Can You Get A Spray Tan If You're Pregnant?

Throughout pregnancy, people commonly tell expecting moms they have a glowing complexion or a "glow" about them. But what if you're looking to deepen that glow on your skin — what is the safest way to tan during pregnancy?

While tanning in a tanning bed isn't necessarily recommended during pregnancy due to concerns about keeping your body temperature low and UV ray exposure (via the American Pregnancy Association), you may be considering alternatives like self-tanner or spray-tanning. This may lead you to question, is getting a spray tan while pregnant safe and what are the possible risks?

The biggest issue with spray tanning is that many fake tanners include dihydroxyacetone or DHA, which can be absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin or inhaling the spray (via The Bump). There is currently no specific information available on how DHA affects pregnancy either good or bad, making it a tricky situation to unpack.

Some research has shown that there is not much DHA absorption when applied to skin (via Healthline). However, if you are concerned, you may want to avoid a spray tan during your first trimester. For those who got a spray tan before knowing they were pregnant, don't panic — research has suggested that the risks of topical use of DHA are relatively small.

If you decide to get a spray tan at some point in your pregnancy, be sure you are protecting your eyes and apply lip balm to protect your lips. You should also avoid breathing in the spray and protect your nose, if possible, according to Healthline, as there is limited research about the risks of inhaling DHA.

Getting a spray tan during pregnancy is a personal decision based on your comfort level. Discussing your concerns with your medical team can help qualm fears and help you make the decision that is best for you.