Pregnancy can bring plenty of changes to your body, so it’s completely understandable if you’re looking for a little confidence boost before a baby shower, gender reveal, maternity photoshoot or another special occasion.

But is it safe to have a spray tan while pregnant?

Although fake tan lotions and creams are generally considered safe during pregnancy, the NHS advises avoiding spray tans because the effects of inhaling the tanning mist are still unknown. If you are considering any tanning treatment while pregnant, speak to your midwife or healthcare professional first.

What Is a Spray Tan?

A spray tan creates a temporary, sun-kissed colour without exposing your skin to ultraviolet radiation.

Most spray tan solutions contain an active tanning ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, usually shortened to DHA. It reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin, gradually creating a bronzed appearance.

Because the colour develops on the surface of the skin, a spray tan does not stimulate your natural melanin in the same way as UV tanning. It also doesn’t protect your skin from the sun, so you will still need to use suitable broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Is DHA Safe During Pregnancy?

DHA is generally considered safe when used topically in fake tan creams, lotions and mousses. It works mainly within the outermost layer of the skin and is not thought to be absorbed deeply into the body.

However, a professional spray tan creates a fine mist that may be inhaled or come into contact with the eyes, nose and mouth. There is currently limited evidence about the effects of inhaling spray tanning ingredients during pregnancy.

For that reason, NHS guidance recommends choosing a fake tan cream or lotion instead of a spray tan while pregnant.

Can You Have a Spray Tan After 12 Weeks of Pregnancy?

You may have heard that spray tanning is safe after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, no established medical guideline confirms that spray tans become risk-free after the first trimester.

Some salons choose not to offer spray tans during the first 12 weeks as an extra precaution, but waiting until after this point does not resolve the uncertainty around inhalation.

If you would still like to consider a spray tan after 12 weeks, discuss it with your midwife or healthcare professional and check the salon’s pregnancy policy before booking.

Can Pregnancy Affect Your Tan?

Pregnancy hormones can affect your skin in several ways. You may find that your skin becomes:

• More sensitive than usual
• Drier or oilier
• More prone to irritation
• Uneven in pigmentation
• More reactive to products you have previously used

These changes mean that a tanning product may develop differently or produce a lighter, darker or less even result than expected.

Always carry out a patch test at least 24–48 hours beforehand, even if you have used the same product before pregnancy. Stop using the product if you experience itching, swelling, discomfort or irritation.

What Is the Safest Fake Tan Option During Pregnancy?

If your midwife or healthcare professional is happy for you to use fake tan, a lotion, mousse, or cream is generally the safer option because it can be applied directly to the skin without creating an airborne mist.

When applying fake tan during pregnancy:

• Read the product instructions and ingredients carefully
• Complete a patch test before every application
• Apply it in a well-ventilated room
• Avoid your eyes, lips, nose and broken or irritated skin
• Wash your hands thoroughly after application
• Stop immediately if your skin becomes irritated
• Ask someone to help if bending or reaching has become uncomfortable

You should also avoid tanning tablets and unlicensed tanning injections, nasal sprays, or similar products. These products are very different from cosmetic fake tan and may pose serious health risks.

Does Fake Tan Protect Your Skin from the Sun?

No. A spray tan or self-tanning product changes the appearance of your skin but does not reliably protect against UV radiation.

Continue using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest part of the day, and follow normal sun-safety guidance—even if your fake tan makes your skin look naturally bronzed.

Pregnant Spray Tan FAQs

1) Is fake tan safe during pregnancy?

Fake tan creams, lotions and mousses are generally considered safe during pregnancy when used as directed. However, pregnancy may make your skin more sensitive, so always complete a patch test first.

2) Is it safe to inhale spray tan while pregnant?

The effects of inhaling spray tan mist during pregnancy are not known. Current NHS guidance therefore recommends avoiding spray tans and choosing a cream or lotion instead.

3) Can I have a spray tan during my first trimester?

Many salons will not provide a spray tan during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. More importantly, uncertainty about inhaling tanning mist applies throughout pregnancy, not only during the first trimester.

4) Will pregnancy change my fake tan result?

It can. Hormonal changes may make your skin more sensitive or affect how evenly the colour develops. A patch test can help you check how your skin responds before applying the full tan.

5) Can I breastfeed after using fake tan?

Avoid applying fake tan to the nipple and surrounding area while breastfeeding, as your baby may ingest the product or come into direct contact with it. If you’re unsure, ask your midwife or health visitor.

Enjoy Your Glow with Confidence

At The Tan Boutique in Essex, we want every client to feel confident, comfortable and properly informed.

If you are pregnant, we recommend speaking to your midwife or healthcare professional before booking a tanning treatment. If a spray tan is not suitable, a carefully applied self-tanning lotion or mousse may offer an alternative way to enjoy a natural-looking glow without UV exposure or airborne tanning mist.

Please contact our team before booking if you have any questions about our products, patch testing or our pregnancy policy.