Tanning Accelerators

For a speedier tan, you might elect to try a tanning accelerator. Generally sold as lotions or pills, these products list an amino acid called tyrosine in with the ingredients. This amino acid is reported (but not proven) by some users to increase the production of melanin, speeding up the tanning process.  Again, these are not FDA-approved solutions or drugs.

Other Tanning Pills / Vitamin D

A different type of sunless-tanning pill on the market today lists canthaxanthin, a color additive for food, as an ingredient. The FDA has approved of this substance with use in foods and only small amounts are added. However, as with tyrosine, canthaxanthin has NOT been approved by the FDA. In actuality, to tan with this, you would need large amounts. And the results would likely be an orange-brown- colored tan, and possible side effects; hepatitis or a retinopathic condition with yellow deposits forming in eye’s retina.

Some people worry about vitamin D deficiency when using sunless-tanning products and staying out of the direct sunlight. And they reach for supplements and increase their intake of foods that contain Vitamin D. Others turn to outdoor tanning for longer periods thinking that this will help them benefit more from increased exposure, more vitamin D. However, the scoop is the average person doesn’t need to be out in the sun that long to get the recommended vitamin D amount needed via their body’s absorption.

Depending upon genetics,  skin coloring, region and climate, for example, a person only needs between five and maybe 10-15 minutes per day, around the middle of the day, three or four times during the week. Less can work for those in warmer, sunnier regions.