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Is It OK to Use Self-Tanner During Pregnancy?
I’m 6 months pregnant and getting ready to go on a tropical vacation. I’m really pale and don’t want to feel self-conscious about my ever-expanding belly and my pasty skin! Is it OK to use sunless tanner during pregnancy?
- Lisa
Although there's no proof that self-tanners are harmful, there haven't been many studies done on their effects on a fetus. But slapping on some self-tanner is far better than lying out in the sun and becoming potentially overheated. (Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can lead to skin cancer, and overheating can increase the risk for neural tube defects in the first trimester and dehydration later in the pregnancy.)
Still, you should talk to your doctor before applying any "tan in a bottle." And instead of using self-tanner, you can try applying some bronzer to your face, neck, shoulders, and chest.
For more information, check out these articles.
Dehydration
Sun Safety
10 Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant
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