What you need to know about tanning during pregnancy!

When you're expecting a baby, how many changes are happening to your body? So with these changes, it's normal to think a little more about your appearance and want to look beautiful. Maybe you're also thinking how nice it would be to add a little tanned look to your skin, that is, a light brown color that comes from the sun. In fact, sometimes you might think that this will help to cover up things like acne and blemishes that appear on your face during pregnancy.

So does this really affect the baby?

Simply put, getting your skin tanned is very unlikely to directly harm your unborn baby. However, that doesn't mean it's 100% safe. The risks from sun exposure and tanning beds are the same whether you're pregnant or not. However, things like self-tanners and spray tans are relatively safe when used properly. Let's talk about each of these things in more detail.

Let's first look at sun exposure.

Getting outside for some fresh air and sunshine is great during pregnancy. In fact, a little exercise outdoors can go a long way in keeping you healthy. Your belly won't be harmed by the sun.

But while there are benefits to being in the sun, you need to be very careful about how much time you spend in the sun during pregnancy . Too much sun exposure can cause problems for anyone. So it's best to use common sense and take precautions.

In general, we all know that excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer (such as melanoma) . It also causes signs of premature skin aging, such as:

• Wrinkling of the skin
• Blackheads
• Sagging skin

Things like that can be made worse by the sun. That's why many experts recommend using a good sunscreen every time you go outside. You can also protect your skin with a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing.

Special risks during pregnancy

Some women's skin becomes very sensitive during pregnancy. The skin can become dry and itchy. This condition can be worse when exposed to the sun. Also, your skin color may darken and spots may appear on your face. We medically call this ``melanoma`` or the "mask of pregnancy ". These spots can become darker with exposure to the sun.

The other risk is sunburn. A small sunburn is not a big risk, but it can be very painful and uncomfortable. You can't take painkillers for that pain. So the best thing to do is to avoid getting burned.

Another major risk during pregnancy is overheating from prolonged exposure to the sun. If this condition becomes severe, you may experience conditions like dehydration and heat stroke.

How to use tanning beds?

Tanning beds are artificial devices. The harmful UV rays they emit can cause premature aging of the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Many doctors say that anyone, at any time, should stay away from tanning beds completely .

Using a tanning bed during pregnancy does not directly harm the baby. However, as with being in the sun, the biggest risk here is overheating. If you decide to use a tanning bed, limit your time in it as much as possible. Only stay in it for a short time. This will help prevent skin burns and reduce body heat. Don't forget to drink plenty of water after using the tanning bed.

So are self-tanning lotions safe?

These are the ones that are applied to the skin and give it a tanned look.Creams . These do not work with UV rays. They contain a pigment called `(dihydroxyacetone or DHA). This chemical, DHA, reacts with amino acids in our skin and gives a temporary brown color to the dead cells in the top layer of the skin.

This does not harm the skin. As the dead cells are shed, this discoloration gradually disappears. Although there has not been much research on the effects of DHA during pregnancy, it mainly works on the skin, and very little is absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, the risk of harm to the baby is very low .

What do you think about spray tans?

Spray tans are similar to self-tanner lotions. They involve spraying a liquid containing DHA onto the body. While there is no risk of skin contact, the problem is that when you spray, the chemicals can get into your respiratory system, meaning you can breathe them in . There is no clear data yet on the effects of breathing them in.

Therefore, many doctors advise avoiding spray tans during pregnancy. If you must get one, do it in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask if possible.

Absolutely no tanning pills!

This is something you should seriously consider. You may see pills in the market that claim to tan your skin when you drink them. These contain a very high dose of a food additive called `(canthaxanthin).` When too much of this gets into the body, it gets deposited in the skin and gives it a dark color.

`Canthaxanthin` is something that is approved for use in small amounts in foods. However, tanning pills contain much higher amounts than that approved dose. These pills can cause serious side effects such as a condition called `(canthaxanthin-induced retinopathy)`, which is the deposition of crystals of this chemical inside the eyes . These tanning pills are not approved in many countries of the world. They are not only safe for pregnant women, but for anyone.

If you have any questions about your skin during pregnancy, sun exposure, or hay tanning, it's best to talk to your doctor. He or she can help you choose what's best for you and your baby.