Self-tanning lotion to camouflage vitiligo patches?

Vitiligo: can self-tanner conceal depigmented areas?

Vitiligo, characterised by skin depigmentation, can cause appearance-related and psychological distress for many people. When medical treatments stimulate or stabilise repigmentation, self-tanning products offer a simple, effective way to even out skin colour. Can self-tanning products conceal areas of depigmentation in vitiligo? Learn more in this article.

Published on June 27, 2025, by Jamal, PhD, Doctor of human pathology and infectious diseases — 6 min of reading

Is self-tanner a suitable product for concealing depigmented areas in vitiligo?

The vitiligo is a skin disorder characterised by a localised depigmentation due to melanocyte loss, the cells responsible for melanin production. This absence of pigment appears as lighter patches of skin, which can extend over large areas of the body. Although the vitiligo is not harmful in itself, though it can be challenging to live with.

To conceal depigmented areas, some people use a self-tanner. These formulas include dihydroxyacétone, a molecule that reacts with the amino acids in the stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer, to form melanoidins, pigments distinct from melanin yet also imparting a brown hue to the skin. The self-tanners are convenient for mimicking a natural tan without sun exposure. The colour appears a few hours after application and can last between three and seven days, depending on the product and skin type.

Self-tanning, thanks to the temporary pigmentation it provides, offers a non-invasive topical solution to reduce the contrast between depigmented areas and the surrounding skin in people with vitiligo.

By applying a suitable self tan product regularly, it becomes possible to achieve a uniform tone that mimics pigmented skin. This method offers several benefits, including its ability to suit various skin tones by selecting the right shade. Moreover, the self tan products are available at affordable prices and do not require medical consultation.

While practical in theory, self-tanner is only a temporary solution that does not treat depigmentation. It requires regular reapplication to maintain an optimal result. Its use may be impractical for people with vitiligo when depigmented areas are numerous or poorly defined, making even application more difficult. Some light areas may also respond unevenly, which can emphasise contrasts rather than reduce them. Finally, it is essential to note that self-tanner does not protect against UV rays, so appropriate sun protection is necessary to preserve depigmented skin.

Self-tanner and vitiligo: which precautions should be taken?

If you wish to camouflage an area of depigmented skin, it is important to consider certain factors. First, keep in mind that self-tanners do not contain UV filters: they offer no protection against the sun’s harmful effects despite the colour they impart. Melanoidin produced by self-tanners, does not have the photoprotective properties of melanin. Depigmented areas, lacking melanin, are vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. It is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before any sun exposure if you have vitiligo.

Moreover, depigmented areas may show an unpredictable reaction to DHA, absorbing the product faster or slower than pigmented skin. This variation can cause uneven tones or enhance contrast if application is inconsistent. It is therefore essential to apply the self-tanner with care, ensuring an even layer and blending patch edges. Reading the manufacturer’s instructions is necessary. This ensures correct exposure times and prevents application errors (application to damp skin, dressing too soon after use).