Background

• Canthaxanthin is a red and pink pigment that is naturally present in both plants and animals. The amount of canthaxanthin appearing on the skin depends on the amount of canthaxanthin consumed in the diet.
• Like other carotenoids, canthaxanthin may have antioxidant effects.
• Canthaxanthin collects in the second layer of skin, giving it a darker color and possibly protecting it from the sun.
• Canthaxanthin may be sold as tanning pills that lack U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
• Studies show that canthaxanthin may help with cancer, skin pigmentation disorders, and vitiligo.

References

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