Beta-carotene

Summary

Effectiveness

2/3

Dietary carotenoids can change skin color within a few weeks. The aesthetic effect remains subtle and variable depending on the initial complexion.

Accessibility

3/3

Common foods that are easy to incorporate into meals. Regularity is more important than complicated preparation or purchasing a supplement.

Beta-carotene is a plant pigment that can help gradually warm the complexion. With regular intake of carotenoids, part of these pigments are found in the skin and strengthen its golden-yellow component. The effect can give a more colorful appearance, particularly on a fair complexion, without additional sun exposure. It remains more discreet than a self-tanner and different from the brown of a tan.

In practice, make regular room for carrots, squash, sweet potatoes and green vegetables, with a little fat at the meal. Vary the sources and allow several weeks to pass before comparing. The goal is a warm shade that you like, not a very strong orange coloring. A supplement remains optional; food can be enough, and this coloring does not replace sun protection.

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Sources

  1. Vitamin A and Carotenoids - Health Professional Fact Sheet (new tab)
  2. Dietary carotenoids contribute to normal human skin color and UV photosensitivity (new tab)
  3. You Are What You Eat: Within-Subject Increases in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Confer Beneficial Skin-Color Changes (new tab)
  4. Daily Consumption of a Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie Alters Facial Skin Color (new tab)
  5. journals.sagepub.com · 1747021819850970 (new tab)
  6. Modeling the dose effects of soybean oil in salad dressing on carotenoid and fat-soluble vitamin bioavailability in salad vegetables (new tab)
  7. Protection from sunburn with beta-Carotene--a meta-analysis (new tab)

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The site shares general information and practical tips. It does not make a diagnosis, does not prescribe any treatment and does not replace advice adapted to your situation.