After 10 years of research, scientists have developed a sunlight-mimicking drug that makes skin tan without the dangerous side effects of ultra-violet radiation.

The drug stimulates skin cells that absorb UV light, tricking the skin into producing the brown form of the pigment melanin. The topical substance would be applied to the skin like lotion, enabling people to develop a deep tan without ever stepping foot in the sun.

Evidence claims it could even work on redheads, who are typically fair-skinned and burn easily in the sun.

The research team at Massachusetts General Hospital stresses that further testing needs to be done in order to prevent any possible side-effects. However, they are hopeful their discovery could prevent skin cancer and potentially slow the appearance of aging.

“We believe the potential importance of this work is towards a novel strategy for skin cancer prevention,” David Fisher, author of the study and chief of dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, said. “Skin is the most common organ in our bodies to be afflicted with cancer, and the majority of cases are thought to be associated with UV radiation.”

The original study, which involved mice, was published back in 2006. Scientists had to work hard since then to figure out how the substance could be absorbed into the thicker skin of humans. Since humans have less body hair than animals, skin has evolved to be much tougher to protect against heat, cold and other environmental factors.

“Human skin is a very good barrier and is a formidable penetration challenge. Therefore, other topical approaches just did not work,” Fisher said. “But 10 years later, we have come up with a solution. It’s a different class of compounds that work by targeting a different enzyme that converges on the same pathway that leads to pigmentation.”

The scientists used human skin samples to test the cream-like substance and discovered that the skin not only darkened, but the tan lasted for several days.

In animal tests, red-haired mice became “almost jet black in a day or two with a strong enough dose,” according to the researchers. Once the dosage was removed, the skin went back to its normal state.

Eventually, scientists want to combine the drug with sunscreen in order to provide maximum protection from harmful UV rays.

Fisher advocates that everyone should “absolutely” use sunscreen although it “keeps you pale.” About Sarah Ulaky