By Emma Di Salvo
In my Uni days, I remember getting ready for a night out with the house and all of us slathering on tanning lotion. We all wanted that sleek and sexy, sun-kissed holiday look. However, not only did I always end up smelling like biscuits (anyone else?), but the tan never quite looked how I wanted it to. It was always splodgy and ended up looking more tacky than tasteful.
These days, all sorts of lotions and potions are available, as well as sunbeds, of course, but did you know there are also pills you can take? Yes, you can actually buy tanning pills.
Join me as I unpack this latest TikTok tanning pills trend to discover whether they work and are safe.
How Do They Work?
Right off the bat, no FDA-approved tanning pills are currently on the market. In other words, the likelihood of these supplements being unsafe is high. That being said, there is evidence to suggest that the pills change your skin’s appearance. But be warned: it might not be the change you were expecting.
So, how do these so-called supplements actually work?
The majority of tanning pills contain an active ingredient called canthaxanthin, which is a food colouring agent. When ingested, it releases pigment-changing compounds, making your skin appear darker. Sounds good? Well, not really.
You see, when we get a tan the old-fashioned way, the sun causes melanin in our skin to slowly darken over time, giving us that healthy natural glow we all desire. The pills, however, work from the inside out. This not only doesn’t create a natural-looking tan, but it also makes the skin look more orange than bronze! Yikes!
Side Effects
While not achieving the desired tan can be frustrating, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks these tanning pills pose to our health. Endocrinologist Sarah Fishman, MD, warns that aside from minor discomforts like stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea, the pills can also interfere with other medications.
This is a frightening prospect, as you might not think to inform your doctor about your tanning pill use. As a result, any potential conflicts or incompatibilities between the pills and your medication could be unknown. This could mean that not only will your medication not work as effectively as it should, but it could also lead to more serious health issues.
What’s even more alarming is the potential link between tanning pills and melanoma, a form of skin cancer. These pills’ ingredients can heighten your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, making you more prone to sunburn, especially as the pills don’t provide any UV protection. Doctors also warn that the active ingredient, canthaxanthin, can accumulate in your retinas and cause severe damage to your eyes. Over time, this could even lead to blindness. This is a risk that’s not worth taking!
TikTok Sensation
You may ask yourself, “Where did this all come from?” Well, we have Tiktokker Isabelle Lux to thank for this new obsession. She went viral in July last year for claiming that eating three carrots a day made her skin darker. This claim was later called the “carrot tan,” and the hashtag quickly went viral—as in 1 billion views viral!
Now, before we all judge, there is some science to this! Carrots contain carotenoids (a group including beta-carotene and our friend canthaxanthin). Carotenoids are pigments produced by plants and microbes that give colour to carrots and other fruits and vegetables. It can also be synthesised and genetically modified, as seen with the tanning pills.
Eating fruit and vegetables that contain carotenoids in moderate quantities is actually very good for you. Carotenoids are also antioxidants, so they have anti-inflammatory properties. The problem with the pills, and the reason they are not FDA-approved, is that the level of carotenoids is way too high. This might give you the look you want and be faster than lying in the sun for hours, but it is definitely not recommended!
The Verdict
If you want a quick, effective, and safe tan, a good-quality tanning lotion is probably your best bet. Many of these products use a colour additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is FDA-approved and perfectly safe to use when applied correctly. There are also many vegan options in the form of bronzers that might be worth checking out, too!
We all strive to look our best; in many cultures, a tan is associated with holidays and health. For those who can’t afford a luxurious holiday in the sun, the TikTok tanning pills trend might seem like the solution. However, products that have not been FDA-approved, and are associated with numerous health warnings, such as tanning pills, should ultimately be avoided.
It’s essential to prioritise safety, stay informed, and, most importantly, not believe everything you see on TikTok!