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Expert Q&A
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| By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program | ||
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My daughter is pregnant and uses self-tanning lotions. Is this safe?
All sun exposure (pregnant or not) increases the risk of skin cancer and prematurely wrinkled skin, but skin is not more susceptible to damage from UV light during pregnancy. However, there are hormones, such as estrogen and a melanocyte stimulating hormone, which are increased in pregnancy. This is the cause of melasma (a darkening of the facial skin) and the linea nigra (a dark line which develops in the midline of the lower abdomen). Sun exposure may worsen these conditions.
Self-tanning lotions contain dihydoxyacetone. While there are no controlled studies on the effect of this chemical on pregnant women, its safety is unknown. In a situation where we haven't established the safety of a medication during pregnancy, I usually recommend not using it unless the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk. In this case, it would be hard to argue that a tan would be worth the potential problems.
It would be prudent to practice skin safety as usual during pregnancy: cover skin when possible, use sunscreen liberally and reduce sun exposure during peak UV times."
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