A growing trend, dubbed 'carrotmaxxing' and 'shrimpmaxxing,' involves consuming high amounts of carotenoids through food or supplements to alter skin tone, aiming for a tanned look without the need for sunbathing or tanning beds.
This practice centers on the consumption of beta-carotene, found in carrots and sweet potatoes; astaxanthin, which gives shrimp and salmon their pink hue; and lycopene, the pigment in tomatoes. Proponents, like best friends Bethany Ferguson and Whit Frink, utilize supplements that combine these pigments, believing it offers a more balanced and believable skin tone compared to traditional tanning methods. "Astaxanthin brings red undertones, lycopene brings surface warmth, and a supporting dose of beta-carotene adds golden balance," their chosen brand, Zephyrian, states.
Others are opting to increase their intake directly from food sources. Wellness influencer Lee Tilghman Pollis advocates for eating raw carrots daily, while TikTok user Isabelle (@isabelle.lux) gained viral attention for her "carrot tan." Men are also participating, with users like Casey (@caseynooz) sharing their routines involving both carrots and carotenoid supplements.
How it Works
Dermatologists explain that carotenoids are pigments absorbed through the digestive tract that can accumulate in the skin. Eating enough beta-carotene, for instance—around 20-50 mg daily for several weeks, equivalent to three to eight large carrots or one to two glasses of carrot juice—can lead to a condition called carotenemia, which turns the skin orange. Similarly, excessive lycopene intake from tomatoes can cause 'lycopenemia,' resulting in an orange-red skin tone. Astaxanthin, another carotenoid, is not known to cause a similar visible color change in the skin from overconsumption.
It is important to distinguish this pigment accumulation from a true tan, which involves melanocytes producing pigment in response to UV radiation. Carotenemia is simply the physical deposition of pigments in the skin.
Potential Risks
While carotenemia and lycopenemia from excessive food consumption are generally considered harmless and reversible by reducing intake, the use of supplements carries different concerns. Dietitians caution that high doses of carotenoids, particularly from supplements, can lead to adverse effects. Overconsumption of beta-carotene supplements might cause toxicity, and at very high levels, it can shift from being an antioxidant to a pro-oxidant, potentially causing inflammation. Major health organizations do not recommend beta-carotene supplements for the general public due to these risks.
Digestive issues like gas, bloating, stomach discomfort, and loose stools can occur from significantly increasing fiber intake rapidly, as noted by experts. Furthermore, dietary supplements are not subject to FDA approval for safety or efficacy before they reach the market, and label accuracy is not always guaranteed. Consumers are advised to look for third-party testing from organizations like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab to verify product quality and dosage accuracy.
Health professionals suggest that self-tanners remain a safer alternative for achieving a tanned appearance. If increasing carotenoid intake is desired, consuming whole fruits and vegetables is recommended over high-dose supplements. For Ferguson and Frink, the long-term effects and consistency of their supplement regimen will be the true test as their natural sun-induced tan fades.