EAT YOURSELF TAN

Slathering on self tanning lotion not really your thing? Mine either. I'm not necessarily opposed to sweet, porcelain skin but there's nothing like a healthy bronzage. So with no winter sun in sight, I'm going to examine the possibilities of eating myself aglow. 

 

It has been proven that foods containing high amounts of carotenoids (colorful plant pigments that work as powerful antioxidants), tyrosine (amino acid) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) can increase skin pigmentation. In fact, self tanners often list carotenoids, tyrosine and riboflavin as key ingredients. These ingredients increase the production of melanin, which gives skin its pigmentation.

 

Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are high in carotenoids, especially the most powerful, beta carotene. Dark leafy greens are also high in beta carotene. When you eat multiple servings of these particular foods, it warms up your skin tone and creates a natural tan.

 

Try increasing the following foods for beautiful sun kissed skin, without the sun:

 

Cartenoid Foods:

Apricots

Bell Peppers

Broccoli
Butternut Squash

Cantaloupe

Carrots
Cayenne Pepper
Chili Pepper
Collard Greens

Kale
Lettuce (romaine, green leaf, red leaf)
Mangoes
Peas
Pink Grapefruit

Pumpkin

Spinach

Sweet Potatoes
Swiss Chard

Tomatoes

 

Tyrosine Foods:

Egg Whites

Mustard greens

Pumpkin seeds

Salmon

Seaweed

Spirulina

Turkey

 

Riboflavin Foods:

Almonds
Beef

Cilantro

Coriander
Lamb

Mackeral (a small fillet contains the highest percentage of B2 in fish)

Paprika
Salmon

Sesame Seeds

Spinach

Trout

 

A trip to your supermarket might almost give your face the same satisfaction as a weekend in Tulum. OK, almost, I said almost!!

 

Photo: Hanalei III by Byrdie Mack