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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think about using a sunbed when pregnant?

78 replies

coffeeforone · 20/04/2018 15:59

Just that really. I’m almost 18 weeks and have a couple of summer holidays to Spain. Despite the risks which I am fully aware of, I would usually have a few short sessions in the few weeks leading up as I have found it really helps prevent prickly heat, and a ‘base tan’ prevents my skin burning in the sun.

I’ve read that skin can me more sensitive when pregnant which is why it’s not advised so obviously I’d go on for the minimum time and stop if there was any sign of an adverse reaction.

Has anyone else considered using a sunbed when pregnant?

OP posts:
Original poster
coffeeforone · 20/04/2018 16:25

What's wrong with a spray tan??

I'm really not a fan of fake tan on myself (I've tried a fair few, professional & DIY), though it does took good on others. I'd personally rather stay pale than fake it.

Thanks all - it seems IADBU - I won't consider it further. Does anyone have any tips to prevent prickly heat? That's my biggest concern really as I can of course use a very high SPF to stop any sunburn on 'winter skin'.

OP posts:
InTheRoseGarden · 20/04/2018 16:26

Please don't

Mousefunky · 20/04/2018 16:26

No way, I’m surprised they aren’t illegal. My DM was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, she was told that it almost definitely was due to her sunbed use in the past (before the risks were known). Luckily it was caught early and she is fine but I’m honestly astounded sunbeds still exist. Get a spray tan.

QueenOfMyWorld · 20/04/2018 16:27

Fake tan is safe but sunbeds arent

QueenAravisOfArchenland · 20/04/2018 16:27

You'd be off your fucking head to do it. You won't be able to tell if you've had a bad reaction (and how much worse it has affected your skin that it would normally) until afterwards.

Also a "base tan" doesn't protect you. It's just damage. You clearly don't protect yourself on holiday with a high enough factor, enough sunscreen and covering up.

Dragongirl10 · 20/04/2018 16:28

Just no.

mistermagpie · 20/04/2018 16:28

I used to use sunbeds because I was an idiot, I remember the girl in the shop (who went on daily and was mahogany) got pregnant and was moaning that she couldn't use the beds anymore. If even she wouldn't do it then that tells you something.

ClareB83 · 20/04/2018 16:29

My mum used to suffer terribly with prickly heat but found hypoallergenic sunscreen was a total game changer. She used to have to get it on special order but it's very common now.

Also not overheating at night helped and using sensitive skin products in general including laundry detergent.

QueenAravisOfArchenland · 20/04/2018 16:31

Does anyone have any tips to prevent prickly heat?

Wear loose, natural fibres, drink plenty of water, avoid being out at midday and stay in the shade. You'll be significantly more prone to overheat while pregnant so all of that is good to do anyway.

Neverender · 20/04/2018 16:31

Definitely not. My friend died of cancer when her DS was 10wks old.

Neverender · 20/04/2018 16:32

DH gets prickly heat. Last holiday he totally avoided the pool and he was fine.

HildaZelda · 20/04/2018 16:34

I wouldn't use them ever, let alone while pregnant.
You're saying you won't get a spray because you don't want a 'fake' tan. Sunbed tans are fake too you know.

Alicatz66 · 20/04/2018 16:34

La Roche -Posay sun creams are brilliant. My daughter was getting prickly heat and tear sorted it out .. I'm 51 and was getting pigmentation in my face ... but not a bit with this range .. it's fabulous.. in Boots and online on loads of websites .. Look Fantastic etc xx

Alicatz66 · 20/04/2018 16:35

Oops . Sorry for typos !!

Idontbelieveinthemoon · 20/04/2018 16:37

DH gets prickly heat, too, and LRP that Alicatz has mentioned is brilliant.

The DCs and I don't get prickly heat but we use the LRP Anthelios SPF's too as they're great for sensitive skin.

ittakes2 · 20/04/2018 16:38

Please don't use a sunbed while pregnant - for the baby's sake! I'ver read when I was pregnant that heating up a womb during a certain phase could lead to less symmetrical facial features. I even avoided a hot laptop next to my stomach during my pregnancy. But you need to remember these are invisible rays - they enter your body - stay too long on one and they microwave your internal organs. That's why some people who ignore safety rules of how long and how many times in a week it is safe to use them - have sadly gotten either sick or died.

aaarrrggghhhh · 20/04/2018 16:41

"a ‘base tan’ prevents my skin burning in the sun"

You can't really think that can you. Your base tan is just a "base" of already damaged skin.

Literally all that you are doing on a sunbed is damaging your skin.

PerfectlyDone · 20/04/2018 16:41

What does pregnancy have got to do with it?! Confused

Sunbeds cause premature skin-ageing - there, that's stopped you in your tracks, hasn't it? Grin

I have no idea why they remain legal. They kill, pregnant or not.
Hmm

Original poster
coffeeforone · 20/04/2018 16:42

Thanks for the recommendation - I have just ordered La Roche-Posay SPF 50 Lotion from Lookfantastic. Will arrive tomorrow so i can test it in the garden this weekend!

OP posts:
PerfectlyDone · 20/04/2018 16:42

"a ‘base tan’ prevents my skin burning in the sun"

Yeah, just like how African skinned people don't get skin cancer.
Oh, wait.... Hmm

Honestly, inform yourself! For the sake of your future child.

PoorYorick · 20/04/2018 16:43

Don't.

Ollivander84 · 20/04/2018 16:43

Magicool spray is good (I have cholinergic urticaria which is like prickly heat on steroids!)
They do a normal one too but this is the prickly heat one https://www.pharmacyfirst.co.uk/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/8036/s/magicool-plus-prickly-heat-150ml-magc444383957/?utmsource=AWin&utmmedium=banner&utmcampaign=Affiliates&awc=36431524238978_d42a8fccd1d68222bf670ad929527075

Mivery · 20/04/2018 16:44

You shouldn't use one period, let alone while pregnant. You can deal with being pale.

Original poster
coffeeforone · 20/04/2018 16:57

Just to respond to a few of the comments from multiple users, I am aware of sunbed risks, skin cancer being the main one. I was just asking if there were additional pregnancy specific risks. For example, I wasn't awake of the chloasma/pigmentation risk that one poster mentioned, and a few other posts that made me realise IWBU.

When i say 'base tan' of course I know that this is still skin damage. By 'sunburn' I mean redness/peeling skin and tightness/discomfort caused by the sun.

OP posts: