Pregnancy can make for a confusing circumstance when it comes to the use of our favourite beauty products and treatments. In a bid to stick to safe, non-toxic ingredients only, women are left to re-evaluate what is going in (and on) their bodies. LYCON’s Lydia Jordane believes regular faux tan use is achievable for mothers-to-be, and answers a few of our burning questions on the topic below.
What measures can a salon take to best prepare to welcome a pregnant client booked in for a spray tan?
“Have things ready for them, such as disposable G-string, sticky feet and maybe a breast tube in case they want to be more modest. Always greet them with a happy and warm welcome. If it is their first time, briefly explain the process. Give them time and privacy to prepare for the spray tan.”
Is there anything a pregnant client should be instructed to do in preparation for her spray tan?
“We recommend that they exfoliate all over, including the face before they come in for a spray tan. Nothing too vigorous or scratchy, as the skin must not be damaged, otherwise the tan might develop with darker deposits on damaged skin.”
Lycon’s LYCO-BRONZE range includes plant-derived Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), Erythrulose and premium Bio-Melanin. Are these ingredients safe for use on pregnant clients? If so, why?
“Yes, DHA, Erythrulose and premium Bio-Melanin are all safe to use on pregnant clients.
DHA is generally regarded as safe as it’s a non-toxic substance (it’s a naturally occurring type of sugar) that reacts with keratin protein in the outermost layer of skin to produce a brown pigment that is very similar to naturally occurring melanin pigment. Neither DHA nor the resulting brown pigment are absorbed into the body, so it is generally regarded as safe. Indeed DHA has been used in cosmetic products since the 1960s and no systemic problems have been reported.
Similarly, Erythrulose (another type of naturally occurring sugar molecule) and Bio-Melanin (a plant derived analogue of melanin pigment) are non-toxic substances that stay on the outermost layer of skin and are generally regarded as safe.
To be on the safe side however, it is recommended that pregnant clients avoid inhaling tanning sprays, which is a sensible cautionary approach to any substance that is not naturally found in air. Lungs are designed to breathe air and we should look after them by limiting our exposure to any airborne products (see our recommendation below).
Another safety point to keep in mind is that, as with any topical product, spray tans may occasionally cause an allergic reaction for some individuals. Even if a client has been fine in the past, pregnancy can cause skin to become more sensitive, so it is wise to do a small patch test prior to spray tanning a pregnant client.”
Would you require a pregnant client to wear a mask during their tan? Why or why not?
“I would recommend they wear a mask while the spray tan is applied all over the body. The mask can then be taken off for a quick spray on the face. If they like, they can put some loose cotton wool in their nostrils, so they can still breath, but be able to avoid breathing the tan in while the spray tan is sprayed on the face.”
How regularly can a pregnant client apply Lycon’s LYCO-BRONZE products at home?
“As often as they would like. It depends how keen they are to have a continuous tan. If they would like a continuous tan, they can use LYCON LYCO-BRONZE weekly. They can also boost their spray tan with LYCO-BRONZE Sun Faker, which they can apply every few days.”
To stock or try LYCO-Bronze, contact LYCON Cosmetics Australia on 07 3004 6200 or visit their website.
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