7+ Foods That Give You A Perfect Tan (Without Tanning)

by John Griffith
Advertisement

It’s about time for the usual summertime struggle. Do you want to achieve that perfect, glowy tan, but you don’t want to damage your skin with the long exposure to UV rays? The secret to this is in your diet. Yep, that’s right! What you eat can have a huge effect on your skin tone. The sun can be our number one enemy, as it causes severe sun damage, so lying around too long for a tan isn’t the best thing you can do. However, adding certain foods to your daily diet can help give your skin a glow that resembles a beach-tan without having to expose yourself for hours on end to the UV rays. So, let’s see which are the foods that give you a tan.

What you eat can have a huge effect on your skin tone

woman in black bathing suit tanning

Foods That Give You A Tan

There are two types of skin coloration: melanin and carotenoid. Melanin is the tan you get from the sun, or you naturally have, while carotenoid is the tan you gain from eating a certain diet.  Studies done at Leeds University have found that people who have a natural tan, created from a rich in certain vitamins and minerals diet have a better looking tan than those who have achieved it through sun bathing. Yep, that’s right. You don’t need to spend hours on end in the sun anymore, all you need to do is add more of the following foods.  They will help you achieve an ageless, golden, healthy summer glow!

You don’t need to spend hours on end in the sun anymore

woman picking out peaches from a tree

#Carrots

This one is probably no surprise to you. Carrots are famous for their ability to alter skin color. And no, this doesn’t mean you’ll turn orange. Rather than that, the high levels of carotenoids in this veggie will help you achieve the perfect, glowy tan. Carrots are packed in vitamin A. Not only is this vitamin great for supporting eye health, it also protects your skin from sun damage. So, a tan and no sun damage? Win-win!

Carrots are famous for their ability to alter skin color

foods that give you a tan coorts in a bunch with green leaves

#Tomatoes

This fruit is one of the most versatile. Tomatoes can be eaten in a salad, used for pasta sauce, ketchup, and more. Their red color signifies that there are plenty of carotenoids in the fruit. And they actually have one of the most importance of carotenoids, which is lycopene. Lycopene can help prevent plenty of diseases including heart disease, asthma, cataracts and more. So, if you want a nice tan make sure to have more tomatoes in your diet.

Their red color signifies that there are plenty of carotenoids in the fruit

close up of three tomatoes with green stems

#Pumpkin

Pumpkins are rich both in carotenoids and also high in fiber. This means it can help aid with digestion and will help you feel fuller for longer. This means it’s a great weight-loss food and also a great food tanner.

Pumpkins are rich both in carotenoids and also high in fiber

how to get tan with foods a bunch or orange pumpkins

#Kale

While you’ve may have heard how good kale is for you and that it’s super nutrient dense. However, did you know that it also has high levels of carotenoids that can help enhance your skin tone, leaving you with a beautiful, golden tan.

Kale can help enhance your skin tone

person with jeans and white shirt holding kale leaves

#Mango

Mangoes are not only delicious and the perfect summer food, they are also great for giving you the greatest tan. This tropical fruit is full of carotenoids, as well as plenty of antioxidants that are great for keeping away damaging free radicals.

This tropical fruit is full of carotenoids

three orange and pink mangoes

#Sweet Potato

You may be surprised to learn that sweet potatoes actually have some of the highest levels of carotenoids compared to other vegetables. This makes them the perfect food if you want a great tan this summer. They are also rich in potassium and vitamin B6, which can boost heart health.

Sweet potatoes are the perfect food if you want a great tan this summer

sweet potato fries with dipping sauce

#Red Bell Peppers

Adding red bell peppers to your diet holds plenty of benefits. However, an often overlooked one is it’s tanning abilities. Peppers get their vibrant red color from carotenoids. Alongside the carotenoids, peppers have high levels of vitamin A and C. This makes  them a killer combo for skin care.

Peppers get their vibrant red color from carotenoids

foods that give you a tan red bell peppers in a bunch

#Peaches

Like mangoes, peaches are one of summer’s perfect fruits. This juicy fruit is high in potassium, carotenoids, and vitamins and minerals which are a must for proper body function. So, if you want a good tan, good brain function and a healthy heart, make sure to add more peaches to your diet.

This juicy fruit is high in potassium, carotenoids, and vitamins and minerals

two peaches and half a cut peach

These were all the foods that give you a tan. We hope you found this article helpful! Now you can enjoy a healthy, golden tan without having to worry about skin cell damage and premature aging. More glowing and youthful skin to enjoy for years to come!

Now you can enjoy a healthy, golden tan

woman brushing her hair back with her hands

Sources: 

John Griffith
John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.

Lifestyle Related Article
new Article