You may already be frustrated that you've had to temporarily give up the sushi and soft cheese if you're expecting a little one, but do you have to give up your beloved golden glow too?
It's one of the most-asked tanning questions we get from expectant mothers here at Skinny Tan HQ, so let's set the record straight... Is it safe to fake tan when you're pregnant or breastfeeding?
Although it's recommended that you ditch many skincare ingredients while there's a baby on board, the good news is that you don't have to stop applying your favourite fake tan. Yes, you can still fake tan while you're pregnant or breastfeeding!
According to the NHS website: "The active ingredient in fake tan is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This is a non-toxic substance that reacts with cells in the outermost layer of the skin and produces a brown pigment (colour) called melanoidin. As the DHA isn't thought to go beyond the outer layer of skin, it isn't absorbed into the body and can't harm your baby."
All Skinny Tan products are vegan friendly, cruelty-free and made with up to 99% naturally derived ingredients, so you can be safe in the knowledge they'll look after your skin throughout pregnancy and beyond.
However, we'd always recommend you regularly patch test your favourite tans to ensure you don't experience an allergic reaction. This can happen because the changes in your hormone levels can make your skin more sensitive than normal, so before jumping into your usual routine it's a good idea to apply a little and monitor for any unexpected reactions.
We know your sense of smell can also be heightened during pregnancy, and some fake tans can be a little overwhelming. The great news is that every single one of our tanners is formulated with a beautiful and subtle scent - no biscuit smell, ever!
ONE TO AVOID: NOTOX DREAM SERUM
Although our face and body tanners are all absolutely safe to use during pregnancy, it's recommended to avoid the skincare ingredient Retinol. Our Notox Dream Serum is specially formulated with this powerhouse ingredient to target signs of ageing and help improve skin texture; Retinol helps to exfoliate the skin, increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen - but you'll want to skip this one while you have a bun in the oven, just in case.
THREE PREGNANCY SAFE TANS TO TRY
1. Wonder Serum: When tanning meets skincare! Our top-rated Wonder Serum contains Q10 and Vitamin E, which works as a full body anti-aging skincare treatment that is perfect for your mature or dry skin. The stunning iridescent guide colour allows you to see where the tan has been applied, while blurring redness and imperfections instantly and as the tan develops. Simply wash off after 6-8 hours to reveal a gorgeous natural looking tan that everyone’s been raving about!
2. 1 Hour Express Tanning Mousse: Customise your result with our fastest and darkest tan! Our 1 Hour Express Tanning Mousse combines the best self-tanning actives and skin nourishing ingredients to help deliver your deepest colour in the fastest time - without compromising your skin. Quick and easy to use (with a tinted guide colour allowing you to see where you've applied the tan,) the rich velvety mousse glides effortlessly onto the skin and develops into a streak-free tan in as little as ONE hour.
3. Notox Face Tanning Drops: Time to customise your glow! Build a gorgeous, natural looking face tan all year round with our Notox Face Tanning Drops, filled with nourishing ingredients to build a healthy, natural-looking face tan! The easy-to-use dropper allows you to simply add a few drops to any of your favourite skincare to turn it into a gradual tanner. The more drops you use, the more you’ll glow! Formulated with hydrating Guarana and Aloe Vera, they're your newest essential in your face tanning routine.