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| |    Suntanning in Pregnancy by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. Are you a sun worshipper? Many people love basking in the sun and feel that they look best with a nice tan. Unfortunately, suntanning in general is not good for you--it increases the chance of skin cancer and causes wrinkles and age spots later in life. Pregnancy holds an additional risk called melasma, commonly referred to as the "mask of pregnancy." Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a dark pigmentation that appears on the face--particularly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose. It can develop without sun exposure, but becomes more prominent and darker when exposed to the sun. Brunettes are more likely than blondes to get melasma, and women on oral contraceptives, as well as pregnant women, are prone to developing it. How to avoid melasma While sunblocks may provide some protection from melasma, the best approach is to shade the face with a large hat or to stay out of the sun all together. Once melasma develops, it may last through the pregnancy. And although it may fade with time, the affected areas may never regain their normal appearance. Sunning areas other than the face Pigment changes are less common on other parts of the body, but tanning those areas--be it outside or in a tanning booth--is as unhealthy in pregnancy as it is at other times. Self-tanning solutions may be safe to use in pregnancy, but no research has proven that they are safe for the fetus, so experts recommend avoiding them. Dermatologists say that self-tanning products are safer than harmful ultraviolet rays, and they can give you the look you desire without the risk. Just wait until after the birth of your baby to use them.
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