The Truth About Tanning Pills

Submitted by staff on Sat, 07/25/2009 at 8:38pm.

Tanning pills are marketed as a way to achieve a deep, long-lasting tan. Tanning pills are often used as an alternative to UV exposure, thereby avoiding skin damage. It also takes out the time and hassle of going to a tanning salon or tanning outside. Tanning pills are not FDA approved, but can be found through various websites and companies.

Many tanning pills are made from canthaxathin, a color additive often used in food to create a red, orange, or brownish color. Tanning pills made from canthaxathin work by overloading the body with this color additive, which is then deposited in the body in various places, including the skin.

When used in foods as a color additive, Canthaxathin is FDA-approved. When used in tanning pills or other supplements, canthaxathin does not have FDA approval. Common side effects of using canthaxathin as a tanning supplement include cramping, diarrhea, nausea, welts, and severe itching. There have also been reports of crystal deposits in the eye of those using canthaxathin tanning pills. These crystals can cause permanent vision loss.

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