Sunbeds in pregnancy: are they safe?

Wanting to keep a bit of colour while you're pregnant is completely normal, and sunbeds are one of the first things people ask about. The short answer from UK health guidance is to avoid them, and this guide explains exactly why, what changes in your skin during pregnancy, and what safer alternatives actually work.

Why sunbeds are best avoided in pregnancy

There isn't a large body of research looking specifically at sunbed use in pregnancy, which is itself part of the problem — without solid evidence of safety, the cautious approach is to steer clear. The concern isn't that UV rays reach or directly harm the baby; it's the effect sunbed sessions have on your own body during a time when your skin, temperature regulation and circulation are all working differently.

Sunbeds expose your skin to concentrated UVA and UVB radiation, increasing your lifetime risk of skin damage and skin cancer regardless of pregnancy.
Regular use can raise your core body temperature, and sustained overheating is generally advised against in pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester when the baby's major organs are forming.
Some sunbed users report feeling light-headed or faint during sessions — a risk that's higher in pregnancy because blood pressure and blood volume are already fluctuating.

How pregnancy changes your skin's reaction to UV

Pregnancy hormones make skin noticeably more reactive to sunlight and UV exposure generally.

You're more prone to sunburn even at exposure levels that wouldn't have bothered you before.
Many women develop chloasma (also called melasma or the "mask of pregnancy") — patchy darker pigmentation, usually across the face — and UV exposure from any source, including sunbeds, makes this more pronounced.
Chloasma can take many months to fade after birth, and in some cases never fully disappears, so avoiding UV triggers now can save frustration later.

Safer ways to get colour and glow

You don't have to go pale for nine months to stay safe.

A good-quality fake tan, applied in a well-ventilated space, is generally considered a reasonable alternative — do a patch test first if you haven't used the product before, and avoid enclosed spray-tan booths with poor airflow.
Highlighter, bronzer or a tinted moisturiser can give an instant glow without any absorption concerns.
If you do spend time outdoors, wear SPF 30 or higher, reapply regularly and stick to the shade during the strongest midday sun.

Getting your vitamin D safely

Some people turn to sunbeds thinking they'll top up vitamin D — but this isn't a reliable or safe method, and the NHS recommends everyone who is pregnant takes a daily 10 microgram (400 IU) vitamin D supplement, particularly through autumn and winter when sunlight is limited. A supplement gives a controlled, predictable dose without any of the UV exposure risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sunbeds harm my baby directly?

There's no strong evidence that sunbed UV exposure reaches or directly harms the baby. The advice to avoid sunbeds is based on the risks to your own skin and body temperature during pregnancy, and the lack of dedicated safety research, rather than a proven direct risk to the baby.

Is fake tan safer than a sunbed in pregnancy?

Yes, fake tan applied in a well-ventilated room is generally considered a safer way to get colour than a sunbed. It's still sensible to patch test the product first and to avoid tight, poorly ventilated spray-tan booths, but it avoids UV exposure altogether.

Will using a sunbed make my pregnancy mask (chloasma) worse?

Yes, UV exposure from any source, including sunbeds, tends to make chloasma more noticeable and can prolong how long it takes to fade after birth. Protecting your skin from UV now, including with daily SPF, is one of the simplest ways to manage it.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

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