Suntans for all: chemical causes any skin to tan – and protects against cancer

Scientists create chemical that causes release of dark pigment in skin, creating a real 'fake' tan without the need for sunbathing

Scientists have created the ultimate fake tan: a chemical that triggers the release of dark pigment in the skin without the need for sunbathing or a genetic predisposition for tanning.

The substance would induce a tan even in fair individuals with the kind of skin that would naturally turn lobster pink rather than bronze in the sun, the scientists predicted.