A spray tan is a great option for expecting moms who are planning a beach trip or wish to have a tan during the summer season. Pregnancy requires careful attention to activities and chemicals we encounter. Therefore, a treatment such as indoor tanning is highly discouraged and considered unhealthy. Spray tanning, however, is considered safe and can be done when pregnant.
Safety
Spray tans are made out of dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which is considered harmless by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. DHA interacts with the dead surface cells in the epidermis to darken skin color and simulate a tan, according to the FDA. As it does not penetrate skin or enter the bloodstream, it is not harmful to the fetus.
Inhalation and Ingestion Warning
The FDA allows DHA to be externally applied to skin but warns against inhalation or ingestion of the chemical. Areas covered by mucous membranes including the lips, nose, and areas in and around the eye should be protected with goggles and nose/ear plugs while getting a spray tan. The health risks of ingestion or inhalation are unknown, which is why the FDA discourages against it.
Lasting Effects
A spray tan will last about seven days, depending on the skin moisture, condition and activities such as frequent showering. It is okay to re-apply a spray tan as often as you'd like while pregnant, following the same precautionary steps.
Skin Preparation
To get the most out of a spray tan, exfoliate the skin before the treatment by showering and using a body scrub or an exfoliating body wash. This removes dead cells, preventing the spray tan from flaking off quickly.
Tanning Bed Warnings
Pregnant women should not tan indoors on tanning beds due to the risk of overheating. Overheating can cause health problems for both mom and fetus and is not recommended by health practitioners.
Other Tanning Options
DHA is a compound found in other tanning solutions such as lotions and creams. It also is safe to use self tanning lotions while pregnant. A large selection of self-tanning products is available on super market shelves and can be used safely at home.
Tags: while pregnant