We all know that there’s no such thing as a healthy suntan so while we’re all for moments of relaxation in pregnancy, sunbathing on a lounger is not advisable. Similarly, is a big no-no - quite frankly, it’s dangerous whether you’re pregnant or not. The easier and safer option comes from a bottle.
“The reason for this," explains skincare expert , "is cream, mousse and lotion cannot penetrate through the skin and into the bloodstream. It is just a surface reaction created through our own amino acids and DHA, which results in a brown veil over the skin." We’ve aske the experts on the safest way to use fake tan in pregnancy, the ingredients to avoid and the best formulas to achieve a golden glow while you’re expecting.
If you’re expecting or trying to conceive, you’ll know that there are like retinoids, hydroquinone and certain acids. Luckily for those seeking sunkissed skin, self-tan creams, lotions and mousses are generally considered to be safe. According to the , “The active ingredient in fake tan is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
This is a non-toxic substance that reacts with cells in the outermost layer of the skin and produces a brown pigment (colour) called melanoidin. As the DHA isn't thought to go beyond the outer layer of skin, it isn't absorbed into the body and can't harm your baby." Some expectant mothers may still have concerns about using fake tan in pregnancy, so let's break it down.
The DHA used in creams, lotions, waters, mousse and gels is made of large molecules, therefore making it difficult to penetrate the skin, and never beyond the outermost layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum. Erythrulose - a sugar found in red fruits - is another active tanning ingredient, often used in conjunction with dihydroxyacetone to deliver a more natural-looking, longer-lasting tan. Similarly, there’s little evidence to suggest that erythrulose is harmful to mum or baby.
There are also stringent safety restrictions in place regarding these ingredients. The EU and UK government dictate that self-tan products must be limited to a maximum of 10 per cent DHA, but most contain far lower than the limit, around 3-5 per cent. " cautions Aesthetic Doctor and General Practitioner at Derma Aesthetics London.
"Parabens are preservatives that might disrupt hormones, and phthalates, used for fragrance, have been linked to potential developmental issues. To minimise risks, choose products labelled as paraben-free and phthalate-free." as the DHA can be inhaled or ingested.
If dihydroxyacetone enters the lungs it can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. To be safe, stick to a self-tan you can rub in, not a mist or spray. "During pregnancy, our hormones can create adverse reactions and unusual responses to food, haircare, skincare and, of course, tanning products," explains Michaella Bolder.
"This can include skin rashes, allergies, hyperpigmentation, acne, eczema and so on. With a heightened hormone sensitivity, there can be responses with DHA (the key tanning ingredient) that make the skin turn green, patchy or not change colour at all. So patch testing on an area such as the chest or arms is a great way to avoid any issues.
" Mousse, lotion, gel, cream or water self-tans are considered safe by experts. If you’re struggling with dryness in pregnancy, look for moisturising creams and lotions to offset dry, tight skin. Colourless formulas are a great option if you want to avoid staining on your sheets and pyjamas - you’ll have enough washing to do once the baby arrives! Whatever your preference, there’s something for everyone on our carefully curated list of fake tans to use in pregnancy and beyond.
It is recommended to avoid aerosol tans during pregnancy, and also professional spray tans since the fine mist is so easily inhaled. According to the , “The effects of breathing in the spray are not known.” , Cosmetic Doctor and Dermatology Expert on behalf of Faace backs this up: "We don’t yet know the effects of inhaling DHA, so, it’s better to avoid spray tans at home or at the tanning salon.
" If you are going to chance a spray tan while pregnant, there are a few things to consider. "Ensure good ventilation to minimise inhaling spray tan particles, and wearing a mask can help," advises Dr Raja. "It’s also a good idea to perform an allergy test beforehand, as pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive.
" If you're unsure, contact your GP or midwife. Nobody - pregnant or otherwise - should use sunbeds. The also recommends avoiding tanning pills, stating that “they contain ingredients that may be toxic to an unborn baby.
” Tanning pills are actually banned in the UK but can be purchased online. They may contain colour additives known as carotenoids, which could harm the foetus. Tanning injections (melanotan) are also illegal to sell in the UK, but can still be found online and in some tanning salons.
Melanotan is an artificial hormone that kickstarts the body’s pigment-making cells to darken skin, but it has not been adequately tested for safety, so avoid when pregnant and after the birth..
