As much as we love basking in the sun, it is a proven fact that exposure to UV Rays can be seriously damaging to the skin. But imagine if it was possible to get that sun-kissed look without the need for sun light. Well, that seems possible now. According to media reports, scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a drug that will give your skin that sun-kissed tan without the harmful effects of UV radiation.
The drug is rubbed into the skin and works by increasing the production of melanin, the pigment that makes skin darker. A person with a darker complexion will have higher amounts of melanin in their skin than someone with a fairer complexion.
According to David Fischer, one of the creators, darker pigmented skin is at a lower risk for skin cancer, so this drug could serve as a way of reducing the prevalence of cancer. Essentially, melanin is the body’s natural sunscreen, and this drug could help give skin a natural tanned appearance while also protecting you from harmful rays.
So far, the drug has only been tested on mice and patches of human skin, but will need more extensive human testing and approval before hitting shelves nationwide.