Are sunless tanning products and spray tan chemicals harmful to use on your skin?  

The answer is no, they are not harmful. In fact, we recommend them. We realize that there are social pressures to have the skin look tan and this is one way of doing it without causing DNA damage produced by ultraviolet radiation. The active ingredient is dihydroxyacetone, which is known to be harmless to the skin. Of note, however, even though it looks like a tan, it does not protect one from the sun or ultraviolet radiation. We heartily endorse sunless tanning products for patients who like the tan look but want to protect their skin.

Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD