Will Eating More Beta Carotene Give Me a Tan?

Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262
Air Brush Spray Tanning 317-257-8262

Since 1923, when Coco Chanel arrived home from the Cannes tanned and glowing, the societal cosmetic craze for a golden skin tone has continued to gain popularity. Even before DHA (a chemical derived from sugar cane used as a main ingredient in tanning products to produce the “browning effect”) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe cosmetic ingredient, men and women alike used up every idea they could to mimic Coco’s golden, fresh-out-of-the-tropics glow, such as olive oil, tea bags, and even meat extract!

Although these tanning trends have fallen wayside over the decades as a result of ineffectiveness or inconvenience, many people still go to great lengths to achieve a great tan. One such extreme that has acquire some recent attention involves beta carotene intake. People are asking whether or not eating more foods with beta carotene, or taking beta carotene supplements, will make them tan. But before you go down a large bundle of carrots or start adding supplements to your diet, there are some facts you need to know.

Beta Carotene

Beta carotene is a carotenoid, which the body converts into vitamin A. Carotenoids are any of a class of primarily yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments produced by plants, algae, fungi, or bacteria. Basically, carotenoids give plants, fruits, and vegetables (even egg yolks) their color. Beta carotene is found in carrots, as well as, other colored vegetables, like asparagus, apricots, broccoli, grapefruit, peppers, plums, peas, spinach, onions, squash, sweet potatoes, and even ketchup.

Carotenoderma

Because beta carotene produces color and pigmentation in the skin of fruits and vegetables, it has long-time been believed that consuming large amounts of foods containing beta carotene can make our skin tan. As a result, there have been fads, like drinking high volumes of carrot juice, to achieve a fake tan. And although there are no known harmful effects of consuming large quantities of carotenoids, there are some unpleasant side effects.

One such side effect is known as Carotenoderma, which is when the skin turns yellow-orange. This skin condition doesn’t just discolor the skin that generally tans in the sun, it also turns the palms of hands and feet orange! This is not the tanning result you want, making excessive beta carotene intake ineffective for achieving a quality tan.

Instead, there are plenty of foods that contain ample quantities of antioxidants, which helps your skin rejuvenate, thus tan better. These include Vitamin C, grape extract, green tea, beta glucan, and kelp. Beta glucan is a type of fiber that can be found in wheat, rye, sorghum, barley, oats, shitake mushrooms, seaweed, and algae.

How to Get a Natural-Looking Tan

Broad Ripple Tans 317-257-8262
Broad Ripple Tans 317-257-8262

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 for high-quality affordable airbrush spray tanning in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our professional tanning salon is conveniently located right near Broad Ripple Village, and our tanning consultants are standing by to customize the perfect spray tanning course for you! Request a free estimate or information, today.

Fun and Functional Tanning Bed Accessories

Accessories tend to differ among men and women in the fashion world. But in the tanning world, they are virtually the same! When you are ready for another relaxing and beautifying tanning bed session, be sure to have these items on hand! Not only are they fun, they are also functional in terms of effectiveness, protection, and balance.

Indianapolis Tanning Products 317-257-8262
Indianapolis Tanning Products 317-257-8262

Tanning Bed Goggles

The importance of protecting your eyes while tanning, whether in a bed or under the natural sun, is beyond critical. Read our article, “8 Shocking Reasons Why You Need to Wear Eye Protection in Tanning Beds”, to understand why you should always have your eyes covered when exposed to UV-light. Fortunately, tanning bed goggles are comfortable, inexpensive, and available in a diverse selection of colors and styles. You can also use eye stickers, which are free at your local tanning salon!

Tanning Lotion

Tanning lotion is more than just a bronzer. These days, innovative advancements in tanning lotion formulas are geared more towards skin care and protection. Within modern, high-quality tanning products, you will find skin moisturizers, anti-aging elements, stimulators, micro-circulation ingredients, sun screen, and more. Read our blog, “What’s In Your Tanning Lotion?” to learn more. Choose the right tanning lotion for your skin tone needs and goals by reading customer testimonials and product reviews.

Sun Screen

It may seem counterproductive or contradictory to use sun screen in the tanning bed, but the reality is quite the contrary. Even when trying to achieve a shimmering glow in the tanning bed, your skin still needs a certain level of protection against UV-rays. In the very least, you should be applying sunscreen to your face, neck, and chest since skin tends to be more sensitive in these areas. You can also just choose a tanning lotion that has an adequate level of SPF incorporated into the formula.

Tanning Stickers

If you really want to have some fun, add stickers to your tanning bed routine! You can choose any solid-silhouetted sticker, or simply choose from the counter at your local Indianapolis tanning salon. Lips, palm trees, suns, moons, peace signs, hearts, stars, martini glasses, paw prints, and cars are popular choices. Simply choose a spot you would like to have a temporary tan tattoo, adhere the sticker, and then tan away! When you are through, remove the sticker to reveal a tan line in the shape of your sticker!

Where to Tan in Indy

Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262
Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 for high-quality affordable indoor tanning and air brush spray tanning services. Our neighborhood Indianapolis tanning salon is conveniently located right near Broad Ripple Village, and our tanning consultants are standing by to customize the perfect tanning course for you! Call 317-257-8262 to request a free estimate or information, today.