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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Spray Tan Guide

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Is Spray Tan Safe During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding?

Spray tanning is generally considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as the tanning agent (DHA) reacts only with the top layer of your skin and does not enter the bloodstream. However, spray tanning is not recommended during the first trimester due to a lack of research. If you wish, you can always consult your GP or midwife before your appointment.

Your hormones also change continuously during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and this can affect how your skin absorbs the spray tan. This means your tan may:

  • Develop lighter than usual

  • Develop slightly darker

  • Become patchy in rare cases

If your skin absorbs less and you go lighter or patchy, I always offer a free respray to help you achieve an even result.
If your skin absorbs more and you turn darker, there is unfortunately nothing I can apply afterwards to lighten it, this is very rare, and in such cases a couple of warm showers usually helps. I always prefer to stay on the safe side, offer extra care, and provide a free respray if needed, rather than hear “my tan is too dark, what do I do?”

Your comfort and safety always come first.

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During Your Appointment

For Pregnant Clients

  • I provide a face mask or nose plug if preferred. The face is always tanned at the end to minimise inhalation.

  • You may stand in positions comfortable for you, your comfort matters more than anything. We can do break anytime you need.

For Breastfeeding Clients

  • You may tan in your bra or stick-on bra to cover the nipples.

  • I also offer nipple covers for full protection.

  • Until your first rinse, avoid skin-to-skin feeding, as the bronzer may transfer to the baby.

  • I always try to use a rapid rinse solution to make the waiting time shorter and more comfortable.

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Before Care

1 Week Before Your Tan

✔ Avoid all self-tanners or gradual tans
✔ Exfoliate your full body at least once
✔ Moisturise daily using light, skin-friendly lotions
✔ Choose natural seed-based oils such as jojoba, argan, almond
✔ Avoid mineral oil, petroleum jelly or paraffinum liquidum - they sit on the skin and slow absorption

✔ If sunburnt or peeling recently, reschedule (skin needs 4–6 weeks to heal) - Spray tan and sun damaged skin do not mix. 

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24 Hours Before Your Appointment

✔ Complete all beauty treatments (facials, massage, lashes, brows, nails)
If your lashes or brows appoitment is same day as spray tan appoitment - check with technicians about lash glue or tint compatibility; if unsure, I can skip the face and you can use Spritz Tanning Water at home.

Shaving & Waxing

  • Shave 24 hours before your appointment

  • Wax 48 hours before

  • Avoid shaving right before your session, as irritated skin and disrupted pH can affect your final colour

✔ Exfoliate thoroughly

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How to Exfoliate Correctly (The Night Before)

✔ Take a warm bath for 20–30 minutes
✔ Shave during or after the bath
✔ Gently buff skin in circular motions using an exfoliating glove
✔ Avoid scrubs containing oils or silicone
✔ Dry with a towel - if dead skin rolls off, exfoliate again

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On the Day of Your Appointment

✔ Shower 4+ hours before your session (not right before because it may affect on your pH level)
✔ Do not apply perfume, deodorant, lotion or makeup
✔ Wear loose clothing - baggy T-shirt and joggers/pyjamas
✔ Avoid leggings, jeans, and strappy tops
✔ Bring an umbrella if it’s raining

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Aftercare

Your spray tan takes up to 24 hours to fully develop and looks its best after 2 days. Even rapid tans need time to settle into their final tone.

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Your First Rinse

✔ Use lukewarm water only - no soap
✔ Glide hands gently over skin, starting from your feet to avoid streaks
✔ Rinse for up to 2 minutes until water runs clear
✔ Pat dry, do not rub
✔ Do not use lotion or makeup immediately afterwards
 

24 Hours After Your Tan

✔ Have your second shower with shower gel to remove all bronzer residue
✔ Now safe to wear white/light clothing 
✔ Start using a spray tan–friendly moisturiser daily (available to purchase on appoitment)
✔ Avoid moisturisers with heavy mineral oil - they break the tan down faster (please check lotions which you have at home, most of mass production lotions contains mineral oil or petronelum jelly/ paraffinum liquidum)

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If Your Tan Is for Labour Day

I recommend purchasing a tan remover at your appointment. After giving birth, your skin shrinks back and in some cases the tan may cling longer than usual. This can happen due to hormonal shifts and rapid skin changes. A tan remover will help the tan fade evenly.

©2021 by SPRAY TAN LEICESTER. 

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