The use of self tanning lotions

As people are becoming aware that UV radiation can lead to skin damage, self-tanning lotions are gaining in popularity. This is because they give you a tan without exposing you to the harmful UV radiation of the sun. Most of the tanning lotions have an active ingredient called Dehydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a type of sugar which provokes a tan through a chemical reaction that stains the skin. It does not cause an increased production of melanin. Therefore it is not comparable to a tan from sun exposure. So don't be misled: it will not protect you from getting sunburn! However some self-tanning lotions also contain a sun protection factor that may give you some protection.