Medical professionals have long emphasized the connection between diet and the health of one’s skin, hair, and nails, lending credibility to the popular adage “you are what you eat.” Recently, holistic nutritionist Maria Marlowe garnered attention for a TikTok video in which she discussed the potential for adding more carrots to one’s diet to result in a natural tan or warm glow.
In the highly viewed clip, Marlowe told her 181.6K followers: “If you eat more carrots, your skin will look more tan.” This, she said, is because “carrots contain a carotenoid called beta-carotene, which is an orange plant pigment that can actually change the color of someone’s complexion when eaten regularly.” She added that it “gives the skin a really nice, yellowish golden hue.”
@glowbymarlowe Did you know you can get a natural tan by just eating certain foods? Here’s how. #mariamarlowe #skincaretips #tanningtips #glowingskincare #acnenutrition #acnenutritionist #glowingskintips #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Marlowe | Acne Nutritionist
Can Eating Carrots Give You A Natural Tan? A Nutritionist On TikTok Says So
In a follow-up video, the expert reacted to a previous post shared by another user who said that “three large carrots a day can change your natural undertone.” That other user praised carrots for giving them a natural tan without products like self-tanner. “I have been eating three large carrots a day for the past few years,” the TikToker went on, noting that anyone who does the same will “glow from the inside out.”
After showing a clip of the other user, Marlowe then said: “Yes, this is 100 percent true.” Eating beta carotene-rich foods like carrots daily, she reiterated, for at least “two to three weeks” can “change the color of your skin.” It “makes your skin a bit more yellowish, golden and glowing,” she continued. She noted that it “kind of looks like a tan.” She also said that carrots help to “protect your skin from UV rays.”
@glowbymarlowe Did you know there are certain foods that can give you a natural tan? Share this with a tan loving friend. #mariamarlowe #skincaretips #skincaretok #acnenutrition #acnenutritionist #acnesolutions #acnesolutions #naturaltan #naturaltanning #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Marlowe | Acne Nutritionist
Viewers of all videos headed to Marlowe’s comment section to share their thoughts. “Once studied about this, it’s really interesting,” one wrote as another added: “No way omg!”
We also caught up with dermatologists and skincare experts who told us that carrots are often the key to healthy and hydrated skin. “Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, playing a vital part in restoring and regenerating damaged collagen,” Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, told SheFinds.
Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, clinical dermatologist and writer at My Eczema Team also dished to us that she considers carrots to be “all-natural moisturizers” for how hydrating they are for our complexions. The more you know!
