Insights into Tanning Biology and Tanning Products.

Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines

“A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.”

Self-tanning agents including dihydroxyacetone, melanotan, forskolin, and carotenoids

“This systematic review aims to critically assess the literature on the mechanisms of action, clinical uses, formulation strategies, and adverse effects of self-tanning agents, with a focus on dihydroxyacetone (DHA), melanotan, forskolin, and carotenoids.”

68 peer-reviewed studies

“A total of 68 peer-reviewed studies were included.”

DHA induces pigmentation via the Maillard reaction and has dermatologic applications

“DHA induces pigmentation via the Maillard reaction and has demonstrated additional dermatologic applications, including use in vitiligo and erythropoietic protoporphyria and as a potential topical antifungal.”

Unregulated melanotan use has caused serious adverse effects

“Unregulated melanotan I and II use has caused serious adverse effects, including rhabdomyolysis, renal infarction, and priapism.”

Carotenoids accumulate in skin and subcutaneous fat creating a yellow-orange hue

“Carotenoids, when ingested orally, accumulate in skin and subcutaneous fat, creating a yellow-orange hue.”

Lack of standardized reporting, variability in outcomes, and limited long-term safety data

“Limitations include lack of standardized reporting across included studies, variability in study outcomes, and limited long-term safety data.”