Natural tanning pills
I am very fair-skinned and tend to burn easily so I wondered if there were any kind of natural tanning pills I could take to protect me from the sun but to speed up the tanning process at the same time? I know this is a tall order but there must be something.
According to a new reports, a combination of betacarotene and vitamin E supplements can work together in the body to protect against burning.
Beta-carotenes are the substances which give fruit and plants their bright colours. They protect plants against damage from UV light and may do the same for humans.
In a trial, reported in the Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 22 men and women were given increasing doses of betacarotenes over 24 weeks. Researchers measured their skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and found that as the dose increased, the skin became more protected from sunburn.
A second study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that taking vitamin E (500 IU) along with betacarotenes (25mg) for 12 weeks increased the amount of protection even more. In animal studies, it was also shown to protect again skin cancers and premature ageing.
Holland & Barrett’s TanTablets contain an amino acid called L-tyrosine which encourages the production of skin pigmentation (darkening) and so speeds up tanning. 60 tablets cost £3.99.
If you are looking for a natural alternative to commercial suncreams, I use Living Nature’s Wild Pansy and Coffee sunfilter which is made in New Zealand and is 100% organic. Eidelweiss Sun Lotion is a new herbal cream which comes in two SPF strengths. A 200ml bottle of 15 SPF costs £14.99. The same size bottle of 22 SPF costs £15.99.
*The above are available by mail order from Revital (0800-252875).