Health
Tanning pills can pose serious dangers, dermatologists warn: 'Consumers should be aware'
Some people are trading UV rays for tanning pills, as numerous social media influencers have raved about how these supplements have given their skin a tan glow. But are they safe?
These pills contain a variety of ingredients – including L-tyrosine, beta-carotene and astaxanthin – that could potentially have a color-changing effect on the skin.
Doctors are warning that this alternative means of bronzing the skin can come with risks.
DOES SUNSCREEN CAUSE SKIN CANCER? DOCTORS DEBUNK CLAIMS GONE WILD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
As of a March 2022 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are not currently any FDA-approved pills for tanning the skin.
The FDA confirmed with Fox News Digital that this has not changed as of today.
There are no FDA-approved pills for tanning the skin, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed. (iStock)
“Nevertheless, pills bearing tanning claims continue to appear on the market,” the FDA wrote. “Consumers should be aware of risks associated with such products, as well as doubts about their efficacy.”
One of the biggest risks is that some people might assume they’re more protected from the sun based on their darkened skin tone, according to Dr. Alexis Young, a dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.
SKIN CANCER CHECKS AND SUNSCREEN: WHY THESE (STILL) MATTER VERY MUCH FOR GOOD HEALTH
“I can assure you [that] is not the case,” she said to Fox News Digital. “The effect of these pills provides no SPF protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays, which can increase our risk of skin cancer – including melanoma, the deadliest form.”
These pills often contain a pigment called canthaxanthin, which accumulates in the skin and eyes, the dermatologist added.
With prolonged use at high doses, this pigment can potentially lead to liver damage, Young warned.
Tanning pills may cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and allergic reactions, experts warn. (iStock)
“Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice,” she said.
“Canthaxanthin deposits in the retina can potentially cause blurred vision, night blindness and even permanent vision loss.”
Tanning pills may also cause other side effects, Young reported, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and allergic reactions.
SUNBURN SOS: 7 TIPS TO SOOTHE YOUR SUN-DAMAGED SKIN, ACCORDING TO A WELLNESS EXPERT
In addition to canthaxanthin, tanning pills can also contain other elements, such as beta-carotene and L-tyrosine.
“While generally considered safe, excessive beta-carotene intake can be harmful, especially for smokers, as it may increase their risk of lung cancer,” Young said.
“L-tyrosine … may interact with certain medications and can worsen pre-existing conditions like hyperthyroidism.”
Tanning pills will not provide protection from the sun’s rays, experts noted. (iStock)
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin, of California Dermatology Specialists, also reacted to this trend in an interview with Fox News Digital, noting that carotenoids – which are often found in these supplements – are what gives fruit their color.
“As dermatologists, we actually see this when someone eats too many carrots,” she said. “They can also get a similar ‘tan’ effect that presents more as an orange color, which often starts to appear on their hands and feet first.”
“The safest approach is to avoid tanning altogether and embrace your natural skin tone.”
Amin echoed that an excess of carotenoids can cause liver damage, as they’ve been associated with an increase in alcohol-induced swelling and inflammation when ingested in high doses.
Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp also does not recommend the use of tanning pills, he told Fox News Digital, as they typically have to be taken at higher doses to induce visible changes in the skin’s pigment.
HOW TO WEAR SUNSCREEN THE RIGHT WAY: YOUR GUIDE TO SPF
“And their results are temporary, which means you would need to continue taking them to maintain the ‘tan’ they provide,” he said via email.
The expert pointed out that astaxanthin has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects like abdominal pain and diarrhea.
With tanning pills, “the potential risks, particularly for skin cancer and liver damage, outweigh any perceived benefits,” a dermatologist commented. (iStock)
Tanning pills are “not considered safe” even if dosage instructions are followed, according to Young.
“The potential risks, particularly for skin cancer and liver damage, outweigh any perceived benefits,” she said. “It’s important to remember that the FDA has not approved any tanning pills as safe or effective.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Amin agreed that there is “simply not enough evidence to support the use of these supplements to tan the skin.”
“Given the unknown safety profile, I recommend avoiding using these pills at levels that can lead to a tan,” she added.
A dermatologist advised that everyone wear SPF 30 sunscreen or higher when exposed to the sun. (iStock)
For alternative tanning options, Amin suggested using an at-home self-tanner.
Young also prefers self-tanning products and sunless tanners, including lotions, mousses and sprays, which provide a temporary tan “without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
She also recommended professional spray tans that offer a “more natural-looking” custom tan.
“Remember, the safest approach is to avoid tanning altogether and embrace your natural skin tone,” she said. “Protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial for maintaining long-term health and preventing skin cancer.”
Fox News Digital reached out to several tanning pill manufacturers requesting comment on potential safety risks.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Older adults identified as “super movers” are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers.
That’s according to a recent study led by Stony Brook Medicine in New York, which evaluated the cognitive function of 4,000 adults 80 and over who participated in multiple aging and longevity studies over several years.
Among this group, 6% to 10% were classified as super movers, which means they walk at a much faster pace than others of the same age and gender — at speeds comparable to people three decades younger.
COMMON VITAMIN MAY INFLUENCE BRAIN AGING IN WAYS SCIENTISTS DIDN’T EXPECT
The super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed.
The findings were published in the journal Neurology on June 16.
Older adults identified as “super movers” are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers. (iStock)
“The study reinforces that mobility and brain health are closely connected,” lead study author Dr. Joe Verghese, MD, neurologist at Stony Brook Medicine, told Fox News Digital. “This suggests that preserving mobility may be an important marker of healthy brain aging and resilience.”
‘LONGEVITY GENE’ MAY PROTECT THE BRAIN FROM ALZHEIMER’S BY BOOSTING DNA REPAIR, STUDY FINDS
The most intriguing finding, according to Verghese, was that super movers maintained cognitive function despite having similar dementia-related brain changes as their peers.
In postmortem brain analysis, there was no difference in dementia-related pathologies between the super movers and the slower walkers, the study stated.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“This suggests they may possess resilience mechanisms that help preserve brain function even in the presence of age-related changes,” he said. “Understanding these resilience factors could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy brain aging.”
As the study was observational, there were some limitations, and it does not prove that walking faster prevents dementia, the researchers noted.
Super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed. (iStock)
“Other factors, such as cardiovascular health, physical fitness or genetics, may also contribute to both faster walking and better cognitive outcomes,” Verghese said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
This study adds to growing evidence that what’s good for the heart and muscles also benefits the brain, he noted, adding that “staying physically active remains one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support healthy aging.”
“Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment.”
“The broader message is that physical activity is important at any age,” Verghese said. “Walking is an easy step-up point because you don’t need any special equipment. You can do it inside or outdoors, and you can do it on a regular basis. You can walk with a dog, you can walk with a friend.”
Any activity is beneficial if it’s done regularly and with the right intensity, he added.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Rather than just trying to walk faster, the neurologist recommends that seniors focus on maintaining mobility through regular physical activity, strength training, balance exercises and good cardiovascular health.
“Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment,” Verghese noted.
Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking.
Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking. (iStock)
This can be achieved by walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or about 20 to 25 minutes most days. Another option is to engage in shorter sessions that add up over the day.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“You have to do it within your health limitations and medical conditions,” Verghese advised. “So if there are any medical concerns, I would get your physician to clear you before starting exercise.” The good thing about walking, he added, is that you can start at a slow pace and then gradually build up to a brisker pace.
“And then adding on strength and balance training, whatever age you are, I think is also important.”
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Health
Dr Oz warns Medicare scammers are stealing billions — and your personal information could be next
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Washington, D.C. – Medicare fraud is a multibillion-dollar problem that government officials say threatens both taxpayer dollars and Americans’ personal identities.
In a July 6 interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., Dr. Mehmet Oz warned that every dollar stolen through Medicare fraud is a dollar taxpayers lose – a problem that has worsened since the COVID pandemic.
“If I had to just pick one thing to focus on to make healthcare more affordable in America, I’d go to health fraud and all the waste and abuse that accompanies it,” said Oz, who is the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “And just to put this in perspective, we think it’s about $100 billion a year.”
BIG MEDICARE CHANGE SLASHES WEIGHT-LOSS DRUG COSTS FOR ELIGIBLE SENIORS
Medicare fraud can include billing for services that were never provided, overcharging for medical equipment, using stolen patient or doctor information, or performing unnecessary procedures, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured on stage at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 2026. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
As the Trump administration ramped up efforts to combat fraud, CMS reported $41.9 billion in Medicare program integrity savings in 2025, up 59% from $26.3 billion in 2024.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Medicare fraud not only harms the federal budget and steals from taxpayers, but exposes seniors to identity theft, unnecessary care, higher premiums and reduced access, Oz cautioned.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Removing corruption from the healthcare system will have the greatest impact among seniors, since “so much of the fraud is perpetrated against them,” the administrator said.
“I’m talking about people tricking seniors to give up their Medicare beneficiary numbers, which is like a credit card basically,” he said. “These scammers can take those numbers and use them for all kinds of illegitimate purposes.”
“If I had to just pick one thing to focus on to make healthcare more affordable in America, I’d go to health fraud and all the waste and abuse that accompanies it,” said Oz. (Fox News Digital)
“People are stealing from you by pretending to send you drugs you don’t want, wheelchairs you don’t need, [and] services you never asked for or don’t benefit from,” Oz added.
To prevent this, he shared his top advice for seniors: Do not give your Medicare beneficiary number to anybody, do not answer questions on a phone call from an unknown person and do not give away personal information.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“These scammers are calling seniors, tricking them, and once they have key information, they can steal it,” he said. “And I won’t know it and you won’t know it.”
“We want to protect people who need these programs the most,” Oz went on. “You do that by making sure scoundrels don’t corrupt the systems and steal money out of the till that is designed to help folks in dire straits when they’re vulnerable and in need of services.”
Seniors should never share their Medicare information with unknown people, the administrator advised. (iStock)
Removing fraud could “double the life expectancy of the trust fund that makes all this possible,” Oz predicted.
“If you’re worried about Medicare being there when you’re ready to retire in a couple decades, depending on how old you are, and you’re concerned that it might not last because of all the fraud that’s hitting it … you’ve got a good [reason to] worry,” he said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“If we take the fraud out, we could double the life expectancy, which means you, your kids, your kids’ kids … they could all benefit from this beautiful safety net program.”
-
World5 minutes ago‘The Kitchen’ Director Alonso Ruizpalacios at BAM: ‘We Need More Trojan Horses’
-
News10 minutes agoManhattan Building’s Columns Buckled Beneath New Addition, Images Show
-
Lifestyle47 minutes agoCan you say no to a friend’s wedding? : It’s Been a Minute
-
Technology55 minutes agoThe robotaxi law that could ban Tesla
-
World1 hour agoUS urges donors to abandon UNRWA funding as UN defends agency’s mission
-
Politics1 hour agoEXCLUSIVE: FBI adds alleged COVID fraudster accused of taking $5M from kids’ meal program to Most Wanted list
-
Health1 hour agoOne walking habit could signal a healthier brain after 80, scientists say
-
Sports1 hour agoNew Jersey pro wrestling promotion bringing the fight to the beach
