TANNING THROUGH PREGNANCY AND BEYOND
, by Lynsey Bennett, 2 min reading time
The science and formulas behind spray tanning are not always properly understood, even by the most regular tanners. This often leads to confusion and some very important questions for expecting mothers.
It is the job of spray tan technicians and all of us in the industry to be knowledgeable about these topics, answering questions and clearing up any myths that surround the service.
Every woman has a choice to make about what they feel is good and bad for their body and child during pregnancy. If proper systems are used, the harmless nature of the ingredients found in spray tanning solutions should put them at ease about having a gorgeous tan during this beautiful stage in their life.
The active ingredient in fake tan, called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is non-toxic and isn’t absorbed by the skin during the tanning process.
This colourless sugar darkens the uppermost layer of the skin by interacting with the proteins and amino acids on the epidermis. None of the components of the tan are absorbed into the body.
The two areas of concern for pregnant clients and health advisors are actually:
1. The potential inhalation of any solution.
Combat this with good ventilation in your treatment area.
Alternative options are to: offer nose plugs or offer a mask and don't spray the face, follow up with brush application once the spray tan is complete.
2. The changes in hormone levels which can lead to increased sensitivity.
Combat this with a patch test. This is especially important for first time service users but also for frequent visitors whose sense of smell may be heightened during pregnancy and may find the products applied overwhelming.
*Pro Tip – moisturising post treatment is crucial for all clients but as pregnancy can dry out the skin, moisturising is even more important to keep it looking the tan looking fresh.
Discussing the treatment with their health professional is encouraged and it is suggested to wait until after the first trimester, at which point there is essentially no risk.
(Why after the first Trimester? It’s best to wait until the first three months are over as this is a sensitive stage of pregnancy where extra caution is required with all types of products that are applied directly onto the skin.)
Spray Tanning When Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and spray tanning can totally go together with a few precautions and a little extra care. As a salon owner, don’t get troubled when one of your clients tells you that she’s breastfeeding and be sure to instil confidence so she isn’t afraid to schedule her session.
Some options/ advice you will want to discuss:
Pre Treatment
+ Use “nipple tape” over the nipples or place a breast-pad over the area so it does not get tanned.
+ Use barrier cream.
+ Better yet, avoid the breast area completely when spraying. To be safe, wear a bikini top.
Post Treatment
+Make sure that they rinse off before breastfeeding
+If expressing milk to bottle feed, consider this during the development time of the tan and plan to express before treatment and 6-8 hours after.
+Be sure to wash the breasts and surrounding area with a gentle body wash and dry well even if the area was avoided when spraying.
It is the job of spray tan technicians and all of us in the industry to be knowledgeable about these topics, answering questions and clearing up any myths that surround the service.
Every woman has a choice to make about what they feel is good and bad for their body and child during pregnancy. If proper systems are used, the harmless nature of the ingredients found in spray tanning solutions should put them at ease about having a gorgeous tan during this beautiful stage in their life.
The active ingredient in fake tan, called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is non-toxic and isn’t absorbed by the skin during the tanning process.
This colourless sugar darkens the uppermost layer of the skin by interacting with the proteins and amino acids on the epidermis. None of the components of the tan are absorbed into the body.
The two areas of concern for pregnant clients and health advisors are actually:
1. The potential inhalation of any solution.
Combat this with good ventilation in your treatment area.
Alternative options are to: offer nose plugs or offer a mask and don't spray the face, follow up with brush application once the spray tan is complete.
2. The changes in hormone levels which can lead to increased sensitivity.
Combat this with a patch test. This is especially important for first time service users but also for frequent visitors whose sense of smell may be heightened during pregnancy and may find the products applied overwhelming.
*Pro Tip – moisturising post treatment is crucial for all clients but as pregnancy can dry out the skin, moisturising is even more important to keep it looking the tan looking fresh.
Discussing the treatment with their health professional is encouraged and it is suggested to wait until after the first trimester, at which point there is essentially no risk.
(Why after the first Trimester? It’s best to wait until the first three months are over as this is a sensitive stage of pregnancy where extra caution is required with all types of products that are applied directly onto the skin.)
Spray Tanning When Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and spray tanning can totally go together with a few precautions and a little extra care. As a salon owner, don’t get troubled when one of your clients tells you that she’s breastfeeding and be sure to instil confidence so she isn’t afraid to schedule her session.
Some options/ advice you will want to discuss:
Pre Treatment
+ Use “nipple tape” over the nipples or place a breast-pad over the area so it does not get tanned.
+ Use barrier cream.
+ Better yet, avoid the breast area completely when spraying. To be safe, wear a bikini top.
Post Treatment
+Make sure that they rinse off before breastfeeding
+If expressing milk to bottle feed, consider this during the development time of the tan and plan to express before treatment and 6-8 hours after.
+Be sure to wash the breasts and surrounding area with a gentle body wash and dry well even if the area was avoided when spraying.