The way we view the perfect body has changed as the media focus on celebrities and their looks. Size has been focused on as size zero became popularised by the fashion industry. The catwalk continues to be filled with unhealthy stick thin models but brands like Dove celebrate natural beauty. But size is not the only way our view of the perfect body has changed.
Pale skin used to be seen as virtuous and beautiful, with women going out of their way to protect their skin from colour changing UV rays. We now see a tan as an essential beauty accessory, like nail varnish or mascara. This can lead to serious problems in terms of health and confidence, with girls at a younger and younger age changing what they naturally look like in order to fit into the new perma-tanned, super thin stereotype that fills the pages of magazines.
Injections and pills are now been taken claiming to give you a tan from the inside out. This isn’t like eating too many carrots however; this is the digestion of chemicals and additives that can have serious side effects when too much is taken into the body. Tanning pills do not comply with the regulations set out by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and they can be seized and destroyed if found.
Tanning pills usually contain the additive canthaxanthin. Its primary function is as a colour additive in food, where very tiny amounts are used. If too much is taken, orange brown patches can appear on the skin. Whilst this will leave you with a patchy tan, it could also have very serious side effects. Too much canthaxanthin can cause crystals to form in the eye, known as canthaxanthin-induced retinopathy. The crystals can be removed but it can take years for your sight to return to normal. You could also experience itching, sickness, diarrhoea and stomach pain.
Tanning pills are not in line with FDA Compliance and as such they are illegal wherever the FDA regulations are in place. Trying to import, buy or sell tanning pills in these areas could be classed as a criminal offence and individual cases are dealt with by the FDA governing body.