I love tanning and I’ve just found out I’m pregnant – are sunbeds safe for me to use?
** Julia, via email**
First off, sunbeds are not safe to use at any time. They emit the same harmful UV radiation found in sunlight. Exposure to UV rays increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – and is responsible for dramatic premature ageing of the skin.
During pregnancy, many women find that their skin is more sensitive, so are more likely to burn in the sun and on a sunbed. You’re also at risk of developing permanent skin pigmentation problems, due to the hormones circulating in your blood.
Dark, irregular patches of skin called chloasma can also appear on your face in pregnancy, and are a sign your skin will react more strongly to UV rays. If you sunbathe or use a sunbed, the dark patches are more likely to increase and may not fade afterwards.
At present, there’s no clear evidence about the effect of UV rays from sunbeds on an unborn baby. However, there may be a link between increased UV exposure and folic acid deficiency, because the rays can break down the chemical.
Folic acid is essential in the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord, as well as protecting against birth defects, such as spina bifida. My advice? Stay away from sunbeds at any time of your life.