We love a sun kissed glow! If you’re pregnant and want a sun tan, you might be wondering what is safe to use to achieve that glow. Neither sun tanning nor tanning beds are recommended during pregnancy. Going to lay in a tanning bed or tanning in the sun expose the skin to harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer, and laying out in the hot sun in summer can be very uncomfortable when pregnant. Spray tans are also not great because you need to really avoid inhaling the spray. This is where self-tanning products come in and can be a good option.
What to look for in a pregnancy safe self tanner?
While most self tanners are considered safe for pregnant women, there are some precautions you should consider. When searching at self tanners that are safe during pregnancy, we look for products that are free of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and if possible contain only natural ingredients. While DHA hasn’t been tested enough on pregnant women, it’s best to avoid it just to be on the safe side. Some of the best pregnancy safe self tanners contain ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter to hydrate and nourish the skin. Additionally, you may also want to look for a product that’s free of parabens and other harsh chemicals that can be harmful during pregnancy.
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Lotion
It’s one of the best self tanners that will give you a nice and natural looking tan. The doesn’t have the usual fake tan smell you might think of from other self tanning lotions, but actually smells good and dries quickly.
The streak free tanning lotion is formulated with mainly organic ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and botanical extracts. If you have dry skin or also sensitive skin, this is a very moisturizing tanner.
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
This is the best self tanner I’ve used with a vegan formula, and it is also highly recommended for good reason. I’ve was using it for a long time because it is very easy to apply and gives me a streak free tan. It’s made with vegan ingredients and dried quickly. It’s best to use a mitt to apply it. There is a bit of the tanner smell but it didn’t bother me too much and really can’t complain about anything.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
Another classic among self tanners! There is aloe vera and coconut in the formulation for a smooth application. Some people have said it also smells like coconut a bit, which is a plus. It can give you a nice dark tan as if you laid out in the sun without the exposure.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
I still use these drops as a face tanner and can highly recommend it for a natural glow. You mix it in with your moisturizer and can put more drops if you want a darker tan. Because of that I think it works great for any skin tone. I got the darkest option so that I can get the most use out of the bottle. It’s also vegan and cruelty free.
Tanologist Express Self Tan Water
This is a self tan mist that you can just spray on your face and body and doesn’t need to be rinsed off. It has a pleasant smell and is refreshing when sprayed on. It can give you a great natural tan and if you spray more, the tan will be darker.
Tips for getting the best results when using a self tanner:
Test patch: To avoid allergic reactions it is always best to test it on a small part of your body first and make sure you don’t have a bad reaction.
Exfoliate: Before applying the self-tanner, it’s essential to exfoliate your skin. This will help remove any dead skin cells and create an even surface for the self-tanner to adhere to.
Moisturize: Moisturizing your skin before applying the self-tanner will help to prevent streaks and ensure an even, natural-looking tan. Focus on areas that are prone to dryness, such as the knees, elbows, and ankles.
Use a mitt: A self-tanning mitt will help you apply the product evenly and reduce the risk of streaks. Make sure to use a mitt specifically designed for self-tanning products.
Apply tanner in sections: To avoid missing any areas and to ensure an even application, it’s best to apply self-tanner in sections, such as the legs, arms, torso, and face. Start from the bottom and work your way up.
Blend well: Take the time to blend the self-tanner well into your skin, especially at the joints and around the edges of your body. This will help avoid any noticeable lines or patches.
Wait to dress: Wait at least 10-15 minutes before getting dressed after applying the self-tanner to avoid any transfer onto your clothing.
Avoid sweating: To prevent the self-tanner from fading or streaking, avoid sweating or getting wet for at least 6-8 hours after application.
We hope you found the perfect fit for your best self tanner during pregnancy. We know you might already have that pregnancy glow but a sun kissed look can enhance it even more!
