~ MIXEDSupplements
Carotenoid 'Tanning' (Beta-Carotene Loading)
High carotenoid intake genuinely shifts skin tone toward golden — subtle, diet-achievable, oversold in degree.
Also called: beta carotene · carotenoid tan · carrot tan
Verdict — mixed
Real in part — the claim outruns what it actually does.
Evidence grade B
At least one good randomised trial, or consistent findings across controlled studies.
Mechanism
Dietary carotenoids deposit in the stratum corneum, adding yellow-orange chroma that observers rate as healthier.
Citations
- Fruit over sunbed: carotenoid skin coloration is found more attractive than melanin colorationQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology · 2017
The full read
Perception-lab studies repeatedly show carotenoid-shifted skin is rated healthier and more attractive across ethnicities. The shift from realistic dietary amounts (fruit/veg heavy diet for 6+ weeks) is subtle — visible in controlled comparisons, not a spray tan. Extreme supplementation can turn palms orange (carotenodermia). Eat the vegetables; skip the megadose pills.
Photo: Carrots of many colors.jpg by Stephen Ausmus · Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
