Function

• Self-tanners are available as lotions, gels, sprays and foams and are applied to the skin to darken it. They are an alternative to tanning beds or natural ultraviolet ray exposure.
  
  

Ingredients

• The active ingredient in self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which comes from plant sources such as beets and sugar cane. Most over-the-counter self-tanning products contain approximately 3 to 5 percent DHA.
  
  

Safety

• According to the American Pregnancy Association, self-tanners are considered safe for use during pregnancy. The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists states that there is no published information that suggests the use of self-tanners while pregnant causes birth defects.
  
  

Speculation

• It is estimated that .5 percent of the DHA in self-tanners penetrates the skin and is absorbed into the bloodstream, according to the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. There is currently no information on whether it is able to cross the placenta and enter the baby's circulation.
  
  

Warning

• Pregnant women who are considering a using a commercial self-tanning booth should request protective measures to cover the eyes, mouth and nose to prevent inhaling the chemical spray. DHA is limited by the FDA to external application only, which may be difficult during a spray tan application.