Tanning Pills

Tanning pills utilize a chemical called canthaxanthin, which is naturally found in animals and plants. With enough of this chemical, the skin will start to turn a brown color that is similar to a tan. Canthaxanthin is also used by food manufacturers, so it is found within barbecue, salad dressings, fruit drinks, and tomato sauces. It is a very common ingredient listed on foods that are orange, yellow or red in appearance. The reason that tanning pills help to change the pigment of the skin is that canthaxanthin dissolves easily in lipids, which is what the fatty layer underneath the top layer of skin is made of.

Problems & Precautions

IIt’s important to remember that while the FDA has approved canthaxanthin for use in food products, the chemical has not yet been approved for massive dosages. There are side effects associated with an increased intake of this material. Previous research demonstrates a link between increased intake and problems with eyesight. Other people have reported stomach cramps and other nausea-related disturbances. It will take up to two weeks for enough of the chemical to be in your system as to make a change in the skin color. It is possible that the side effects will appear right away or take some time. The dye may also appear orange in your skin, which could cause a problem since the dye takes about two weeks to fade away from your skin.

Overall, while tanning pills might initially seem like a safe alternative to a tanning bed, they are rather dangerous when compared with more safe options like spray tanning. The side effects from tanning pills can be severe and may take up to two weeks to disappear from your system.

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