Contrary to popular belief, self-tanners do not boost melanin, the skin pigment that produces a tan from the sun. Instead, dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient in self-tanners, reacts with the protein in dead skin, causing it to darken. This is why it must be reapplied every so many days as we slough dead skin. Last year only four cases of skin reactions from self-tanners were reported to the Food and Drug Administration. I have read that an effective sunscreen must have titanium dioxide, one of the few ingredients that will block ultraviolet rays.
Titanium dioxide is safe.
The Food and Drug Administration tests these products thoroughly before allowing them on the market. Since you have sensitive skin, you may want to check with your doctor or apply the lotion to a small area first to see if you react to it. 882-7000 to make an appointment with a University of Missouri Health Sciences Center physician. On the top of my forearm I have what looks like a bruise, as if I had been hit by a baseball. In the center there is what feels like a mosquito-bite size bump.