Top 10 Foods You Can Eat for a Perfect Tan

Did you know that certain foods can help promote tanning, and there are others that can cause our skin to reject the sun’s rays?

If you want to encourage your summer tan, check out this list of the top 10 foods and drinks to enhance it. While these foods won’t give you a dark tan immediately, if you eat them regularly it will help to build up and enhance your tan.

1. Carrots

Lots of tanning products use alpha-carotene, which is found in carrots. When you eat them raw, carrots keep all of their helpful properties. Try to find ways to eat raw, organic carrots, and your tan should really look its best.

2. Eggs

Eggs, especially egg yolks, can help encourage your tan. Eggs contain high amounts of vitamin A, which is helpful for both your skin and your tan.

3. Mangoes

Like eggs, mangoes contain lots of vitamin A – in fact, they contain more than any other fruit!

4. Water

Water is so important to keep skin healthy and looking good. Our bodies are around 60% water, so it needs plenty to keep hydrated and to help your skin tan instead of burn in the sun. Drink fresh water at least every 20 minutes while you are out in the sun, or eat water-containing foods such as watermelon or cucumber.

5. Cheese

Cheese can help protect you from sunburn because it has high levels of selenium. This mineral can also help you to tan better. White cheese has the highest selenium content.

6. Spinach

Spinach is a healthy veggie for many reasons, but it’s also good for enhancing your tan because it's full of beta-carotene and antioxidants.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is similar to the compounds found in carrots and spinach.

8. Apricots

These tasty fruits can really help your tan along. Apricots are full of carotenoids, which are natural pigments that give them their golden peachy color. Apricots can help to transfer that color to your skin, and they are also full of antioxidants.

9. Olive Oil

Olive oil doesn’t contribute color to your tan, but it does help keep your tan in the best condition by keeping your skin soft and supple.

10. Peaches and Plums

These fruits are high in vitamin A, as well as carotenids that help transfer the color of the fruit to your skin.