Published 09/06/2026

Reading time 6 min

Beta-carotene under the microscope
does it really help with tanning? And are its effects suitable for women?

 

It just starts with the sun…

Summer is the time when we enjoy the sun almost every day. It is a time of holidays, summer dresses and pleasant evenings with friends. And it is also a time when we think about how best to protect our skin.

Beta-carotene is definitely part of summer. But do you know everything about it? Does it really help with tanning? Do you know its disadvantages? And how can it be beneficial especially for women?

It is probably most associated with tanning and the colour orange, but its benefits for the body go much further.

What is beta-carotene?

Beta-carotene belongs to the group of carotenoids and is a plant pigment that gives vegetables and fruits their orange, red and dark green colours. The human body can then take vitamin A from it, which primarily supports vision, immunity and contributes to skin health.

You could say that it belongs to the group of heroes who fight for us against external influences.

How does beta-carotene help women?

The truth is that beta-carotene has very beneficial effects for women. Its power is not one-sided. It helps not only with health, but also with beauty. And women often appreciate that, right?

It is popular mainly for:

  • anti-ageing effects,
  • skin protection when sunbathing,
  • bronze tan,
  • healthy-looking hair and nails,
  • brighter and more beautiful skin.

Beta-carotene and tanning

It is true that it can really help with a more even tan and can provide the skin with a certain form of protection. But it is important to say that it helps the whole process rather than doing all the work itself. It is always necessary to use products with SPF.

How does it work?

Beta-carotene is stored in the skin, where it protects cells from UV radiation, helps create pigment and can also reduce sensitivity to sunlight and prevent skin burns. However, the strength of the effects is individual and often depends on several factors.

What do you get from beta-carotene?

  • A more even tan,
  • a lower risk of red, flushed skin,
  • a long-lasting tan.

How to use beta-carotene?

If you are going to the seaside or to places where you plan to sunbathe, it is a good idea to try the power of beta-carotene. The best time to start using it is about 2-4 weeks before your vacation and continue using it during your vacation. Regularity is essential, thanks to which you will achieve the best results.

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The best natural sources of beta-carotene

You can also use natural sources to obtain beta-carotene. Sometimes it can be more difficult to keep track of how much you have "eaten" throughout the day, but consuming foods containing it is very effective for the body.

Foods containing beta-carotene

How to support and increase the effects?

Did you know that beta-carotene is fat-soluble? Its intake into the body is therefore ideal together with suitable foods. For example:

  • avocado
  • nuts
  • quality meat
  • seeds
  • vegetable oils

Beta-carotene and skin: How will it support the beauty of your skin?

Thanks to the fact that it is a strong antioxidant, it also has caring effects and an effect on the appearance of the skin.

It can:

  • brighten,
  • unify skin tone,
  • protect against excessive drying,
  • regenerate and renew.

Beta-carotene and wrinkles

Antioxidant effects also protect collagen in the skin from damage and thus help in the fight against wrinkles. But it is not an immediate lifting effect. Its use in the fight against wrinkles will become apparent over time.

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How does it support eye health?

This is where the main role comes in. When it comes to eye health, beta-carotene is hero number one. Its work is essential for the eyes and vision. Vitamin A is important for:

  • proper functioning of the retina,
  • protection of the eyes from drying out,
  • vision in dim light.

And its deficiency is manifested, for example, by eye fatigue. So yes - carrots are healthy for the eyes, but this is mainly due to the beta-carotene contained in them.

Recommended dosage

The dosage is relatively individual. It mainly depends on:

  • age,
  • lifestyle,
  • diet,
  • how often you are in the sun.

You can ask your doctor about how much beta-carotene is ideal for your body, but in general, common food supplements for daily consumption contain about 6-15 mg.

Can beta-carotene be harmful?

Too much of anything is harmful. Although its use is not extremely harmful, it is true that beta-carotene can cause:

  • orange skin discoloration,
  • digestive problems,
  • headaches.

As for orange skin, it is not a permanent condition and after stopping, the discoloration will disappear after some time.

Smokers, however, beware, extensive studies by ATBC (in Finland) and CARET (in the USA) have shown a higher risk of lung cancer when taking higher doses of beta-carotene, so it is advisable to consult a doctor about its suitability for you.

Beta-carotene in food supplements

Beta-carotene dietary supplements are particularly suitable:

  • before the holidays,
  • when consuming low amounts of vegetables,
  • when the body is under increased stress,
  • in the winter,
  • for non-smokers.

How to choose a quality product?

When choosing, it is good to look out for a few criteria:

  • beta-carotene content,
  • content of other substances,
  • natural composition,
  • content of oils for better absorption.

Substances commonly added to beta-carotene:

  • selenium
  • zinc
  • lutein
  • vitamin E

 

Frequently asked questions and answers:

Yes, in reasonable doses. It is usually enough to consume it as part of a varied diet.

Yes, thanks to the property of depositing pigment in the skin, the skin acquires a bronze hue and in combination with the sun, tanning can be visually faster.

Natural sources are also a certainty for smokers. Fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet, so they also bring other benefits to the body. Dietary supplements are suitable for short-term treatments before vacation or before summer.

If you stick to the usual dosage of up to 15 mg per day, this should not happen.

Yes, beta-carotene from plant sources is beneficial for children and is suitable for their healthy development. However, it is useless for children in the form of dietary supplements.

Yes, beta-carotene intake from food is safe during pregnancy. However, in dietary supplements it is completely useless.

Be with #ESSENS

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