Tanning?

Daizy5408 · June 2009

Ok, so I'm afraid to even post this, but I need opinions... good or bad.

I'm going on vacation the last week of June, coming home July 3rd, and in my cousin's wedding July 4th. I haven't had much sun exposure during my pregnancy, so I'm not sure what pg hormones have done to my skin's usual reaction to sun. That said, I'm going to be 7mos at the wedding, and I don't want to be a lobster or have crazy tan lines to boot - the bride is supposed to be the main focus! I know I can use high SPF sunscreen like crazy all week, but just in case, I've been considering a spray-on tan (self tanner lotions have never worked well for me!)... when I get home if needed to make me look normal! (I don't care if I'm still white as a ghost, I'd just stay that way - but if I get a t-shirt tan or something crazy, I'm checking out my options - it's a strapless bridesmaid dress!)

So, I called Hollywood Tans today, and they say the Mystic Tan is safe while pregnant. Yes, I would confirm with my doc before going too, if I end up deciding to go. Just curious if any of you have any advice or experience with tanning or big no-no's about it? Keep in mind, I'm the girl who tanned a few times in high school for prom, etc, but have never regularly used any artificial tanning methods, so I'm pretty clueless! Of course, the lady who answered the phone at Hollywood Tans was telling me how perfect it is, blah blah blah, but that's her job! I'm not even sure I'd definitely do it - because of my other concern, as I come home the day before the wedding and have rehearsal dinner that same night, so the not showering for 4-6 hours and looking orange for the first day makes me pretty nervous too. Plus, would my skin not take the tan as well because I'm pregnant? I'm so torn.

Thanks in advance for your advice/opinions - nice or not! I know this is like a first tri question and I hope no one attacks me for asking!

rmcrae · June 2009

I think it is inconclusive whether or not it is ok.

That being said, I don't think if you get some tan lines you will steal focus from the bride. Plenty of people have tan lines in BM dresses.

Just roll with it and skip tanning. That is my $.02.

4everDsgirl · June 2009

I've never used the mystic tan while preg. although I did always wonder if they were safe...but I did use Origins tanning lotion which worked great....it is made of all natural products so i didn't have to worry about any of the chemicals that might be in the tanning lotions.

I dont' think that there is any studies that prove or disprove the affects of self tanners on the baby...

Starlette1983 · June 2009

I think that the Mystic Tan works pretty well. ?If you follow their instructions on how to stand the right way and stuff it turns out pretty even. ?If you want perfection though, go to a place where a person actually sprays the stuff directly on you. ?I have found that I tan/burn more easily now that I am pg... I get a little pink just from sitting outside for like 30 min. ?But maybe that is just me!

deb2126 · June 2009

I'd say use SPF 50 and hope you don't get a tan line or burn.

At1stsight · June 2009

I'd just stay out of the sun or be sure to wear a strapless swim suit top if I was swimming.

And I don't think you need to be worried that the bride isn't going to be the focus... no one really cares about the bridal party's appearance and if they have tan lines except MAYBE the bride.

Hulahoop1234 · June 2009

Lurking from 1st tri - just wanted to recommend that you go try it out now so that you are not doing it for the first time the day before the wedding.

I have only done the versaspa, not the mystic but I ended up with a definite line at my wrists (they have you put barrier cream on and then instruct you to wash your hands after the spray). Also, go with the lightest option, and if they offer you the bronzer for "instant color", just skip it and go with a clear spray that will develop later. If you are still out and about with the bronzer on plus the developed tanner it is waaaaay too crazy looking.

Also, my OB ok'd fake tanner and told be it was much better than lying in the sun (especially where my skin is more sensitive now).

Good luck!

easyBreezie · June 2009

From what I've read, most artificial tanners are safer than the sun so I would opt for the artificial option. But, I also have a pool and am in it almost every day and when the suns out I use 70 SPF about every hour but when pre PG I didn't burn easily and hardly every wore sunscreen so be extremely careful if sun tanning.

327way · June 2009

The Mystic Tans have so many little partciles that fly up in your nose, face, etc... plus they run and can look all wacky. I wouldn't do it. I would just try something that subtly adds pigment to your skin through a moisturizer (I use the Vaseline stuff) and it will increase over time, rather than risk inhaling some of those toxins.

I agree with the PP who said that if it's inconclusive, it's probably not good. And I also go with the rule of thumb that if it's a tanning salon, they're not going to always provide you with the healthiest options.

Daizy5408 · June 2009

Thanks for all the advice so far - it seems everyone is mixed! I think I'll just make sure I have no straps while I'm in the pool, and I don't plan on sunbathing at all... sitting under an umbrella if I'm outside reading, etc! And, of course, I'll lather on the sunscreen! Of course, the amount of time I spend outside will depend on how I react to the heat too - the east coast's current 70 degree and rainy weather in JUNE isn't doing much for letting me get a feel at what summer will be like! (Not that I'm complaining - everyone keeps reminding me how miserable I'll be, ugh)

Again, thanks for the kind advice!!

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