Are Spray Tans Safe During Pregnancy?

It is true that spray tans have been ruled A-okay and super safe by the FDA. This means that the main chemical, DHA, inside these tanners will not cause any harmful side effects when it comes into contact with your skin. That being said, spray tans are not the safest method of tanning during pregnancy because of it's potential to get into your mucus membranes.

It's obvious that pregnant women should always be extra careful when handling any kind of chemical, especially in the first trimester of the baby's development. But even after that period, the risks involved with spray tanning are the same for pregnant women as they are for everyone else. Although DHA is safe for your skin, breathing it in can be harmful and can aggravate sinus and asthmatic problems.

Spray tanning booths in salons often lack the proper ventilation needed to keep you from breathing in any chemicals. Furthermore, many salons don't insist that their patrons use goggles and nose and ear plugs like manufacturers recommend. Always ask your salon to supply you with these items or take them into your tanning session yourself.

A healthier option for everyone, including pregnant women, would be to use self tanning lotions or gels, which also contain DHA but cannot be inhaled. If you absolutely cannot live without your spray tan, products you can buy and apply at home give you the chance to make sure you are in a well ventilated setting. Keep in mind that spray tanning has not been around long enough to fully assess the effects it may have on unborn babies and very young children. When it comes down to it, risking your baby's health for a tan is just not worth it, so just skip the tan until your little one is born. Besides, you'll already have that "momma-to-be" glow keeping you shining for a full 9 months.