Tanning Beds While Breastfeeding - Is It Safe?

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If you are a breastfeeding mother, it is quite natural to think twice before undergoing any procedures, such as ones involving radiation-emitting devices. Hence, many mothers are concerned about using tanning beds while breastfeeding, fearing it may harm their little one.

If you love to have that amazing beach-like tan from the tanning bed but are worried about its possible risks to your newborn, then this post may address all your concerns.

Read on as we discuss the safety concerns, possible side effects, and a word of advice before you use tanning beds while breastfeeding.

About Tanning Beds

A tanning bed or a sun bed is a technological device that tans the skin artificially. A typical tanning bed emits 95% UVA and 5% UVB. The ultraviolet radiation produces an artificial tan. Most artificial tanning beds make use of several fluorescent lamps, which can emit high-intensity UVB rays that can have many side effects (1).

Types Of Tanning Beds

According to the intensity of UV rays on the lamp, there are different varieties of tanning beds available in the market:

• A typical home tanning bed consists of 15 to 28 lamps, where each lamp emits 100 watts power of UV rays.

• Tanning beds at salons comprise of 25 to 60 lamps, each of 120 to 200 watts.

• High-pressure beds are special models of tanning beds consisting of metal –halide gas lamps. These lamps emit a higher level of UVA rays. The Cobalt glass filter regulates the emission of the UV rays.
  

  Image: IStock

The tanning beds can be a stand-in or lie-down model. Most tanning beds consist of lamps on the top and bottom.

Point to consider

Do use self-tanners such as airbrush or spray-on tans. These contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which may be toxic for health if inhaled or administered (4).

How UV Rays Cause Skin Tanning

UV rays initiate the process of tanning in the human skin.

Melanin is an essential pigment of our skin, which handles skin coloration. The two types of UV rays UVA and UVB penetrate into the outer epidermis of the skin and harshly affect the pigmentation process.

Here are two activities of UV rays, to initiate tanning:

• The UVA rays oxidize the melanin, and the pigment undergoes a typical chemical reaction. After melanin gets exposed to the UVA rays, it turns darker and tans the skin.

• The UVB rays enhance the production of the skin pigment melanin. With increased melanin production, the skin turns darker, leading to tanning (2).

How Tanning Beds Do Skin Tanning

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Tanning beds utilize artificial lamps, to produce UV rays. The artificially emitted UV rays affect the pigmentation process and initiate skin tanning. The tanning beds of old emit UVB rays, which are extremely harmful to the body. With the intervention of the latest technology, modern tanning beds emit UVA rays, which initiate the process of skin tanning.

Safety Of Tanning Bed While Breastfeeding

Can you use a tanning bed during breastfeeding or lactation phase? Although there is no evidence to prove that tanning has any negative impact on breastfeeding mothers. But it is always advisable to cover up your nipples, before using a tanning bed. The high temperature of the tanning bed can induce dehydration in lactating mothers.

Additionally, the UV rays can increase the risks of skin wrinkling or cancer. So, stay away from the tanning bed and stay safe. If you do want to get a tan, a natural tan is the best possible alternative. Sit on your balcony or on the beach. But don’t forget skin care practices like carrying an umbrella, as excessive sun exposure can harm your skin.

Negative Effects Of Tanning Beds While Breastfeeding

Tanning beds initiate artificial tanning of the skin. Some of the potential risks of tanning beds typically include (5):

• Skin Cancer:

When the outer layer of the epidermis (skin) is exposed to UV rays, enzymes initiate to repair the skin damage. However, some of the enzymes work adversely and initiate the growth of cancerous cells such as melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. The deadliest form of skin cancer is prevalent and can occur at any age (1). According to the National Cancer Institute, around 2.2 percent of men and women will eventually be diagnosed with skin melanoma. If you are younger than 35 years, it is advised to avoid using tanning beds.

Did you know?

Tanning beds can increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24% (5).

• Eye Problems:

Image: Shutterstock

The UV rays in the tanning beds not only harm the skin but the eyes as well. It increases the risk of eye cancer or ocular melanoma in humans. Some individuals may encounter eye irritation after using tanning beds. Some other eye problems that can develop with use of tanning beds include inflammation of the cornea, photo conjunctivitis, and conjunctiva.

• Skin Aging And Wrinkling:

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Excessive exposure to UV rays can trigger the process of premature aging or photoaging and skin wrinkling. The skin may sag, and small dark spots may develop on your face.

Be watchful

Indoor and outdoor tanning can make your stretch marks appear more prominent (5).

• Hampers The Immune System:

Excessive UV exposure can hamper the functioning of the immune system. Your body may become less resistive against disease-producing germs and more vulnerable to diseases (3).

Advice For Breastfeeding Mothers Who Prefer To Use Tanning Beds

Although tanning does not have any negative impact on your breastfed child, there are few pieces of advice you need to know during the breastfeeding phase:

• Consult your doctor before you decide on a tan. Tanning increases the skin cancer risk. Your doctor may check your health condition and advise you about tanning.
  

  Image: IStock

• While using a tanning bed, breastfeeding mothers should never go topless. If the nipples are kept exposed to UV rays, they might get burnt. It could increase your discomfort while breastfeeding the baby.

• Stay hydrated and schedule your tanning during cooler parts of the day, ensuring a gap between nursing sessions.

• Breastfeeding with sunburn can further increase skin sensitivity and initiate extreme skin irritation. The mother may find it difficult to control the unbearable irritation.

• Many tanning salons recommend using a tanning solution before going to the tanning bed. Remember that you should not apply the tanning lotion around the nipples.

Infographic : Negative Effects Of Tanning Beds And Guidelines For Breastfeeding Mothers

While using tanning beds when breastfeeding may not directly affect you or your baby, tanning beds have certain drawbacks. So before you get that tan, look at this infographic, where we walk you through the negative effects and offer some valuable advice.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Is It Safe To Use Tanning Beds While Breastfeeding?

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Arushi AgrawalIBCLC

Arushi Agarwal is a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who started as a mom. She has four years of experience and currently works at Surya Hospital, Jaipur. Her struggles through the journey of breastfeeding led her to her mission of passionately creating awareness about the struggles of breastfeeding and the need for help.

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Jessica AlbertBE

Jessica Albert is a passionate writer who seeks to connect with her readers through wit and charm. Her work aims to invoke curiosity and keep the readers engaged through and through. She has two years of experience working with magazines and e-commerce establishments as a content marketer and editor.

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Rohit GarooBSc, MBA

Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech

Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

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