It’s time to throw away your expensive, chemical-filled self tanner and head to the grocery store to shop for a new, 100% natural self tanner: fresh produce. It turns out you can eat your way to a healthy glow that mimics a tan, and it will save you time and money – as well as protect your skin. Experts recommend eating at least five servings a day of produce filled with these three key nutrients to achieve the perfect golden glow.
Carotenoids
This powerful antioxidant, which also takes the form of the better-known beta-carotene, works with Vitamin A to increase the production of melanin, which is responsible for changing the color of your skin. Carotenoids are found in most superfoods, such as carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, kale, red bell peppers, squash, pumpkin, and apricots, which contain 15% of daily Vitamin A requirements.
Tyrosine
This amino acid, which is a main ingredient in most tanning lotions, also aids in the production of melanin. It’s found in soy products, egg whites, cottage cheese, seaweed, cream cheese, and mustard greens.
Riboflavin (B2)
Riboflavin is the member of the B Vitamin family most responsible for your skin’s glow, as well as one of the best ingredients to help increase the production of melanin. It can be found in fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and trout, as well as almonds, which supply 60% of daily B2 requirements.
