Vitiligo: can a sunless tanner mask depigmented areas?

The vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by localized depigmentation due to loss of melanocytes, the cells responsible for melanin production. This lack of pigmentation appears as lighter patches of skin, sometimes covering large areas of the body. Although the vitiligo is not harmful in itself, it can be challenging to live with.

To conceal depigmented areas, some people use self-tanner. It is often formulated with dihydroxyacetone, a molecule that reacts with amino acids in the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer, to form melanoidins, pigments distinct from melanin but that also impart a brown color to the skin. The self-tanners are a practical option to mimic a natural tan without sun exposure. Color appears a few hours after application and can last between three and seven days, depending on the product and skin type.

Self-tanner, via its temporary coloration, offers a noninvasive camouflage method to visually reduce the contrast between depigmented areas and the surrounding skin in people with vitiligo.

Consistent use of a suitable self-tanner can produce an even shade that mimics pigmented skin. This approach offers several advantages: it adjusts to different skin tones when you select the correct shade. In addition, self-tanners are available at affordable prices and do not require medical consultation.

However, although practical in theory, self-tanner is only a temporary solution that does not address depigmentation. It requires regular reapplication to maintain an optimal result. Its use can be impractical for individuals with vitiligo when depigmented areas are numerous or ill-defined, uniform application becomes difficult. Some particularly pale areas may not react in a uniform way, accentuating contrasts rather than reducing them. It is essential to note that the self-tanner does not protect against UV rays, which requires appropriate sun protection to preserve depigmented skin.