Beta carotene for skin

Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which is found in some foods and is also available in dietary supplement form. In medicine, it is used exclusively as a prophylaxis for photosensitivity reactions in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

We are often asked about using a beta-carotene supplement to accelerate tanning and prepare the skin for trips to hot countries. We have prepared a reasoned answer for you:

Do not use beta-carotene for tanning.

Why is beta-carotene dangerous?

The most common side effect of taking this supplement is carotene jaundice. (yellowing of the palms, arms, or soles of the feet; to a lesser extent on the face).

What you might mistake for a tan “at home” is actually carotenoderma, that is, a change in skin pigmentation due to high levels of beta-carotene.

Please note that pigmentation may not affect all of the skin, but only small areas of it. Essentially, Beta Carotene can give your skin an orange tint. If you want to get a natural olive tan, then this supplement is clearly not for you. Although, on the other hand, if you strive to capture the attention of the public by any means, then an unnaturally orange look is an eccentric enough image for everyone around you to talk about you. But in general, it still resembles jaundice, which is a sign of excess bilirubin caused by a number of diseases. Therefore, if your doctor thinks that you have jaundice, be sure to tell him that you are taking such supplements.

About other methods of tanning

There are other medications and diseases that make the skin darker. However, such darkening is rarely uniform and resembles anything other than a beautiful summer tan.

Nowadays, many people actively tan to look better. However, do not forget that UV radiation is carcinogenic, accelerates the aging process and deteriorates the quality of the skin. Even knowing about this important factor, many patients continue to actively tan for the sake of short-term beauty, refusing to understand that in this way they are reducing the quality and beauty of the skin in the long term. The effect is not immediately noticeable. But the likelihood that it will manifest itself in the long term is extremely high. Especially among those who abuse tanning and do not protect their skin from UV radiation (do not use sunscreen). The stunningly beautiful tan that you achieved through regular visits to beaches and solariums will last on your skin for a couple of weeks, for which you will then have to pay. The extent of the damage and the likelihood of how soon you will notice signs of cancer, wrinkles and dermatological problems depends on your natural skin color (the darker a person is, the better their ability to withstand UV radiation), heredity and the amount of time you spend in the sun. Someone may notice a negative effect as early as 30. If you have fair skin, then the deterioration of its condition will lead to the fact that by 30-40 you will already begin to look older than your real age.

If the idea of ​​tanned skin still haunts you, self-tanning is by far the best and least confusing solution. Use it in combination with sunscreen to protect your skin and maintain your skin's integrity (and beauty).

Vitamin A and skin

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, so it is generally beneficial for the skin. Vitamin A is used to treat skin diseases; its deficiency can lead to accelerated skin aging and various diseases, including those related to immunity.

This vitamin is an antioxidant, so its presence reduces the likelihood of some serious diseases associated with exposure to the sun. However, it is important to judge your time in the open sun correctly.

Remember that redness of the skin during tanning (physiological erythema) can quickly turn into a sunburn, the consequences of which will cause you significant discomfort. Avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours and use sunscreen.

Where to buy vitamins and dietary supplements?

We recommend ordering them from iHerb. This store offers delivery from the USA of more than 30,000 quality products at affordable prices.

This word is associated with carrots, and we have known it since childhood: only the lazy did not learn that beta-carotene is good for vision. In fact, the benefits of this substance are broader, which is well known to cosmetics manufacturers.

1. What is beta carotene
2. What is it for?
3. Beneficial properties for the skin
4. Products containing beta-carotene
5. Application in cosmetics
6. Tools Overview

What is beta carotene

From a beauty point of view, beta-carotene has two main properties.

This is a powerful antioxidant with many positive effects, which will be discussed below.

It helps you get a beautiful tan, since it itself is a pigment. It is no coincidence that in Brazil, girls drink a glass of carrot juice before going to the beach.

From the point of view of general biology, beta-carotene is a plant component that is converted in the body into vitamin A (retinol), one of the most important substances for beautiful skin. In the beauty industry, the word “retinol” has become something of a mantra: products with its active participation, both home and professional, are a huge success.

Beta-carotene is named after the carrot © iStock

But let's return to the predecessor of retinol. Beta-carotene is an orange pigment named after the carrot (carota in Latin). It's not just the cheerful, warm color, but also the wonderful properties it has.

The family of carotenes is very large - there are about 600 of them. These include lycopene, which is popular today.

What is it needed for

As a powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene suppresses free radical activity, preventing cell damage. Thus, it protects us from premature aging. Many studies have shown the beneficial effect of beta-carotene on human immunity precisely against the background of oxidative stress (in completely healthy people this effect was minimal).

Colorful vegetables and greens are sources of beta-carotene © iStock

They say that we do not feel the presence of vitamins, but only their deficiency. And the lack of vitamin A manifests itself primarily externally - the skin becomes dry, cracks, peels, and becomes acne-prone. All this may be accompanied by blurred vision and decreased immunity. Children may experience growth retardation. During pregnancy, it is especially important to get enough beta-carotene.

By the way, unlike vitamin A itself, beta-carotene is practically non-toxic even in excess. If there is too much of it in the body, it manifests itself as a slight darkening of the skin.

Beneficial properties for the skin

Antioxidant protection cells from damage and aging.

Speeding up processes regeneration.

UV protection. A pleasant side effect is an even tan. Let us remind you: carrot juice internally and products with SPF externally are the secret to the ideal skin tone.

Healing properties.

Finally, beta-carotene helps combat signs of vitamin A deficiency.

Products containing beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is found in all bright vegetables - carrots, pumpkin, peppers, tomatoes. Moreover, the amount of pigment varies within fairly wide limits depending on the color saturation. All (!) plant leaves are also rich in this valuable substance. This means that greens like spinach, sorrel, arugula, basil, mint are also a source of beta-carotene.

A couple of carrots a day covers the daily requirement for beta-carotene. Just keep in mind: there is almost none left in grated carrots a quarter of an hour after cooking.

Unlike most useful substances, beta-carotene does not lose its properties during heat treatment (heating or freezing), but, on the contrary, accumulates!

The waters of Lake Sasyk are rich in beta-carotene © iStock

Interestingly, beta-carotene is produced on a huge—literally industrial—scale by some algae and fungal cultures. Pink Lake Sasyk in Crimea is a living miracle of nature, rich in beta-carotene.

For dietary supplements and cosmetics, this substance is obtained using algae and fungi.

Application in cosmetics

In cosmetics, beta-carotene is often included in:

for and after tanning;

nourishing and anti-aging;

for the skin around the eyes;

Beta-carotene is one of the main ingredients in Kiehl's eye care cosmetics. It is important that such products are suitable for people who wear contact lenses.

Tools Overview

Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, Kiehl’s, moisturizes and refreshes the thin and delicate epidermis in this vulnerable area. Has a pleasant light texture.

Nourishing body cream Creme de Corps, Kiehl’s, With a thick texture, it spreads well over the skin and does not leave a feeling of stickiness or greasy. In addition to beta-carotene, the composition contains squalane to moisturize the skin, avocado and sesame oils with a softening and lipid-replenishing effect, and aloe vera extract as a soothing component.

Beta-carotene is a provitamin of the carotenoid family and one of two sources of vitamin A, which is important not only for overall health and immunity, but also for the integrity of your organs, such as the skin. In the human body, beta-carotene is transformed into retinol and other forms of vitamin A. For example, retinol is actively used by doctors for topical skin treatment.

Application

Vitamin A was the first retinol to be used therapeutically for skin conditions. Cosmetic companies use various forms of retinol to improve skin tone and elasticity.

Beta-carotene in creams and lotions can provide a similar effect. Even when applied topically, beta-carotene acts not only on the surface of the skin, but also penetrates through it.

A lotion containing beta-carotene, applied daily for 24 days, helps reduce the development of melanosis. This disease is characterized by changes in skin color associated with excessive accumulation of melanin pigment. Beta-carotene can be converted into the active form of vitamin A - retinol.

Human skin is susceptible to injury, disease and environmental damage, which can accelerate the aging process. Beta-carotene helps heal wounds and restore skin cells, boosting immunity and strengthening tissue. In addition, this substance has a softening effect on the skin.

Skin protection

Consuming foods that contain beta-carotene is extremely beneficial for skin health. Human skin is regularly exposed to ultraviolet radiation, lipids and is very susceptible to oxidation. All this accelerates the formation of folds and wrinkles.

Carotenoids prevent the aging process by preventing cell changes.

Consumption rate

The daily dose of vitamin recommended by doctors is 700 mcg for women aged 14 to 51 years and 900 mcg for men in the same age category. Because the vitamin is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in the body if you consume too much of it. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before taking supplements.

To maintain optimal levels of this substance, it is necessary to include as much food rich in beta-carotene in your diet as possible.

Food sources

There are two ways to get vitamin A through foods containing this substance. One of them is the consumption of animal products containing already converted vitamin A - retinol. These are foods such as meat, fish, liver, eggs and milk.

Another way is to consume plant foods rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Various brightly colored fruits and vegetables are rich in this substance. The most famous of them are carrots, beets, sweet peppers, zucchini, blueberries, spinach, and apricots.