tanning question

ktrozier

What does everyone think about sunless tanners during pregnancy...either creams or the spray booth type?? I decided from the start that I would not do anything other than natural tanning in the sun; however, I am so pasty pale, growing bigger by the day and I am in a wedding next weekend!! Everyone looks better with a tan, but I'm wondering if the risks are too great to even consider doing something about my current pastiness (if that's even a word...)...what do y'all think??

JenniferAnnes

I won't be using them.  I know there are doctors out there who say that they're safe to use, but I still feel like I'm putting unnecessary chemicals into my body if I use them while pregnant.  Not to mention the fact that my belly skin is stretching so I'd be worried it wouldn't look natural/even.  I like the lotions that give you skin a glow (that do not include any self-tanner).  It's enough to prevent me from looking pasty.  Nivea used to make a really good one, but I think they discontinued it.

daisygrl8423

My doc told me that spray tans were perfectly fine.  I was in a wedding a few weeks ago and thought I would get a spray tan but instead I just used Jergens for a few days before.  I haven't used it since though.

natkay02

I know tanning is bad. Preach away if ya'll want, but I plan on laying in the sun this summer (I use sunscreen, but still expect a tan!). I love having the summer glow, it makes me happy. So yeah, I've considered going to the tanning bed a couple of times. Below is what americanpregnancy.org says on the subject. So the main thing is your body overheating and I am considering using a bed that doesn't get hot (either an all UVA bed or regular bed with fans that hasn't been used for a while) just a couple of times, just so that I don't feel so pasty. I've tried many self tanning lotions and sprays, and none turns out natural looking on me.

 

In a Bed: There are no studies that provide conclusive evidence that tanning beds directly harm your baby. However, the following are some ways that tanning beds can be harmful to you. Most health care providers advise against any activity that might raise your body temperature, such as saunas or tanning beds. Overheating is associated with spinal malformations in the baby.

Some studies also link UV rays and folic acid deficiency. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and is especially important in the first trimester. During pregnancy, your skin is more susceptible to burning and chloasma, the dark splotches that appear on the face during pregnancy. Speak to your health care provider about the safety of tanning beds during pregnancy.

On the Beach: Many of the concerns about beach sun are the same as tanning beds. Pregnancy makes your skin more sensitive so the sun may cause hives, heat rash or worsened chloasma. Staying in the shade should prevent hives or heat rash. The same safety measures should be taken in the sun whether you are pregnant or not: drink plenty of water, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, and wear a hat. If you feel dizzy, nauseated or tired go to an air conditioned area. Long hours in the sun that result in burning should be avoided.

 

JDMC1112

While I fully intend on laying in the sun this summer...if it ever appears?! I went to a wedding a few weeks ago and was so pale I needed to do something. I called my Dr.'s office and they said it was perfectly fine to do spray tanning. I went to a spa that did tha airbrush spray tan rather then the machine in a booth so I did that. It came out so good, not orange or blotchy at all. The only thing I didnt like about it was that after a week - I was back to being pale again!

mrsmikey

My OB said out of the first tri, spray tans and tanning lotions are fine.  I got some lotion, but I keep forgetting to use it every day so I don't know how it's going to look. 

But I'm with Nat.  I miss the tanning bed so much!  Shallow and lame and dangerous and all that I know, but it's my vice.  I am so tempted to just go sit and stick my legs in it or something. 

abozz

I use St. Tropez tanning mousse and absolutely love it! It's really light and gentle on the skin and even smells better than most self-tanners. I got it from Sephora.

kimh0162

I asked my midwife at my 16 wk appt because I have multiple weddings and parties coming up and always feel a little better with some color and she said no for spray tanning, but gave me the thumbs up for lotions/creams. She said it is best to get it the natural way, but I'm in NY and still freezing my a** off so that's not an option right now! I used the Jergens Natural Glow Express last week and loved it! It gave me subtle color without looking fake. It basically comes down to whatever you decide is best for yourself and your LO, goodluck!

mishele

I think this falls under the rule, if you and your doctor are okay with it then go for it. 

I'm pretty pasty myself but I don't plan on using any tanners.  I tried years ago getting tan the natural way, in tanning beds, self-tanners, etc.  I either burned or just looked a sick shade of orange.  I know tanners have come a long way but I think I've kind of accepted my pastiness.  I feel like I'd look strange with a tan now. 

kyashley1227

mrsmikey:

My OB said out of the first tri, spray tans and tanning lotions are fine.  I got some lotion, but I keep forgetting to use it every day so I don't know how it's going to look. 

But I'm with Nat.  I miss the tanning bed so much!  Shallow and lame and dangerous and all that I know, but it's my vice.  I am so tempted to just go sit and stick my legs in it or something. 

 

I miss the tanning bed too

Mereou12

Embrace the pasty....Even when not pregnant, that's what I've come to do. Sure, everyone looks better with a tan...but no one looks good with a fake tan, IMO.

 

armybride86

I am a tanaholic, and believe that EVERYONE looks better with a tan.  I miss my tanning bed, and the natural sun soooo much!  I cannot WAIT til' summer gets here so me and baby can lay out with my big ol' belly and all.  I usually don't use sunscreen (tsk, tsk....I know...), but I plan on putting some on my belly and face this summer so I don't get soo hot.  As far as tanning beds go, those scare me, because I know I would overheat (I make myself sweat in those, and outside, because I believe I get a darker tan if a sweat).  So for now, I have been using this spray tan by Loreal.  It's in an orange spray bottle, but it doesn't make you look orange, haha.  After only 2 days of spraying, I have a nice looking tan, and I feel better about myself, haha.  I would recommend it.  I think it's safe, my doctor says it's safe, so yeah.  I feel that with pregnancy some people over react about things too much, and are all concerned about crazy things that they shouldn't even worry about.  That may be just me and my opinion, but there it is.

italnprncss78

armybride86:

I am a tanaholic, and believe that EVERYONE looks better with a tan.  I miss my tanning bed, and the natural sun soooo much!  I cannot WAIT til' summer gets here so me and baby can lay out with my big ol' belly and all.  I usually don't use sunscreen (tsk, tsk....I know...), but I plan on putting some on my belly and face this summer so I don't get soo hot.  As far as tanning beds go, those scare me, because I know I would overheat (I make myself sweat in those, and outside, because I believe I get a darker tan if a sweat).  So for now, I have been using this spray tan by Loreal.  It's in an orange spray bottle, but it doesn't make you look orange, haha.  After only 2 days of spraying, I have a nice looking tan, and I feel better about myself, haha.  I would recommend it.  I think it's safe, my doctor says it's safe, so yeah.  I feel that with pregnancy some people over react about things too much, and are all concerned about crazy things that they shouldn't even worry about.  That may be just me and my opinion, but there it is.

I agree with the bold. I think women worry about things that aren't worth worrying over, but yet skip the important stuff sometimes. I'm from CA and love a good tan...I'm Italian so I tan easily. My belly & I will be sun bathing this summer...but I'm NOT ok with going in a tanning bed. I would feel like I am cooking my LO.

CariBriel

Omg I miss tanning SO much!!  There are some good creams that you can use, Loreal Sublime is one, but its not like the real thing.  I am going to talk to my doc at next appt about tanning because it makes me happy and I don't care it that makes me shallow.    If the only danger is overheating, I don't see the harm because the place I go has a million fans in it and I don't even sweat, let alone overheat.