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Summer calls for a sun-kissed tan, and boosting your carotene intake is one thing that may help bathe your skin with a healthy glow. Carotene is an antioxidant found in the yellow or orange pigment of several fruits and vegetables. Consuming a moderate amount of foods rich in carotenes can warm up your skin and help boost your tanning potential.
On the other side of the color spectrum are the dark leafy green vegetables. These are not to be overlooked in the tanning stakes, as they’re packed with beta-carotenes that can increase your likelihood of achieving a natural looking tan. A good source of anti-oxidants, these foods help to protect the body from free-radical damage. The body converts beta-carotenes into a source of vitamin A (or retinol) that helps keep the skin in peak condition. Vitamin A also helps to increase the amount of melanin found in the skin, which is the natural substance responsible for giving the appearance of color to the skin.
Do you want to enhance and keep your tan longer? Add these carotene-packed fruits and vegetables to your shopping list:
1. Carrot
2. Apricot
3. Cantaloupe melon
4. Mango
5. Turnip
6. Sweet potato
7. Pumpkin
8. Spinach
9. Kale
10. Grapefruit
11. Tomato
12. Butternut squash
For more of our tips on beauty superfoods, check out our coverage on coconut, watermelon, and what to eat to get healthier hair.
—Elizabeth Whiston-Dew
