By Ayten Talaat
We all agree that the best thing about summer is getting the perfect tan. But what if we told you that there is a way to get that golden summer tan without using a single product? Yes, no tanning lotions and you won’t have to sit for hours in the sun and damage your skin.
It’s scientifically proven that consuming a regular amount of foods that are high in carotene – a strongly colored red-orange plant pigment that can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe, can change your skin tone in six weeks. Additionally, dark leafy greens are known for their tan-enhancing ability too, as they contain high amounts of beta carotene, so make sure you include spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce in your meals as well.
Moreover, according to another study at Leeds University, a comparison was made between two types of skin coloration. “Melanin” is the tan you get from the sun, and “carotenoid” is the tan you get from eating certain fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids. Researchers found out that carotenoid tans are preferred over melanin tans since the former act as antioxidants that keep your skin young. They also reduce scarring while overexposure to the sun causes the skin to age at an accelerated rate.
It’s also important to point out that many tanning products use the carotene from carrots to speed up the process, so instead of buying tons of products, just open your fridge and snack on these foods.