A Cocktail Prescription For The Perfect Tan? Something Smells Fishy

Here's an eyebrow raiser: In a recent article for The Telegraph, a UK pharmacist touts the benefits of dietary supplements for achieving the perfect tan. Shabir Daya, MRPharmS, who will be writing a weekly beauty-supplement blog for the The Telegraph's site, suggests a cocktail of tablets to prep the skin for summer color — and, we have to say, we're suspicious.

Daya begins by explaining the necessity of preparing skin for the summer season and repairing the dryness and damage incurred in the colder months. With this in mind, he recommends an omega-3 fish-oil supplement to restore moisture, also claiming that regular doses will protect against solar rays.

But, then, things truly get fishy with the suggestion of "tanning tablets" — supplements enriched with beta-carotene and tyrosine, nutrients "known to help achieve a deeper tan." Tyrosine, Daya says, is required for the manufacturing of melanin, the pigment in our cells, while beta-carotene "gives skin a bright brown color." Under this logic, wouldn't we look like we'd just returned from vacation every time we snacked on baby carrots?

We're not scientists, but the idea of messing with our cells in pursuit of a perfectly bronzed bod seems pretty extreme. Also,we're failing to see the actual, you know, science behind this theory. But, what about you, readers? Click through for the full story — and weigh in with your comments, below. (The Telegraph)

Arctic Naturals Daily Omega-3 Purified Fish Oil Supplement, $14.99, available at Walgreens.