Pregnancy changes a lot of things, including the beauty products and treatments you might normally use without thinking twice.
And if you're someone who loves a good spray tan, you've probably wondered: Can I still get my usual glow while pregnant?
It's a question worth asking, and the answer isn't quite as simple as yes or no.
As a licensed esthetician with over 16 years of experience, I've always taken a skin-first approach to beauty. I love helping women feel confident, but I also believe in understanding the products we're using and knowing when a little extra caution makes sense.
So let's break down what you should know about spray tanning during pregnancy, DHA, and the alternatives worth considering.
Is It Safe to Get a Spray Tan While Pregnant?
The short answer: Spray tanning is best avoided during pregnancy because there isn't enough research to establish the safety of inhaling spray tan mist.
That doesn't mean spray tanning has been proven to harm a developing baby. It means we don't have enough evidence to confidently say it's safe.
The biggest concern is how the solution is applied.
During a professional spray tan, the solution is misted onto your skin. Some of that mist may be inhaled or come into contact with your eyes, lips, nose, or mouth.
The FDA has approved DHA, the ingredient responsible for developing a sunless tan, for external application to the skin. That approval does not extend to inhalation or contact with mucous membranes.
Because of these unknowns, I recommend consulting with your OB-GYN, in almost all cases they approve. Dominique also provides a proper mask for all pregnant clients.
What Is DHA, and How Does It Work?
DHA stands for dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient in most professional spray tans and many at-home self-tanners.
Unlike traditional tanning, which involves UV exposure, DHA reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin to create temporary color.
As those surface skin cells naturally shed, your tan gradually fades.
Here's the important part: The way DHA is applied matters.
Research suggests that very little DHA is absorbed into the bloodstream when applied topically to healthy, intact skin.
However, breathing in an airborne tanning mist creates a different type of exposure, and we don't have enough information about its safety during pregnancy.
That's why a self-tanning lotion and a professional spray tan shouldn't automatically be treated as the same thing.
Spray Tan vs. Self-Tanning Lotion During Pregnancy
If you're looking for a little color while pregnant, you might be wondering whether an at-home self-tanner is a better option.
In general, topical self-tanning lotions and creams are considered lower-exposure options than spray tans because they don't create an airborne mist.
The skin acts as a protective barrier, and research suggests that only a very small amount of DHA applied to intact skin is absorbed.
That said, not every self-tanner has the same ingredients. Some contain added fragrances, preservatives, or other ingredients that deserve consideration.
Pregnancy can also change your skin's sensitivity, even to products you've used for years.
My advice? Check with your healthcare provider, review the ingredient list, and patch-test a small area before using a new product.
What About Spray Tanning While Breastfeeding?
This is another question I think deserves its own answer because breastfeeding and pregnancy aren't exactly the same situation.
According to MotherToBaby, very small amounts of DHA applied to the skin are expected to enter the bloodstream and breast milk. However, studies specifically examining sunless tanning during breastfeeding are limited.
For topical self-tanners, it's important to avoid applying products to the nipple, areola, or areas where your baby may have direct contact before the product has fully dried.
Professional spray tanning introduces the additional consideration of inhaling airborne mist.
If you're breastfeeding and considering a spray tan, speak with your healthcare provider first. Appropriate ventilation, protection from mist exposure, and avoiding product contact with your baby are important considerations.
Is a Clear Spray Tan Safer During Pregnancy?
This is something I especially want to clarify because Clear Glow is one of my most popular services at Glow by Dominique.
A clear spray tan doesn't contain the temporary cosmetic bronzer found in traditional guide-color solutions.
But clear doesn't mean DHA-free.
Clear spray tan solutions still typically use DHA to develop your color.
So while Clear Glow is a great option for clients who prefer a bronzer-free application, it doesn't eliminate the pregnancy-related concerns surrounding airborne spray tan mist.
The same caution applies to products marketed as natural, organic, or clean. Those labels don't automatically establish pregnancy safety.
What Can You Use for a Glow During Pregnancy?
If you're missing that sun-kissed look, there are other ways to add a little warmth to your skin if you do not feel comfortable Spray tanning while pregnant.
A cosmetic bronzer can be a simple option for maternity photos, baby showers, special events, or an everyday makeup routine.
You can also discuss topical self-tanning lotions with your healthcare provider if you're looking for longer-lasting color.
And since we're talking about skin health, here's an important reminder: A sunless tan doesn't replace sunscreen.
Whether you're pregnant or not, protecting your skin from UV exposure is still essential, especially here in Southwest Florida.
My Skin-First Approach at Glow by Dominique
When I started Glow by Dominique, I wanted to create a mobile spray tanning experience that felt personal, comfortable, and rooted in my background in skincare.
That means looking beyond the color someone wants and considering what's appropriate for their skin and circumstances.
Pregnancy is one of those times when I believe being cautious is the right approach.
For clients who are pregnant, I recommend consulting your OB_GYN first.
For clients who are breastfeeding, I recommend discussing their individual circumstances with their provider before scheduling and covering the breasts if you decide to proceed with a spray tan.
My goal is always to help you make an informed decision, even when that means recommending something other than a spray tan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spray Tanning During Pregnancy
Can you get a spray tan during your first trimester?
The cautious recommendation is to avoid professional spray tanning throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester, because the safety of inhaling spray tan mist hasn't been established.
Is DHA safe during pregnancy?
DHA is approved by the FDA for external skin application, but that approval does not specifically establish pregnancy safety. Very little DHA is expected to enter the bloodstream through intact skin. Inhalation and mucous membrane exposure are separate concerns.
Can you get a clear spray tan while pregnant?
Clear spray tan solutions generally still contain DHA. Removing the cosmetic bronzer does not remove the concerns associated with airborne mist.
Can you use self-tanning lotion while pregnant?
Topical self-tanning lotions are generally considered a lower-exposure option than spray tanning. Speak with your healthcare provider before using one, particularly if you have sensitive or irritated skin.
Can you get a spray tan while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding-specific research is limited. Although topical DHA absorption is expected to be very low, professional spray tanning also involves potential inhalation exposure. Discuss it with your healthcare provider and avoid product contact with areas your baby may touch or feed from.
The Bottom Line
If there's one thing I want you to take away from this, it's that not all sunless tanning methods involve the same type of exposure.
Topical self-tanners and professional spray tans may contain the same active tanning ingredient, but the application method makes a difference.
During pregnancy, avoiding professional spray tanning is the more cautious choice. While breastfeeding, it's important to consider both product exposure and your baby's contact with treated skin.
And if you're ever unsure, your healthcare provider should always be your first stop.
At Glow by Dominique, I'll always prioritize informed decisions and healthy skin over simply getting someone tan.
When you're ready for your next glow, you can explore my professional mobile spray tanning services in Wellen Park, Venice, North Port, and surrounding Southwest Florida communities.
Sources & Further Reading
U.S. Food & Drug Administration — Sunless Tanners & Bronzers
MotherToBaby — Sunless Tanners During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Nemours KidsHealth — Sunless and Self-Tanning During Pregnancy
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about cosmetic treatments during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
