Solarium during pregnancy: yes or no?

Whether it’s a beauty ritual, a short break from the cloudy autumn weather or in preparation for a vacation in the Caribbean: according to the Dermatological Prevention Working Group (ADP), around 16 million Germans enjoy artificial sunbathing in the solarium more or less regularly. But the tan from the socket is not harmless and should be used carefully.

Solarium visits during pregnancy – are they harmful to the baby?

The question is controversial. There is not enough knowledge about the effects of solarium visits during pregnancy on the unborn baby. Nevertheless, there are certain indicators, due to which many health experts advise against visiting a solarium during pregnancy.

Why would you rather do without the solarium during pregnancy?

• Breakdown of folic acid: Preliminary studies suggest a connection between UV rays and the breakdown of folic acid. Folic acid is particularly important for the development of your baby in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. In order not to take any unnecessary risks, it makes sense not to visit a sunbed during pregnancy.
• Skin type during pregnancy: Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, your skin can react more sensitively to UV rays than usual. For example, sunburn or unsightly pigment spots can occur more quickly, which are intensified by extensive sunbathing in the solarium or in the real sun. Instead of the often-pursued effect of a flawless tan, too much sun exposure during pregnancy tends to have the “blotchy” opposite. The best way to avoid this is to expose yourself to as little natural sun as possible and preferably not to artificial sun at all.
• Dehydration and Overheating: Another reason to avoid the sun: During pregnancy, too much exposure to the sun puts you at risk of dehydration or overheating. This is neither good for you nor for your baby.

Health risks in the solarium even outside of pregnancy

Even if you are not pregnant, the use is not without risk, as numerous findings and measures in recent years show. For example, the use of solariums promotes premature skin aging or damage to the eyes .

The greatest danger, however, is skin cancer. In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified tanning beds as highly carcinogenic. Corresponding research had shown that the risk of skin cancer can increase by up to 75% with regular use of solariums. This is significantly higher than previously assumed and is now comparable to the dangers emanating from cigarettes or asbestos, for example. Incidentally, young people under 30 who regularly visit a solarium are particularly at risk. In order to protect minors, a legal ban on the use of solariums for minors was enacted in Germany, also in 2009.

Use a solarium during pregnancy anyway – but do it correctly

Ultimately, of course, it is your decision whether you use a solarium, whether you are pregnant or not. If you don’t want to do without the sun at the touch of a button despite the risks described during pregnancy, you should definitely ask your doctor for advice . Also, get advice from a qualified person in your tanning salon. You should also do this if you are not pregnant. You can also heed the following points:

• A device label with 0.3W/m2 indicates that the irradiance corresponds to the regulations of the EU.
• It doesn’t matter whether it’s a solarium or real sun: make sure that the total number of sunbathing sessions you do does not exceed 50 per year.
• Be sure to avoid sunburn.
• Do not tan before you go on vacation in the solarium, this only means a higher and unnecessary strain on your skin.
• Always wear safety goggles in the solarium.
• Do not use sunscreen or other cosmetics in the solarium.

For example, if you suffer from a skin disease and perhaps think that you can achieve something with artificial UV radiation: Under no circumstances should you be tempted to do unauthorized experiments in the solarium. Therapeutic treatments with UV light should only be carried out on the instructions and under the supervision of a doctor .