Can you go tanning while breastfeeding? We’re glad you asked. Let’s think about this logically.
Since the dawn of humanity, women have had responsibilities beyond childcare. Some of these activities required them to spend time outdoors, which isn’t technically tanning but would have exposed them to UV rays. Did their babies suffer as a result? Apparently not – any well-nourished mother is able to produce healthy breast milk for her child whether or not she has tanned skin.
Of course, what you drink and eat can pass through to breast milk and on to the baby. Any nursing mother who has consumed too much caffeine can end up with a cranky baby. And the baby may refuse breast milk if it tastes like garlic or broccoli (1). But tanning doesn’t penetrate past the skin and doesn’t affect breast milk. We invite you to check with your doctor and verify what we have to say.
So, that’s the good news. Soaking up the rays won’t affect breastfeeding.
Still, there are a few things to watch out for.
For example, if you tan with lotion, you’ll want to review the ingredients of that tanning product. At a minimum, don’t tan with tingle lotions as you may not be able to wash them off properly before having close contact with your baby. They could burn your baby’s skin.
Also, it’s a good idea to choose a tanning lotion made for sensitive skin as your own skin may be more susceptible after all the ups and downs of the hormones.
Hypoallergenic indoor tanning lotion
Hempz Dark Tan Maximizer, Hypoallergenic
There’s nothing labeled as a breastfeeding-safe tanning lotion, but this one seems to fit the bill. It contains no parabens that could mess with your or your baby’s endocrine system. It has no gluten, nuts, or artificial colors. However, it was challenging to find the ingredients listed online. We relied on the information provided by the manufacturer and the SkinSAFE review.
What’s nice is that it has no strong scent yet it still prevents the after tanning odor. It’s extra moisturizing for dry skin and sinks in quickly, leaving the skin smooth and soft, never sticky or greasy.
The formula is enriched with hemp seed oil, oatmeal, and mango seed butter to soothe the skin. Plus, it has a Dark Tanning Blend of ingredients that help the skin produce plenty of melanin for a deeper tan.
Can you use tanning lotion while breastfeeding?
Yes, breastfeeding mothers can use tanning lotion just like any other lotion. We’d recommend washing it off the nipples at mealtime, though. It may not be very tasty and could contain ingredients that aren’t healthy for your little one (2).
Still, it’s smart to use tanning lotion that has fewer allergens like this one:
The It List, Hypoallergenic and Vegan Tanning Lotion
It’s free of gluten, wheat, nuts, parabens, and oils. It does have an artificial fragrance, however. It’s called Royal Ivy Orchid and most reviewers seem to enjoy the soft scent.
Experienced tanners love this lotion because it doesn’t have bronzers yet it. It maximizes every minute in the sun but it won’t look blotchy or streaky. The color you achieve is all your own. That vacation glow you’ve been longing for is only two or three sessions away.
Is there any danger in tanning while breastfeeding?
Actually, there is something you should be aware of if you tan topless. Sunburned nipples are absolutely painful. Whether you tan indoors or outside, it’s a great idea to protect the nipples with sunscreen, pasties, or a towel (3).
Yes, you can wear sunscreen in a tanning bed as long as it doesn’t contain mineral oil. Use a safe and effective sunscreen for sensitive skin like the one below:
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
This mineral-based sunscreen provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. It protects against sunburn and skin cancer.
It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect harmful rays. There are no UV-absorbing chemicals, making it a reef-safe sunscreen that you can take on vacation to Hawaii.
What’s more, it’s designed for sensitive skin, which is exactly what nipples are. It features three essential ceramides that seal in moisture and keep the skin healthy.
The formula has been allergy-tested and it’s non-comedogenic, too. It’s even mild enough for children to use.
Is there a downside? Mineral-based sunscreens tend to leave a white cast on dark-colored skin.
What about spray tanning while breastfeeding?
Can you fake tan while breastfeeding? Yes, you can, if you consider two things.
First, allow the tanning product to completely dry before holding or nursing your baby. Give it at least half an hour. You don’t want to be one of those who accidentally got fake tan on the baby!
Second, don’t spray tan with your baby present in the room. Although the active ingredient in fake tan is safe for the skin, it is not safe to breathe in (4).
DHA, dihydroxyacetone, is the ingredient in spray tan and sunless tanning products that bronzes the skin. It’s a sugar that reacts with the amino acids on the surface of the skin, causing it to darken just like an apple that you’ve sliced turns brown. It only affects the surface of the skin.
If you’re still concerned about exposing your baby to DHA, don’t fake tan your nipples. They tend to turn funny colors anyway, so the spray tech will suggest covering them with barrier cream or a sticker.
If you’re curious, it takes DHA about eight hours to reach the maximum darkness each time you spray tan. If you can avoid washing your skin for that long, you’ll get the most from each session. Then, the color fades gradually just like a real tan within a few days to a week.
VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion
It’s easy to self tan at home with lotion like this. You don’t need to visit a salon or wait a long time for your skin to dry. Each day you use it, it deepens the color little by little, naturally, as if you were going tanning. What’s nice is that even one application provides color that lasts four to seven days.
Moreover, this is a very moisturizing lotion that’s ideal for dry and sensitive skin. It’s packed with organic healing and nourishing ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and grape seed. It might even help with stretch marks!
We love the fact that it’s free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and other harmful ingredients. It’s even mild enough for the face.
But wait there’s one more awesome detail – it has Odor Remove Technology. It prevents the toasty odor from self tanning. No wonder Allure gave it the Best of Beauty Award in 2020.
How do you self tan while breastfeeding?
With a newborn, it’s tricky to have time to yourself. That’s why we suggest sunless tanning products that are quick and easy to use.
For example, when you shower, take an extra minute to exfoliate. The kit below has an exfoliation mitt to help you do the job in record time.
Exfoliation is the key to having a flawless fake tan. Otherwise, the product sinks into the dry spots and turns them darker.
Next, while the baby is down for a nap, grab the lotion and applicator mitt. The mitt ensures perfect coverage without getting your hands stained. It saves time, too.
Finally, stand in front of a fan or walk around for five minutes while the lotion sinks in. Try your best not to sweat or get wet for the next few hours so that the fake tan will turn out perfect. On the bright side, the gradual tanning lotion works little by little so that you can easily fix any uneven spots by the next day.
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Bundle with Applicator
This kit comes with an organic self tanning lotion that has a non-toxic rating on the EWG Skin Deep Database. It smooths and moisturizes the skin while it builds a beautiful bronze. Plus, it’s fortified with antioxidants and plant extracts that keep the skin healthy and young-looking.
Besides the lotion, there’s an exfoliating mitt and an applicator mitt. Each is packaged in a zippered waterproof pouch in case you’re traveling or at the gym.
Reviewers say the lotion isn’t tinted brown so it doesn’t stain clothing or sheets. It has a lovely natural vanilla coconut fragrance. The scent helps mask the typical self tanning odor that lasts for a few hours after applying it.
Can you tan outdoors while breastfeeding?
We’re sure you’re aware that it’s essential to keep your baby in the shade and protect him from getting overheated. If you plan to tan outdoors, we trust that your little one will be well-defended and hydrated. Should you need to spend a little time with him out in the sun, try a safe and effective sunscreen like the one below. Hint: it’s great for protecting nipples from sunburn, too.
Baby Sunscreen from Thinkbaby, Safe, Water Resistant Sunscreen, SPF 50+
This is the first baby sunscreen to pass the Whole Foods Premium Care requirements. Furthermore, it’s rated as safest on the EWG Skin Deep Database as it’s non-toxic and mild to the skin. There are no parabens, gluten, or other toxic chemicals in it.
It’s also friendly to the environment as it’s biodegradable and it contains no ingredients that could harm wildlife in the waterways.
This mineral-based sunscreen rubs in quickly and has no scent or sticky residue. It provides an excellent defense against sunburn, plus, it’s water-resistant for up to eighty minutes. Just remember to apply it at least fifteen minutes before going outside, and reapply when necessary.
Remember your tanning lotion or sunscreen as well.
Millennium Tanning Solid Black Hypoallergenic Tan Maximizer
Why do you need tanning lotion for tanning? Well, you don’t – but tanning lotion offers benefits that counteract some of the damage that the sun can inflict.
For example, indoor tanning lotion moisturizes the skin, and adequately hydrated skin tans better and retains color for longer.
Next, tanning lotion features antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that cause premature aging. It can’t completely prevent wrinkles, but it helps.
Lastly, the lotion tends to include tanning intensifiers and maximizers that stimulate melanin production. It leads to a deeper tan faster.
Take this one, for example. It’s the hypoallergenic version of one of the all-time favorite indoor tanning lotions. It’s made for sensitive skin as it’s free of gluten, parabens, and nuts.
It has ingredients that tone and energize the skin, like green tea and caffeine. It also provides rich moisture with hemp seed oil and cocoa butter.
Devoted Creations #TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter
Here’s one more hypoallergenic tanning lotion that you can use indoors or outside. Please remember that these tanning lotions do not provide any sunscreen whatsoever.
This one has no bronzer, so it won’t hide that winter pale skin. But this means you won’t stain towels or clothes and the tan you get is all natural.
It’s formulated for sensitive skin, plus it has tattoo protection. It keeps ink from fading and may even make it a little brighter. That’s because it’s ultra-moisturizing and packed with anti-aging benefits.
For instance, it has Advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6, a proven ingredient that firms the skin. Then, there’s RevitaFit as well as other miracle workers that reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Users say it has a pleasant scent even after tanning. Those with sensitive and acne-prone skin are pleased with how well it works without causing any reactions.
Conclusion
We’re happy you stopped by to learn about tanning while breastfeeding. It can be a little scary sometimes when you want to do your best for your baby and aren’t sure if certain things are safe. It’s a great idea to speak to your doctor or your baby’s doctor about your concerns.
In the meantime, we hope our article helped you find the answers you need. Enjoy your sun-kissed glow whether it comes from a bottle, a tanning bed, or Nature itself. It may give you a little boost of happiness and confidence.
Sources:
1. https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/keeping-breast-milk-safe-and-healthy.aspx Keeping Breast Milk Safe And Healthy, accessed August 2, 2021
2. https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/health-and-safety/is-it-safe-to-use-self-tanning-lotions-or-tanning-beds-durin_1127909#:~:text=The%20good%20news%20is%20that,t%20harm%20your%20developing%20baby. Is it safe to use self-tanning lotions or tanning beds during pregnancy? by Sandra Johnson, M.D., FAAD, dermatologist, accessed July 30, 2021
3. https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/tanning-beds-fake-tans/ by La Leche League International, accessed August 2, 2021
4. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dihydroxyacetone/ Dihydroxyacetone, by Vanessa Ngan, published 2002, accessed August 2, 2021