Can you get a tan by just taking a pill? Well one day you might be able to. Tanning pills are starting to make there way onto the market but are still a little ways off for buyers in the United States. There are two different types of tanning pills that show promise and both work in different ways.

The first type of pill works entirely without sun. It works by giving you a huge dose of Carotenoids. Carotenoids give carrots their orange color. When you ingest a large quantity of them, the excess gets stored in your skin and gives you a tanned look. Since it is basically only dying your skin, this pill gives the user no protection from sun exposure so you should still be careful to use sunscreen when out in the sun. It is also short lasting and the tan will go away as soon as the user stops taking the pills. Carotenoids have been approved for use as a food coloring but the FDA has not approved them for use as a tanning pill. The long term effects of the tanning pills are not known.

The second type of pill is more of a tan enhancer. It works by speeding up the tanning process. It contains a chemical called tyrosine which increases the bodies production of melanin. The user takes the pills and exposes themselves to sunlight. This pill gives the user all of the benefits of a real tan since it essentially is a real tan. It does have side effects though such as nausea, vomiting and headaches.

As you can see, there is the promise of a tan in a pill out there but they are still a ways off. The side effects and the potential risks are just not worth an easy tan. So for now, put your sunscreen on and head outdoors or to the tanning salon if you want a tan.