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Understanding the Safety of Oral Tanning Agents

Unapproved tanning pills pose threats with concerning side effects, such as vision impairment and potential poisoning.

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Unapproved tanning pills pose significant dangers, encompassing risks such as vision impairment and...
Unapproved tanning pills pose significant dangers, encompassing risks such as vision impairment and potential toxicity.

Understanding the Safety of Oral Tanning Agents

Seeking a sun-kissed glow without venturing outdoors? Tanning pills may offer a seemingly appealing solution, but their promise is far from reality. While these supplements do exist, results are inconsistent, and some can pose serious risks.

Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, sheds light on the efficacy and safety of tanning pills. Consulting dermatologist Amy Kassouf, M.D., elucidates why tanning pills are not a desirable choice and discusses the safest alternative for a sunless tan.

The Essence of Tanning Pills

Tanning pills are supplements containing chemicals that aim to alter the color of your skin. Key components include:

  • Beta-carotene, a nutrient found in various fruits and vegetables, which converts to Vitamin A in the body
  • Lycopene, a nutrient in red-orange fruits, such as tomatoes
  • Canthaxanthin, an ingredient used as an orange dye in foods, but not approved for consumption as a pill

Efficacy of Tanning Pills

The effects of tanning pills on skin color can vary, with success largely dependent on an individual's skin type. At best, you might develop a slight orange hue, but a genuine tan remains elusive.

"In certain skin types, these tanning pills might give a slight tan because they deposit the active ingredient in the upper layers of the skin," explains Dr. Kassouf. "However, the color results are not impressive."

One major issue with tanning pills: The areas most affected aren't necessarily desirable. "The ingredients in tanning pills tend to concentrate more in calloused or thick-skinned areas like palms and soles of feet," she notes, adding that this could result in unsightly orange hands or feet.

Safety Concerns

No tanning pill can be considered entirely safe. Canthaxanthin, in particular, poses a significant risk.

"This substance can deposit in any organ in the body, which can be harmful," states Dr. Kassouf. "For instance, a company attempting to get canthaxanthin tanning pills approved by the FDA withdrew their application due to vision problems reported by users."

Beta-carotene and lycopene differ from canthaxanthin as they occur naturally in food and have health benefits. However, consuming large amounts of antioxidants in pill form is not advisable, and all supplements come with some level of risk.

"Over-the-counter supplements are not regulated," Dr. Kassouf asserts. "None of these tanning pills have FDA approval. This means a tanning pill may not contain the listed ingredients, may have an incorrect amount of ingredients, or may include unlisted toxic substances."

Furthermore, tanning pills do not offer UV protection, leaving users vulnerable to sunburns and skin cancer.

"Tanning pills are ineffective and not worth the potential danger," Dr. Kassouf concludes. "Avoid spending money on something that could harm you—and fails to produce a natural or healthy appearance."

Side Effects of Tanning Pills

Tanning pill ingredients can lead to various side effects, such as eye damage, digestive issues, liver problems, and unnatural 'tans.'

A Safer Alternative: Sunless Tanning Creams

"Topical self-tanning creams are the safest alternative to tanning pills, tanning beds, or sunbathing," Dr. Kassouf suggests. "All topical sunless tanning products, including spray tans, use the same active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This ingredient reacts with dead skin cells in the outer layers, darkening over time."

While DHA is generally safe to use on the skin, it can be toxic if inhaled. Dr. Kassouf recommends using sunless tanning creams over spray tans due to potential inhalation risks, and she cautions against nasal tanning sprays, which can be particularly dangerous.

Consider Sun Protection

Bypassing tanning pill risks, remember that direct sun exposure can lead to skin damage and cancer. Protect yourself by wearing protective clothing with a UPF rating, applying broad-spectrum SPF 30-50 sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.

Researchers are investigating the possibility of sunscreen pills, but until then, embrace sunless tanning creams for a safer glow.

  1. Tanning pills are supplements that contain chemicals like beta-carotene, lycopene, and canthaxanthin, aiming to alter the color of one's skin.
  2. While an individual's skin type may lead to slight color variations with tanning pills, a genuine tan remains elusive, with the ingredients tending to concentrate in unwanted areas such as palms and soles of feet.
  3. No tanning pill can be considered entirely safe, and canthaxanthin, a key component of some tanning pills, poses a significant risk, potentially causing harm to various organs in the body.
  4. Topical self-tanning creams that utilize dihydroxyacetone (DHA) are safer alternatives to tanning pills, as they react with dead skin cells to darken over time, without the potential risks associated with tanning pills, and should be used instead for a safer, sunless glow.

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