There’s no denying that Hailey Bieber is one of our generation’s biggest “IT” girls. From her hair to nails to makeup, millennial and Gen Z women are hanging on her every word. If Hailey tries it, the world (and thousands of redheads) will too. According to a PopSugar article, Hailey recently shared her love for a product called Carroten, an intensive tanning gel. She said she mixes it with her own choice of SPF since Carroten doesn’t have any sun protection.
@haileybieber sunshine and salty tan ✨✨🤍🤍
With the warmer months here, we know many redheads will try this tanning trick and we wanted to discuss if this is actually safe. Keep scrolling to read more.
What is Carroten?
Carroten is an intensive tanning gel that has no SPF coverage. It is usually dark orange or brown in color and rich in texture. Beiber says she mixes hers with SPF — this is safer, but it still will not keep you protected.
The name Carroten is derived from the word “carrot”. Many Carroten brands claim their “hero ingredients” are carrots because carrots contains an orange pigment called ‘beta-carotene’. Its main property has the ability to boost melanin production which ultimately gives skin that instant and natural tanning result.
In the PopSugar article, Dr. Buka, a board-certified dermatologist, weighs in on Carroten, “Carroten is a branded tanning gel that is predominantly petrolatum. Petrolatum, commonly found in Vaseline, is a photo-accelerant that multiplies the effects of ultraviolet rays.”
Why do we deem Carroten unsafe for redheads?
Dr. Buka also goes on to talk about how technically Carroten should have a negative SPF rating, but those aren’t issued by the FDA, so it’s labeled as 0. Buka continues, “It doesn’t provide any UV protection, so no, it’s not safe to use in the sun. Carroten on its own is a one-way ticket to skin cancer because it amplifies the impact of ultraviolet rays on your skin.” When you mix Carroten with a high SPF, it becomes a little safer, but you run the risk of SPF dilution which can cause another host of problems.
We want redheads to know that this product is not safe. We need to keep our redhead skin healthy and safe, and this isn’t the product to help us do that. Carroten will lead to skin damage and even worse — skin cancer.
We recommend a sunless spray tan or home self-tanning products instead
Redheads typically have fair skin and are more prone to sunburn, so they must protect their skin while tanning. Here are some safe ways for redheads to achieve a tan:
1. Use Sunscreen: Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or above) and reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
2. Seek Shade: Limit sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and stay in the shade whenever possible.
3. Protective Clothing: Wear hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your skin to shield it from the sun.
4. Sunless Tanning Products: Consider using self-tanning lotions or sprays for a tan without sun exposure.
5. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, which can help reduce the risk of sun damage.
6. Monitor Skin: Check your skin regularly for any changes or signs of sunburn, and consult a dermatologist if you notice any concerns.
We get tons of questions from redheads asking how they can tan, what tanning products to use, and how to get a tan outdoors. We want redheads to know that Carroten is not safe and to use safer options. Let’s leave this Hailey Bieber trend to the “IT” girl herself.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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