Many people consider indoor tanning for a bronzed complexion. However, medical and public health organizations strongly advise pregnant individuals against using tanning beds. This recommendation is based on physiological risks unique or intensified during pregnancy. Primary concerns involve the extreme heat generated by these devices and the effects of concentrated ultraviolet light exposure.
The Danger of Overheating
Tanning beds function as enclosed, high-heat environments that pose a significant risk of maternal hyperthermia. Unlike a fever caused by illness, heat from a tanning bed is an external source that the body struggles to regulate in the confined space.
The greatest danger from this external heat exposure occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. This early period is when the fetal nervous system is undergoing its most rapid and sensitive development.
Studies suggest a link between maternal hyperthermia during this critical window and an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The elevated temperature can interfere with the cellular processes required for the tube to fuse correctly. Exposure to excessive heat from sources like hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds is therefore strongly discouraged in early pregnancy.
Even beyond the first trimester, overheating can lead to dehydration, which is detrimental to a pregnant individual. Dehydration may reduce blood flow to the uterus, potentially contributing to complications. Furthermore, lying flat in a tanning bed, especially in later pregnancy, can compress the vena cava, reducing blood return to the heart and causing dizziness.
UV Radiation and Skin Changes
The intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by tanning beds presents its own set of concerns during pregnancy. While UV rays do not penetrate deep enough to directly harm the fetus, they affect the mother’s physiology in ways that impact the pregnancy. One significant concern relates to the body’s supply of folic acid, a B vitamin necessary for healthy fetal development.
Folic acid is a crucial nutrient, especially in the early weeks, as it helps prevent the neural tube defects linked to hyperthermia. Research indicates that UV radiation exposure can degrade folic acid, potentially reducing its effectiveness even when supplements are taken. Some studies show that high rates of sun exposure can account for as much as a 20 percent reduction in folate levels.
Pregnancy hormones make the skin much more sensitive to UV light, which can trigger or worsen chloasma, often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Chloasma causes dark, irregular patches of skin discoloration, usually on the face. UV exposure dramatically exacerbates this hyperpigmentation, making the dark spots more pronounced and longer-lasting after delivery. Avoiding concentrated UV light is the most effective way to prevent or minimize the severity of this cosmetic concern.
Safer Ways to Achieve a Tan
Sunless tanning products are generally considered a safe alternative during pregnancy, as they avoid the risks associated with UV exposure and overheating. These products, including lotions, creams, and mousses, rely on dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to color the skin. DHA is a simple sugar that reacts with amino acids in the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, to produce a brown pigment.
This localized action means the active ingredient does not reach the developing fetus, making topical self-tanners safe for use during pregnancy. Applying a small patch test first is always advisable, as pregnancy hormones can unexpectedly increase skin sensitivity.
Professional spray tans or aerosol self-tanners require caution. Although the DHA is safe on the skin, the main concern is the unknown effect of inhaling the fine mist. To be cautious, it is recommended to avoid inhaling the spray, which can be difficult in a booth setting. If a spray tan is desired, ensuring the room is well-ventilated and protecting the eyes, nostrils, and mouth can minimize the potential for inhalation.