Is it safe to get a spray tan while pregnant?

Working out which beauty treatments are safe to schedule in your diary during pregnancy can be quite the research task. Want to know if spray tanning during pregnancy is safe? We’ve done the hard work for you and asked two experts to give us their opinion.

Spray-on tan is a liquid, UV-free tanning solution that’s sprayed onto the skin in an automated booth or applied by a beautician in a pop-up tent. The active ingredient in the solution is a non-toxic chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

DHA causes a chemical reaction with the amino acids in the top layer or your skin resulting in a fake glow. The concern with spray tans is to do with the fumes that can be inhaled by mum and their unknown effect on bub.

Sydney-based dermatologist, Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs advises against spray tanning while you’re pregnant.

“DHA is considered to be safe during pregnancy when it’s applied in the form of a fake-tan lotion or gel. However, there’s concern about the spray-on application which can be ingested into the lungs. We don’t know what’s happening internally when people are inhaling DHA in the confines of a tanning booth.”

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Gino Pecoraro agrees it’s best to avoid spray tanning.

“We often don’t know what all the ingredients are in spray-tanning solutions in the salon as some manufacturers keep this information guarded. Because we don’t know what’s in it we don’t know if it’s safe.”

What’s the verdict? The best solution is to stop spray tanning during this period. Inhaling the fumes from the tanning solution, especially in a confined environment could be harmful to your baby. To enhance your pregnancy glow, opt for instant powder and liquid bronzers that sit on the surface of the skin.