Tanning while on birth control pills?

Hi guys!

I'm in 2 weddings this year (1 in May (matron of honor) 1 in September (bridesmaid)) and I'm wanting to go tanning a little bit so I don't look like a chicken in the dresses! lol. I used to work in a tanning salon way back in the day and know the associated risks, so I'm going to use sunblock and tanning lotion to take care of my skin, but I can't remember for the life of me about tanning while on birth control pills! My husband and I are not ready to have children yet, so going off of the pill for a few months while I tan isn't an option. Also, both of the dresses are light in color, so using fake tanner will most likely rub off and stain the fabric. I'm on Ortho Tri Cyclen, and I remember seeing a sticker on the package stating that it's not reccomended to be exposed to artificial sunlight (ie: tanning beds). Will it decrease the effectiveness of the pills? I tanned before and never had any problems....any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! :)

Well, I manage a tanning salon and the risks associated with using birth control while tanning are extremely minimal. The combo will not reduce the effectiveness of your pills. The main reason is that the combo may cause you to be photosensitive and you may burn a bit easier. My suggestion would be to start with a low time and ease your way to the top. A second reason it is not recommended to tan while on "the pill" is that you may experience some skin discoloration or pigment variation. Usually this happens in the torso area, occasionally on the chest and arms. My advice to you would be to follow the tanning associate's advice to the letter :). Be sure NOT to use a tingle if you do notice the dreaded spots beginning to appear, because this may make your condition a bit worse. But, this usually does not happen, so don't be too concerned!! Go get bronze hon!

I've never had any problems. You might want to consult a doctor to be sure though.

I don't think that it would make any difference. You can call a Pharmacy or your Doctor's office and ask them. You don't have to identify yourself, just ask the same question that you just asked here.

I think I remember something about dehydration being an issue while tanning on birth control. My friends did this a lot in high school. So just drink plenty of water and you should be fine.

When my best friend used a tanning bed while on Ortho, she broke out into hives and her face swelled like a balloon- she had to go to the ER where they gave her Benadryl. They told her not to use the beds at all, and to not overexpose with the real sun, either...

Be careful!!!!!

As someone in their 40s now, I recommend you appreciate your pale unwrinkled skin- when you're older, you'll be glad you did!!!

I have used tanning beds (at one time regularly) while taking the same pills (Ortho -tri) and never had a problem with effectiveness, meaning I never got pregnant. You can probably call the manufacturer and ask them the reason behind the warning, but from my experience, you shouldn't have a problem continuing the pill and tanning.