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by Iris George
Wondering if it’s safe to bronze that baby bump and use self-tanners while pregnant? You’re not alone! We get LOADS of questions at Coco & Eve HQ about fake tanning while pregnant – so we wanted to set the record straight, once and for all.
Self-tanning is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
The main ingredient of self-tanners is DHA, which only affects the outermost layer of your skin and isn't absorbed into your body.
Avoid spray tans when pregnant. The risk of inhaling the tanning mist is unknown and may pose a risk.
The good news for our beautiful expectant mamas – self-tanning IS considered safe while pregnant (Woo-hoo!). However, there are some important things you need to know. From how to choose a pregnancy-safe self-tanner to some pregnancy quirks you might not expect, read on to find our glow-to guide to fake tanning with a bub on board.
You’re probably already bummed about having to ditch soft cheese, so you’ll be pleased to know you don’t have to can your fake tan! While the use of certain skincare ingredients, such as retinoids, is advised against during pregnancy, the general consensus by health experts is that at-home self-tanners won’t put your little one at risk.
Whether a cream, foam, lotion or water, fake tanners do their thing thanks to a non-toxic active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When DHA comes into contact with the outermost layer of skin, a chemical reaction occurs – resulting in the desired browning or ‘tanning’ effect. “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,” confirms the NHS website.
So, whether you’re 8 days or 8 months pregnant and asking can you tan while pregnant, you can go ahead and get your glow on – without feeling worried or guilty!
Unfortunately, the news isn’t quite so good for spray tan fans. This is because it’s really easy to breathe in some of that fine tanning mist floating around your cubicle. As the impact of inhaling DHA and other tanning chemicals is unclear, some health experts recommend avoiding spray tanning while pregnant, while others advise pregnant women to take extra precautions, such as wearing a mask. If unsure, check with your GP. Or save the stress and money by sticking with a pregnancy safe self-tanner you can easily apply at home.
Using self tanner during pregnancy helps you avoid harmful sun exposure and UV radiation. Pregnant women are more sensitive to the sun, and UV exposure can increase the risk of skin damage and sunburn. With self tanner, you can achieve a sun-kissed glow without spending time in the sun or using tanning beds, which are not recommended during pregnancy.
Pregnancy can bring many changes to your body, and it's natural to want to maintain your desired appearance. Self tanners offer a safe way to keep your skin looking radiant and evenly toned, helping you feel more confident. Many self tanners also include moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Using self tanner is a convenient and safe option for pregnant women who want to maintain a healthy-looking glow without the risks of sun exposure. Always choose products free from harmful chemicals and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Non-toxic and FDA-approved, the DHA used in non-spray sunless tanners doesn’t absorb into the bloodstream, so it’s safe for Junior. However, it’s still important to consider the ingredients you’re putting on your skin while pregnant.
It's advisable to prioritize sun protection and regular skin checks by a dermatologist, especially when using any skin-related products during pregnancy. This proactive measure helps ensure overall skin health and the safe use of self-tanners.
To keep your skin looking gorgeous and your mind at ease, consider a formula that’s free from unnecessary nasties, like our Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam. Formulated with 100% natural DHA and nourishing Balinese botanicals, our bronzing foam is the best self tanner for pregnancy since it contains zero toxins, parabens or silicones.
When choosing a self tanner during pregnancy, be aware of these potentially harmful ingredients:
One of the less desirable impacts of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy is increased skin sensitivity. So, it’s more important than ever to make sure you do a patch test 24 hours before applying your self-tan. Experienced any kind of rash or irritation? Discontinue use immediately.
With anecdotal evidence suggesting many women have a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, the pong of some self-tanners can also be particularly overwhelming. Our tip? Opt for a sweet-smelling formula like Sunny Honey, which is gorgeously fragranced with tropical mango and guava – with ZERO biscuit smell!
The general rules for applying fake tan are the same whether you’re pregnant or not. However, you may need help applying self-tanner to your back, particularly when your bump gets extra big! If you can’t see your toes, you might also want to sit on a bathroom stool when applying tanner to your legs and feet ☺.
Otherwise, simply follow these easy steps for self-tanning success.
And if you made a mistake? It happens! Thankfully, our fake tan removal tips will help you take care of any mishaps and fade a dodgy tan – fast!
The safest way to get a tan while pregnant is by using an at-home self-tanner, such as the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, as the active ingredient (DHA) is not absorbed into your bloodstream. It allows you to achieve a bronzed look without the risks of harmful UV rays.
Yes, you can use a fake tanner in the first trimester. The safety of self-tanning is not related to the stage of your pregnancy, as the DHA ingredient does not affect the baby.
No, it is not recommended to use a tanning bed while pregnant. Tanning beds expose you to UV radiation, which can be harmful, and a pregnant person's skin is more sensitive to sunburn and damage.
Sunbathing is not recommended due to increased skin sensitivity during pregnancy, which raises the risk of sunburn and skin damage. It's best to use sun protection and limit direct sun exposure.
Check out tan guides & tips here!
Written by: Pip Jarvis
Edited By: Vidhya
