Sunless Tanning: Cosmetic and clinical uses

Abstract

Sunless tanners are topical products containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the only color additive currently approved by FDA for use as a tanning agent. DHA is a three-carbon reducing sugar. The browning reaction has been defined as the reaction of amino acids in corneocyte which can shields against longwave ultraviolet radiation (UVA) and visible light. Furthermore, there were several studies of effectiveness of dihydroxyacetone for treatment the cutaneous depigmentation such as vitiligo which have a good results. So, products containing DHA represent an alternative to UV-induced tanning and can provide a reasonable means for the cosmetically-conscious patient to mask some of the disfiguration cause by cutaneous depigmentation.