Self-tanners are products that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with the protein in the top layer of the skin to create a temporary tan. While there is limited scientific data on the safety of DHA during pregnancy, it is generally considered safe for external use. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before using any self-tanning products during pregnancy, as there are other ingredients in these products that may be harmful.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Is DHA safe during pregnancy? | There is no clear evidence stating the safety of DHA during pregnancy. However, it is not well-absorbed and does not get into the body. |
Is self-tanner safe during pregnancy? | Self-tanner is generally safe to use during pregnancy, but it is advised to consult a doctor first. |
What are the risks associated with self-tanning during pregnancy? | Self-tanning products may contain other ingredients that are not safe for pregnant women or their babies. |
How can you safely use self-tanner during pregnancy? | It is recommended to use lotion, gel, or mousse formulas instead of sprays to avoid inhalation. Choose products with minimal chemicals and avoid those with extra skincare ingredients that are not pregnancy-safe, such as retinols or vitamin A. |
Are there any specific products recommended for pregnancy? | Some brands market their products as "pregnancy-safe", including Coola, Coco & Eve, and Bondi Sands. Other recommended products include St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse, Beauty By Earth Self Tanner, and Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse. |
What You'll Learn
DHA is not absorbed by the body
DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is the active ingredient in self-tanners. It is a non-toxic substance that reacts with the cells in the outermost layer of the skin to produce a brown pigment called melanoidin. This process gives you a tanned appearance.
Importantly, DHA is not thought to go beyond this outer layer of skin. It is not absorbed into the body and is therefore unlikely to harm your baby. Most self-tanners are considered safe as they act on the skin's surface without penetrating the deeper layers.
According to Dr. Jacqueline Moline, M.D., an internal medicine specialist and vice president of occupational medicine and epidemiology at Northwell Health:
> "There hasn't been a lot studied on it, but apparently, it is not well-absorbed or is not absorbed. So it's not going to get into the body. The way self-tanners work is it stains the dead skin and then in seven to 10 days, the cells slough off and that's why you have to reapply."
Only a negligible amount of DHA is absorbed by the body. From what we know, when it's topically applied to the skin, not on any sort of moist mucus membrane areas like your eyes, mouth, ears, or nose, only about 0.001% is absorbed into the bloodstream.
However, it is important to note that DHA is not approved for use near the eyes, nose, or lips, and there are currently no studies on whether it can impact a developing baby. Therefore, it is always best to consult your doctor before using any self-tanning products during pregnancy.
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DHA is safe for external use only
DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is the main active ingredient in self-tanners. It is a type of sugar found in plants such as sugar beet. It interacts with the protein in the top layer of the skin, staining the dead cells and creating a browning effect.
DHA is considered safe for external use only. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for external use and is not meant to be used near the eyes, nose, or lips. While it is not known to be harmful to an unborn baby, there are currently no studies on whether it can impact a developing foetus.
When using DHA-based self-tanning products, it is important to be cautious. It is recommended to consult a doctor before use, especially during pregnancy, and to perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions. Additionally, it is advised to avoid tanning sprays or booths, as these may result in the inhalation of DHA or its application near mucous membranes.
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Avoid tanning pills
Tanning pills are not a safe alternative to sunbathing or using a sunbed. While they might be tempting, they are not approved by the FDA and can be harmful to both you and your baby.
Tanning pills contain natural ingredients that increase melanin production in the body. Melanin is the pigment that naturally darkens the skin. However, some pills contain large amounts of colour additives (carotenoids), such as beta-carotene or canthaxanthin, which can produce an orange tint on the skin that doesn't look very realistic. These additives can also be harmful to your unborn baby.
Tanning pills are banned in the UK and the US because they are unsafe. They are not a substitute for a healthy glow achieved through a balanced diet and a safe amount of sun exposure.
If you're looking for a safe way to achieve a tan during pregnancy, stick to lotions, foams, and tanning drops that you can apply by hand or with a glove or brush. Always check with your doctor first and do a patch test, as your skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy.
For a temporary glow, you can also apply bronzer to your face, neck, shoulders, and chest.
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Avoid tanning injections
Tanning injections, often called melanotan, are unlicensed and illegal to sell in the UK. They are unregulated, and therefore, there is no guarantee of their safety.
The injections contain a synthetic hormone that stimulates the production of pigment cells in the skin, making it look darker. However, there are no long-term clinical trials on the drug, and its side effects are unknown.
Some reported side effects include acne, stomach pains, eye disorders, sickness, and even heart problems. There is also a risk of blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis or HIV if needles are shared or injections are administered by untrained individuals.
The NHS warns against the use of tanning injections as they have not undergone the necessary safety and effectiveness testing required for licensing. As such, the potential dangers of using these injections far outweigh any perceived benefits.
If you desire a tan, it is best to opt for alternative methods such as fake tan products or lotions that can be applied topically. Even then, it is always advisable to consult your doctor beforehand to ensure the product is safe for you and your baby.
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DHA is safe for use during pregnancy
DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is the active ingredient in self-tanners. It is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but it is always advisable to consult a doctor before use.
DHA is a type of sugar found in plants such as sugar beet. It interacts with the protein in the top layer of the skin to create a tan effect. Only a negligible amount of DHA is absorbed by the body, and it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for external use.
When choosing a self-tanner, opt for lotions, gels, or mousse formulas, as these are safer than spray tans. Avoid tanning pills and injections, as these can be harmful to both mother and baby. It is also recommended to avoid products with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals, as these may irritate the skin.
Some self-tanner brands market their products as pregnancy-safe because they do not contain potentially harmful ingredients like retinoids, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, chemical sunscreens, parabens, and phthalates. While there is no government agency to back up these claims, it is still advisable to choose products that are fragrance-free and formulated without the above-mentioned ingredients.
Overall, DHA-based self-tanners are considered safe for use during pregnancy, but it is always best to consult a medical professional before use and to perform a patch test to ensure your skin does not react negatively to the product.
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