Tans — even from a new drug — aren’t the way to prevent skin cancer
An experimental drug that stimulates skin cells to make melanin, the "tanning" pigment, likely wouldn't do much to prevent skin cancer.
The media had fun reporting on a new tanning drug that causes the skin to darken in much the same way that the sun does. Headlines told us that “Scientists have created a safe sun-free tan,” proclaimed “Suntans for all,” and predicted “Tanning drug could prevent skin cancer.” The science is interesting. But what it means for sun-loving humans remains to be seen.
Last month, a team of that applying a compound called topical salt-inducible kinase (SIK) inhibitor to skin cells stimulated them to produce.
