Yes, you can get a spray tan while breastfeeding. DHA, the tanning ingredient, works on the outer layer of dead skin and barely enters the bloodstream, so experts consider transfer into breast milk unlikely. The practical concerns are contact and timing: keep the solution off your nipples, don’t let your baby touch undeveloped tan, and schedule the session right after a feed so you can rinse before the next one.
Key Takeaways
- It’s best to feed or pump immediately before your spray tan to have more time before your next breastfeeding session.
- Cover the nipple and areola during your appointment, and wash your chest before breastfeeding.
- The most common issue is cosmetic bronzer transferring onto your baby’s skin, not spray tan ingredients entering breast milk.
- You can shower sooner with rapid-rinse solutions. Standard solutions typically need 6 to 24 hours to develop.
- If you’re uncertain, consult your OB or lactation consultant to help you decide what feels right for you.
- Tanning beds have not been shown to affect breast milk, but they still carry UV risks.
Can You Get a Spray Tan While Breastfeeding?
Yes. Most breastfeeding experts agree that you do not need to avoid self-tanning products altogether while nursing.
La Leche League International says there is no need to avoid tanning lotion or a spray tan while breastfeeding. As long as you prevent your baby from coming into contact with the product and avoid nursing until it has dried or been rinsed off.
However, La Leche League Canada recommends avoiding spray-on tanning because of the potential of inhaling the mist. They also noted that the active ingredient, DHA, is thought to stay in the outer layers of the skin when applied topically.
As you can see, neither position suggests that a spray tan contaminates breast milk. Instead, they focus on different concerns and precautions:
- Your baby coming into contact with a tanning solution on your skin.
- Inhaling the spray tan solution during the application.
Does DHA Reach Breast Milk?
Only trace amounts of DHA are expected to enter the bloodstream after topical application, so meaningful transfer into breast milk is unlikely.
MotherToBaby reports that laboratory models estimate less than 1% of DHA applied to the skin is absorbed. It also notes that there are no studies specifically examining sunless tanner use during breastfeeding.
Claims that the skin absorbs 70% of DHA are not supported by the available evidence. Current estimates point to absorption below 1%, especially when the product is applied to healthy and unbroken skin.
Because breastfeeding-specific research is limited, practical precautions still matter. For example, you should look for ways to keep tanning solution away from the breast and any skin your baby may touch.
The Real Risks: Skin Contact and Inhalation
If your spray tan has not fully developed or the cosmetic bronzer has not been washed off, it can rub onto your baby’s skin during a feed.
The more important concern is direct exposure. Products left on the nipple or areola can transfer straight into your baby’s mouth, which is different from the tiny amounts of DHA that might enter the bloodstream.
The InfantRisk Center recommends avoiding self-tanners on the breast for this reason. It also notes that applying non-medical products to the breast has been associated with a higher risk of mastitis.
Inhalation is the other consideration. The FDA has approved DHA only for external use, not for inhalation, and spray tanning can expose your nose and mouth if you are not properly protected.
If you’re planning a spray tan, see our guide on spray tan during pregnancy for tips on masks, nose filters, eye protection, and reducing inhalation exposure during your appointment.
How to Time a Spray Tan Around Feedings
The best approach is to f
A simple timeline looks like this:
- Feed or pump right before your appointment.
- Get your spray tan.
- Let the solution develop without breastfeeding or skin contact.
- Take your first rinse at the recommended time for your solution.
- Wash your chest and hands thoroughly during that rinse.
- Resume normal breastfeeding once your skin is clean and there is no developing solution or cosmetic bronzer left to transfer.
| Solution type | Development window | Earliest comfortable skin-to-skin |
| Standard solution | First rinse after 6 to 24 hours, depending on the formula and your technician’s instructions | After your first rinse and once your chest has been washed |
| Rapid-rinse solution | First rinse after 2 to 6 hours, depending on the desired depth of color | After your first rinse and once your chest has been washed |
For more detail on rinse timing and how it affects your final color, see our guide on how long a spray tan lasts and when to take your first shower.
What to Wear During and After
The best way to reduce contact between fresh tanning solution and your baby’s skin is to keep your chest covered during your spray tan. A larger barrier protects more of the skin your baby may touch while nursing.
Good options include:
- A bandeau top
- A bikini top
- A strapless bra that covers the nipples and areola
- A tube top, if your salon allows it
Disposable nipple covers are less effective because they only cover the nipple. The areola and surrounding breast skin remain exposed, so overspray can still settle on areas your baby’s face and mouth may contact during a feed.
After your appointment, change into loose dark clothing before heading home. If possible, wear long sleeves to prevent fresh tanning solution from transferring to your baby during cuddles or feeds.
Even if you kept your chest covered during the session, wash your chest thoroughly before your next feed after your first rinse. That removes any remaining cosmetic bronzer or overspray and reduces the chance of your baby coming into contact with tanning residue.
Make sure to check out our guides on how to prepare for a spray tan.
What About Tanning Beds and Self-Tanners While Breastfeeding?
There is no evidence that using a tanning bed changes your breast milk or reduces milk supply. Breastfeeding, however, does not reduce the usual risks of UV exposure.
La Leche League Canada also notes that tanning beds can leave the nipples dry or irritated, which may make breastfeeding less comfortable.
If you want to maintain color while limiting exposure, a self-tanner is also a good option.
Self-tanning lotions and mousses use the same active ingredient, DHA, but without the aerosol created during a spray tan. That removes the inhalation concern, although you should still avoid applying self-tanner to the nipple or areola and wash your hands after application.
If you’re deciding between different formulas, see our guide to organic spray tans. For at-home tanning, Island Colour self-tanning lotions provide the same bronzed look without a spray application.
How SunsUp Handles Spray Tans for Nursing Moms
If you’re breastfeeding, let your spray tan technician know before your appointment. They can help set up your session with your feeding schedule in mind and explain the best time to rinse before close skin-to-skin contact.
At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, we use organic spray tan solution and ensure every spray booth is properly ventilated.
If you’re nursing, mention it when you book or when you arrive. We’ll help you choose the option that best fits your schedule and comfort level. For those who do this type of tanning regularly, check out available spray tan memberships in the Portland & Vancouver metro area.
FAQ
Does a spray tan affect milk supply?
No. Current evidence does not show that spray tans affect breast milk supply or change the composition of breast milk. La Leche League International advises that the main precautions are avoiding skin contact with fresh tanning solution and limiting inhalation during application.
Do you need to pump and dump after a spray tan?
No. Minimal DHA is absorbed through the skin, so there is no evidence that you need to pump and dump after a spray tan. Simply rinse at the recommended time, wash your chest before breastfeeding, and avoid feeding until fresh tanning solution has been removed.
Can you get a spray tan while exclusively pumping?
Yes. Pump right before your appointment to create the longest window before your next session. After your first rinse, wash your chest and hands thoroughly, then continue pumping as usual.
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