A guide to self-tanners, spray tans, and UV exposure for nursing mothers
As the weather warms up and more time is spent outdoors, many breastfeeding mothers start thinking about getting a sun-kissed glow. Whether it’s through self-tanning lotions, spray tans, or natural sun exposure, questions about safety often come up this time of year.
Wanting to feel confident in your skin is completely normal—but when you’re breastfeeding, it’s also natural to wonder how these choices might affect your baby. The good news is that most tanning methods do not pose a direct risk to breast milk, but the details (like how the product is used and how exposure occurs) do matter.
Here’s a clear, evidence-based breakdown of what we know, what we don’t, and how to approach tanning safely while breastfeeding.
Quick Answer
Yes. Most tanning methods are unlikely to affect breast milk. Self-tanning lotions are generally considered low risk during breastfeeding because systemic absorption is minimal. Spray tans introduce inhalation concerns, while tanning beds primarily pose risks to maternal skin health rather than breast milk. Avoid applying tanning products directly to the nipple or areola.
Self-Tanning Lotions and Creams
How they work
Most self-tanning products use dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a simple sugar that reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum). This reaction (called the Maillard reaction--Funny story…the Maillard reaction is also how you sear your steaks.) produces pigments that darken the skin’s surface, creating the appearance of a tan. Because this process occurs in dead skin cells, it does not involve deeper layers of the skin or systemic circulation [1, 2].
Safety during breastfeeding
DHA is approved by the FDA for external cosmetic use, and its systemic absorption is minimal. Since substances generally need to enter the bloodstream to transfer into breast milk, this limited absorption makes it unlikely that DHA would reach milk in meaningful amounts [3].
There are:
- No published studies showing DHA in human milk
- No reported cases of harm to breastfed infants from maternal use
For these reasons, topical self-tanners are considered low risk during breastfeeding. A reasonable approach is to use these products sparingly and thoughtfully
The one important exception: the breast area
Products applied to the nipple or areola can be transferred directly to the infant’s mouth. Unlike systemic exposure, this represents direct ingestion, which changes the risk profile.
Additionally, applying non-medical products to the breast has been associated with a higher risk of mastitis [4].
Recommendation:
- Avoid applying self-tanners to the breast, nipple, or areola
- If applied near the chest, wash thoroughly before feeding
Practical tips
- Apply to areas away from the breast (arms, legs, lower abdomen)
- Wash hands after application
- Allow product to fully dry before skin-to-skin contact
- Choose simple, fragrance-free formulations [5]
Use the lowest effective amount
Spray Tanning
The key difference: inhalation
Spray tans use the same active ingredient (DHA), but the route of exposure changes. When aerosolized, DHA can be inhaled into the lungs, which is not an FDA-approved route of use [1].
What We Know About Inhaled DHA
Laboratory studies suggest that inhaled DHA may:
- Disrupt airway function [6]
- Cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction [7, 8]
Lead to cellular and genetic changes at higher concentrations [9]
It’s important to note:
- These studies often use higher exposures than typical real-world use
- We do not have direct human outcome data
So…there is theoretical risk, but realistically the risk is small.
Practical guidance
If choosing spray tanning:
- Minimize inhalation (hold breath during application if possible)
- Use protective barriers (nose/mouth covering, eye protection)
- Ensure good ventilation
- Consider lotion-based alternatives instead
Bottom line: Fake tanning products are unlikely to result in breastfeeding issues.
UV Tanning: Sun Exposure and Tanning Beds
Does UV exposure affect breast milk?
There is no evidence that UV exposure changes breast milk composition or harms the infant through breastfeeding. UV radiation does not penetrate deeply enough to affect milk production or contents [10].
Sunscreen and breastfeeding
Some studies have detected UV filter chemicals in breast milk, reflecting overall exposure. However, estimated infant intake remains well below established safety thresholds.
For a more detailed, evidence-based review of sunscreen use during breastfeeding—including ingredient safety and practical recommendations—see the InfantRisk Center article:
https://infantrisk.com/content/sunscreen-smarts-breastfeeding-families
The bigger picture: maternal health risks
While UV tanning does not pose a breastfeeding-specific risk, it carries well-established risks for the mother:
- Skin cancer (including melanoma) [10, 11]
- Premature aging and DNA damage [10]
- Immune suppression [10]
Melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women of reproductive age, and its increasing incidence is closely linked to tanning behaviors [12].
A Practical Approach for Moms
If you’re considering tanning while breastfeeding:
Lowest risk options:
- Self-tanning lotions (used away from the breast)
Not recommended for maternal health concerns (but not a milk issue):
- UV tanning (sunbeds or excessive sun exposure)
The Bottom Line
Most tanning methods do not directly affect breast milk or pose a risk to the breastfed infant. The biggest considerations are:
- Avoid direct infant exposure (especially on the breast)
- Minimize inhalation risks with sprays
- Consider long-term maternal health risks with UV exposure
When in doubt, focus on route of exposure and clinical context—not just the product itself.
Katie Boatler, RN, BSN
Kaytlin Krutsch, PhD, PharmD, MBA, BCPS
References
1. Braunberger, T.L., et al., Dihydroxyacetone: A Review. J Drugs Dermatol, 2018. 17(4): p. 387-391.
2. Sun, Y., S. Lee, and L. Lin, Comparison of Color Development Kinetics of Tanning Reactions of Dihydroxyacetone with Free and Protected Basic Amino Acids. ACS Omega, 2022. 7(49): p. 45510-45517.
3. Spencer, J.P., S. Thomas, and R.H. Trondsen Pawlowski, Medication Safety in Breastfeeding. Am Fam Physician, 2022. 106(6): p. 638-644.
4. Kinlay, J.R., D.L. O'Connell, and S. Kinlay, Risk factors for mastitis in breastfeeding women: results of a prospective cohort study. Aust N Z J Public Health, 2001. 25(2): p. 115-20.
5. Marie, C., et al., Use of Cosmetic Products in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Young Children: Guidelines for Interventions during the Perinatal Period from the French National College of Midwives. J Midwifery Womens Health, 2022. 67 Suppl 1: p. S99-S112.
6. Wang, Y., et al., Assessing the respiratory toxicity of dihydroxyacetone using an in vitro human airway epithelial tissue model. Toxicol In Vitro, 2019. 59: p. 78-86.
7. Mehta, R., et al., Exogenous exposure to dihydroxyacetone mimics high fructose induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Environ Mol Mutagen, 2021. 62(3): p. 185-202.
8. Smith, K.R., et al., Dihydroxyacetone Exposure Alters NAD(P)H and Induces Mitochondrial Stress and Autophagy in HEK293T Cells. Chem Res Toxicol, 2019. 32(8): p. 1722-1731.
9. Hernandez, A., et al., Acute exposure to dihydroxyacetone promotes genotoxicity and chromosomal instability in lung, cardiac, and liver cell models. Toxicol Sci, 2024. 201(1): p. 85-102.
10. Greinert, R., et al., European Code against Cancer 4th Edition: Ultraviolet radiation and cancer. Cancer Epidemiol, 2015. 39 Suppl 1: p. S75-83.
11. Gapstur, S.M., et al., A blueprint for the primary prevention of cancer: Targeting established, modifiable risk factors. CA Cancer J Clin, 2018. 68(6): p. 446-470.
12. Lens, M. and V. Bataille, Melanoma in relation to reproductive and hormonal factors in women: current review on controversial issues. Cancer Causes Control, 2008. 19(5): p. 437-42.
