SELF-TANNING PRODUCTS

The health and beauty of a “tan” has been ingrained in a generation of westerners (52). Unfortunately, this fashion image is diametrically opposed to the message being promoted by healthcare professions, namely to avoid sunlight or other artificial UV light sources, e. g., tanning salons, which is primarily responsible for the beautiful tan. Attempts have been made to provide “color” or artificial tans without intentional exposure to solar or solar-simulated UV. The most successful of these self-tanning products are the ones which containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA). These self-tanning products impart color to the skin which is temporary and may be a safer approach toward achieving a “tan” (53).