The safety of tanning depends heavily on the method chosen: ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun or tanning beds, or chemical exposure from spray tans or topical lotions. Understanding how each method interacts with the body allows mothers to make informed decisions. The primary focus is ensuring the activity does not introduce harmful substances to the infant or compromise the milk supply.
UV Exposure (Beds and Sun) and Milk Quality
Many mothers worry that UV radiation from tanning sources could somehow contaminate or alter their breast milk. Ultraviolet light, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, does not penetrate the skin beyond the epidermal and dermal layers. This means UV rays cannot reach the milk ducts or the bloodstream. Consequently, UV exposure does not affect the nutritional quality or composition of the breast milk, and it poses no risk of radiation transfer to the nursing infant.
The safety concern with UV tanning shifts entirely to the mother’s skin health and comfort. Postpartum hormonal changes can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure, increasing the risk of sunburn. A sunburn on the breasts, particularly the delicate nipple and areola tissue, can cause significant pain and discomfort, making latching and nursing difficult. Furthermore, excessive heat exposure near the breast tissue can potentially lead to inflammation or swelling, increasing the risk of clogged ducts or mastitis.
Dehydration Risks and Milk Production
While UV rays do not compromise the milk’s quality, the heat associated with sunbathing or using an indoor tanning bed presents a separate physiological risk. Breast milk is composed of approximately 88% water, and the body requires a high volume of fluid intake to maintain supply. If a mother becomes significantly dehydrated, the body prioritizes fluid conservation for vital organs, which can temporarily reduce the plasma volume available for milk synthesis. This systemic stress can manifest as a noticeable, temporary dip in milk production or a slower let-down reflex during a feeding session.
Safety of Spray Tans and Topical Products
Spray tans and self-tanning lotions use an active ingredient called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that reacts with amino acids in the skin’s outermost layer to create the tanned color. DHA has extremely poor absorption into the systemic circulation when applied topically, with less than 1% typically reaching the bloodstream. Because the chemical does not significantly enter the mother’s blood, it is not expected to transfer into the breast milk.
The primary risk associated with chemical tanning is the direct exposure of the infant to the product residue on the skin. Inhalation is a concern, especially with spray tans, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved DHA for use near mucous membranes due to a lack of safety data on internal exposure. Preventing the baby from ingesting or coming into contact with the DHA residue on the breast skin is the main precaution. Mothers should protect the nipple and areola area during application to avoid accidental ingestion.
Essential Tanning Safety Precautions
Mothers who choose to use UV or chemical tanning methods should follow several simple precautions to mitigate potential risks. When using a tanning bed or sunbathing, the nipples and areolas must be covered completely, such as with a towel or clothing, to prevent painful burning and soreness. It is also highly recommended to consume a large glass of water immediately before and after any heat exposure to counteract potential dehydration and protect milk supply.
For spray tans or lotions, a mother should apply a barrier cream or use a protective cover over the nipples and areolas before application to ensure the product does not come into contact with the feeding area. After the tan has developed, but before the next feeding, the breasts must be gently and thoroughly cleansed to remove any residual topical product. Scheduling a tanning session immediately after a feeding allows for the longest possible window for the tan to set or for the mother to rehydrate before the baby next needs to nurse.