The vital substance beta-carotene prepares winter-pale skin for sun exposure and at the same time provides sun protection. Because a healthy summer tan does not come by itself. People who, due to their sensitive skin, only have the choice between sunburn and a noble pallor in summer should therefore eat as much fruit and vegetables as possible, because beta-carotene is abundant in them. To prepare for the sun, beta-carotene capsules, tablets or dragées are also suitable.
Beta-carotene in food
Beta-carotene belongs to the large group of carotenoids and is known for its many beneficial properties. The absorption of beta-carotene in our body is very much dependent on how we offer it to the body. The vital substance is found in yellow-orange, but also dark green fruits and vegetables such as
- Carrots
- Peaches
- Mangos
- Apricots
- Spinach
- Lamb’s lettuce
- Swiss chard
However, relatively little is absorbed from the raw fruits and vegetables, because the plant cell walls hinder the release. Thus, when eating raw carrots, only about ten percent of beta-carotene is absorbed. However, in grated form and together with fat, utilization increases significantly.
Beta-carotene capsules as sunscreen
Beta-carotene tablets or capsules are also a good way to prepare the skin for summer. As a precursor of vitamin A, beta-carotene has the special property of scavenging free radicals and thus protecting the cells. A positive side effect results from the chemical structure of this vital substance: with its own color component, beta-carotene intensifies the natural skin tan and ensures a healthier and fresher appearance.
How does beta-carotene work as a sunscreen?
The protective effects of beta-carotene are based primarily on its function as an antioxidant. The vital substance acts via two different mechanisms: on the one hand, it renders the reactive singlet oxygen, which is produced by UV irradiation, for example, harmless. This could otherwise destroy cell structures through oxidation.
In this process, beta-carotene absorbs the energy of the reactive oxygen and then releases it again as heat. This process is also known as “quenching”. On the other hand, beta-carotene can also inhibit an already existing lipid peroxidation itself by stopping this chain reaction as a radical scavenger.
Effect of beta-carotene
Beta-carotene serves to supply vitamin A to humans and is therefore also referred to as provitamin A. In the enterocytes, it is converted to vitamin A on an as-needed basis, so overdosing is not possible, even with high beta-carotene doses.
Vitamin A is responsible for the growth and differentiation of cells and tissues and is therefore very important for the functioning of healthy skin. It is equally beneficial for the visual process. Beta-carotene, which is not required for vitamin A production, is deposited in fatty tissue and ultimately in the cells of the epidermis, where it can continue to exert its positive influences.
Taking beta-carotene capsules.
Newly formed skin cells migrate outward, keratinize in the process and are eventually shed again. Since this process of new skin formation takes three to four weeks, beta-carotene intake should be started at least one month before spending time in the sun. This ensures that sufficient carotene has been stored in the various skin layers. In this way, the skin’s own protection against UV radiation is strengthened and the sunburn threshold is increased.
