Wrinkles and skin cancer warnings have turned suntan lovers away from the harmful rays of the sun and tanning beds and toward self-tanning lotions.

Jennifer Palmer, a dermatologist at McFarland Clinic, 1215 Duff Ave., said she thinks self-tanning lotions are “a great alternative to the tan you get from the sun.”

“[Self-tanning lotions] don’t predispose people to develop skin cancer, and it’s a great way to safely get the color that people so often desire,” Palmer said.

Trudy Henkels, a Lancome beauty adviser at North Grand Mall, 2801 Grand Ave., said makers of self-tanning lotions have come out with many new products.

“The companies have redesigned products to work more efficiently,” Henkels said. “There are different tanners for desired colors of the face and body. They no longer streak or leave orange tints to the skin,” she said.

Nick Sampson, health and beauty department clerk for Target, 620 Lincoln Way, said the products are doing really well in the stores today.

Target carries Neutrogena and Banana Boat brand self-tanners in an assortment of lotions and body sprays.

Sampson said he has tried using the sprays made available at Target and has been pleased with the results.

“It gives a really nice and even tan, especially the spray stuff because it’s like an aerosol,” Sampson said.

While Palmer said self-tanners have improved a lot over the years to lessen the orange discoloration and make the creams more cosmetically pleasing, the chemicals will always react a little differently with each person’s skin.

The orange tint and streaks left on some users are only temporary, Palmer said.

“Most of the self-tanners are chemicals that bind to the skin and slough off as the skin sloughs off,” Palmer said.

Palmer said patrons must keep in mind that these self-tanners are not substitutes for a base tan.

“Remember the color [self-tanners] give you does not protect you from the sun. Always use sun protection along with them,” Palmer said.

Prices of all self-tanners vary. At cosmetic counters like Estee Lauder, Clinique and Lancome, prices range from $14 or $16 to $25 on the more expensive lines. Brands like Neutrogena and Banana Boat can be found at Target for around $5 to $8.