• +44 (0) 844 561 7967
  • headoffice@touchwoodpharmacy.com
  • Log In / Register
  • My Account
Touchwood Pharmacy
Close
  • Branch Locator
  • Repeat Ordering
  • Travel Clinic
  • Botox
  • Allergy Testing
  • Vaccination
  • Branch Locator
  • Repeat Ordering
  • Travel Clinic
  • Botox
  • Allergy Testing
  • Vaccination
    • Meningitis
    • Chickenpox
    • Shingles
    • HPV
Welcome Guest!
Menu
  • Repeat Ordering
  • Travel Clinic
  • Botox
  • Services
    • Home
    • Branch Locator
    • Care Homes
    • Eps Nomination
    • Health Centre
      • A - z Health
      • Live Well
      • Health Guide
      • Common Health Questions
      • Health News
    • Travel Clinic
    • Prescriptions
    • Services
      • Bromley
      • Streatham
      • Northampton
      • Ramsgate
    • Home
    • Health Centre
    • Common Health Questions

    « Back

    NHS website - Is it safe to use fake tan during pregnancy?

    Is it safe to use fake tan during pregnancy?

    It's generally considered safe to use fake tan creams and lotions during pregnancy, but it's probably best to avoid spray tans, because the effects of inhaling the spray are not known.

    The active ingredient in fake tan is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This is a non-toxic substance that reacts with cells in the outermost layer of the skin and produces a brown pigment (colour) called melanoidin. As the DHA isn't thought to go beyond the outer layer of skin, it isn't absorbed into the body and can't harm your baby.

    Even though there are no known risks to your baby from using fake tans during pregnancy, there is a risk you could have an allergic reaction to them. This can happen because the changes in your hormone levels can make your skin more sensitive than normal. If you do use fake tan, always test the product on a small area of skin first, to see if you have a reaction.

    Tanning pills are banned in the UK and should not be used by anyone, including pregnant women. They contain large quantities of beta-carotene or canthaxanthin, which are commonly used as food colourings and can be toxic to an unborn baby. Other side effects may include hepatitis and damage to the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye).

    Further information:

    • Are sunbeds safe to use during pregnancy?
    • Summer health
    • Your pregnancy and baby guide

    Online Doctor

    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Impotence
    • Weight loss & management
    • Stop smoking
    • Influenza

    View all

    Repeat Prescription Service

    An easy way to manage your Repeat Prescription online.

    • Free Registration
    • Auto reminder service
    • Free Delivery

    Register

    Common Health Questions

      • NHS video wall with stroke, diabetes, and kidney and heart?
      • Your health, your way. Your NHS guide to long-term conditions and self care?
    Read More
      • Can I take cough and cold remedies while I'm breastfeeding?
      • Can I take paracetamol or ibuprofen with cough or cold medicines?
    Read More

    Subscribe to keep up to date with latest news, offers and much more

    Company

    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Customer Service

    • My Account
    • Returns
    • Delivery Information
    • Privacy Policy

    Links

    • Botox
    • Blog
    • Allergy Testing
    • Branch locator
    • Travel Clinic
    • Site map

    Travel Clinic

    • Streatham
    • Sydenham
    • Northolt
    • Northampton
    • Camberley

    Yellow Fever

    • Northampton
    • Streatham
    • Northolt

    Subscribe to our newsletter


    Online Pharmacy Logo
    What is this?
    © 2015 Touchwood Pharmacy. All Rights Reserved.
    Created by Haarty Hanks
    This site uses cookies. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy, Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
    Accept More information