Sunless tanning

Abstract

Sunless tanning, also referred to as self-tanning, fake tanning, and/or chemical tanning, includes agents that produce the appearance of a tan without exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Sunless tanning agents include products containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA), tanning pills, and cosmetic bronzers. DHA-based products, the fastest growing skin care product on the market, have annual use rates estimated in the last several years at 11% in a nationally representative sample, 24% in college students, and 46% in beach visitors. In this chapter, the safety, risks, clinical applications, use rates, user characteristics, and intervention research regarding DHA-based sunless tanning products are reviewed. At this time, no known risks have been associated with the application of DHA-based sunless tanning products to the skin. However, users should be educated about the need for sun protection while using sunless tanning. Skin cancer prevention intervention research reveals some benefits but no harms to promoting sunless tanning as an alternative to UVR tanning among tanners. Sunless tanning is a safe alternative to UVR tanning and should be recommended to UVR tanners who are primarily motivated by the desire to tan to improve physical appearance. Sunless tanners may increase in popularity as products continue to improve in quality and include UVR protection. Sunless tanning products that are currently in development and create a tan via melanin production stimulation, rather than DHA, are also discussed.