Is it safe to use self-tanner while pregnant?
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If you want to look like a glowing, sun-kissed mama, then you may want to reach for that self-tanner in your bathroom. Everyone knows that too much sun exposure is not suitable for pregnant women, but what about self-tanners? Is it safe to use self-tanner while pregnant? Studies have not yet proven that self-tanners are 100% secure to use. That means you should be cautious about using self-tanning products. Here’s what you need to know about these quick and easy bronzing solutions.
What is Self-Tanner?
Self-tanners are known as the foams, lotions, and sprays that are commonly found in beauty supply stores, drug stores, and pharmacies. Self-tanning products are applied to the skin to make it appear darker without sun exposure. You may experience a gradual tan or an overnight one, depending on the product. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in these products, which gives your skin an instant tan.
This DHA shouldn’t be confused with docosahexaenoic acid, which is a healthy omega-3 fatty acid that’s found in dietary supplements and most foods. This DHA is derived from plants such as sugar beets and sugar cane and is considered a non-toxic skin-enhancing agent.
The FDA approved the use of DHA self-tanners in the U.S. in the 1970s. Most self-tanners on the market contain three to five per cent of DHA, while professional products used at tanning salons contain five to 15% of DHA. The higher the amount, the faster and darker your tan.
This tan typically lasts for about a week as your old skin sheds, and the new skin appears. You’ll have to repeatedly use it if you want to prolong your tan. Self-tanners do not contain SPF, which means you can use sunscreen and self-tanner together.
Do Self-Tanners Get Absorbed into the Bloodstream?
While DHA hasn’t been thoroughly researched, it’s been reported that only one-half out of one per cent of DHA enters the bloodstream whenever you apply self-tanner to your skin. There are no studies to prove whether this amount enters the placenta and affects the baby’s circulation. That means there’s little evidence to determine if self-tanners are fine to use during pregnancy. Pregnant women should take precautions when using self-tanner, especially there isn’t data to back up whether it’s dangerous or not.
What About Tanning Booths that Use Self-Tanners?
The FDA had to crack down on the use of DHA for topical application only. They have yet to approve the use of DHA in spray tanning products. These products should be kept away from mucous membranes, such as the ears, eyes, lips, mouth, and nose. This is difficult to do when you’re visiting a tanning salon. However, you find it wears to protect your ears, eyes, mouth, and nose to prevent the chemical from entering your body.
Do Self-Tanners Cause Birth Defects?
No proof shows that self-tanners cause birth defects. While self-tanner is okay to use, it’s been reported that small amounts of DHA absorb into the bloodstream. The only way that DHA could affect the baby is that if it enters through the placenta. If you inhale self-tanning sprays at home or in a tanning salon, or if you apply to one of your mucous membranes, then larger amounts of DHA could enter the bloodstream. No research proves the safety of self-tanners during pregnancy.
Can Using Self-Tanners Make It Harder to Get Pregnant?
There is also no data that proves that using self-tanners make it harder to get pregnant, especially since a small amount of DHA enters the bloodstream. This is only the case if you take tanning pills, which contain a high amount of canthaxanthin. In conclusion, there are no studies that show self-tanners make it challenging to become pregnant.
When it comes to men, there’s not enough data that shows self-tanning products lead to birth defects. But the increase in body temperature can decrease the sperm count. So, it’s essential for men to not become overheated while using self-tanning products. This exposure does not mean that men will impact the risks of pregnancy.
So, what’s the verdict? Is it safe to use self-tanner while pregnant? While self-tanners can provide you with the tan you need, more research needs to be done on whether they are safe for pregnant women.
As always, you should take precautions when using any beauty product. Read the ingredients and do thorough research on the product. Ask your doctor before using any self-tanners during your pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant, grab your free pregnancy pack now – details inside!
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