your skin. Why Sunless Spray Tanning is a Safer Alternative During Pregnancy? When the other tanning alternatives are taken into consideration, sunless spray tanning turns out to be the safer option for pregnant women. Tanning on the beach has its disadvantages during pregnancy as during pregnancy the skin becomes more sensitive, so direct or prolonged exposure to the sun can cause heat rashes and hives. Also during pregnancy, the skin becomes more susceptible to chloasma - where dark splotches start appearing on the face. Using tanning beds also is not that great an option during pregnancy for the same reasons as tanning in the sun, because tanning beds emulate the action of the sun for producing the tan. However, always consult your physician before you go for a sun tan, tanning bed or sunless spray tan to ensure your and your child’s safety.