title: Self-tanning lotions: are they a healthy way to achieve a tan?
abstract: Self-tanning creams utilize dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as an active agent, to produce a temporary staining of the skin. DHA is a 3-carbon sugar that interacts with the protein-rich stratum corneum to produce melanoidins, which are brown chromophores. Lower concentrations of DHA produce lighter skin-staining, while higher concentrations produce darker skin-staining, resulting in the simulation of a tan for persons of all skin types. DHA is well tolerated, for both internal ingestion and topical application, with the exception of infrequent allergic reaction in some patients. However, self-tanning creams only offer a sun protection factor (SPF) of 3 to 4, with protection at the low end of the visible spectrum and limited ultraviolet A protection. In addition, this SPF is only present for several hours after application of the product, and does not last for the duration of the tan. Self-tanning creams are a method of safely simulating the appearance of a tan without photoprotection. However, other sun protection will be required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University, North Carolina and Dermatology Consulting Services, Winston-Salem, High Point, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Zoe D
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Draelos
mesh_terms: D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004098:Dihydroxyacetone / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D004098:Dihydroxyacetone