There’s this viral video going around where a guy claims he changed his skin tone with two supplements: lycopene and astaxanthin.
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Most people think skin color is just about melanin. You’re either pale or tan, depending on how much sun you get. But the video explains there’s another layer to it: how much carotenoid pigment you’re holding in your skin.
Carotenoids are red, orange, and yellow pigments found in fruits and vegetables. The more of them you eat or supplement, the more they build up in your skin and give it a warm, golden tone.
That’s what’s called a carotenoid tan. Not orange like bad self-tanner. Just… healthy, warm, and kind of glowy.
What Lycopene and Astaxanthin Actually Do
Both lycopene and astaxanthin are carotenoids. They’re found in things like tomatoes, watermelon, salmon, shrimp, and algae. Basically, anything red or pink in nature.
When you eat or supplement them, they don’t just vanish, they build up in your skin over time. And when they do, they tint your skin slightly. Not like paint. More like a filter. Subtle, but noticeable.
Lycopene
This one comes mostly from tomatoes. It’s a deep red antioxidant that’s been studied for heart health, prostate health, and UV protection. People who supplement lycopene sometimes notice their skin getting a soft reddish or golden tint after a few weeks.
Astaxanthin
This one’s found in microalgae and is what gives salmon and flamingos their pink color. It’s one of the most powerful natural antioxidants out there. Astaxanthin doesn’t just tint your skin, it also protects it from UV damage and oxidative stress.
The two work together. Lycopene gives that warm tomato-y hue. Astaxanthin adds a deeper red undertone. Combined, it can make your skin look warmer, healthier, and a bit glowy, without sun exposure.
But it’s not instant. It can take about two months of daily use before you start noticing the difference.
Does It Actually Work?
Short answer: yeah, it can. But don’t expect a dramatic overnight change.
There’s actual research showing that carotenoids like lycopene and astaxanthin accumulate in your skin and affect its color. Multiple studies found that people with higher carotenoid levels are rated as looking healthier and more attractive, even compared to people with sun tans.
What’s even crazier is that this holds up across different ethnicities. While tanning with melanin is seen as attractive mostly in Western cultures, the carotenoid glow is rated as attractive worldwide.
But again, this isn’t self-tanner in a capsule. You won’t wake up golden. It takes time, consistency, and your results depend on your baseline skin tone, diet, and how well your body absorbs these compounds.
How Much to Take and What to Expect
In the video, he takes:
- 24mg of astaxanthin
- 50mg of lycopene
Daily.
That’s higher than the typical supplement dose. Most astaxanthin products are 4–12mg. Lycopene is usually around 10–30mg. So if you’re trying this for cosmetic reasons, you’ll need higher doses than what you’d take for general health.
How long does it take?
Around two months. If you’ve got a nutrient-poor diet or your skin is naturally low in carotenoids, you might see stronger effects. If you already eat clean, the change will probably be more subtle.
Astaxanthin Brands
BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin
- Highly rated, one of the most studied astaxanthin brands
- ConsumerLab tested it as a top pick in its review
Lycopene Brands
Puritan’s Pride Lycopene (20–40 mg)
- Best-seller on Amazon, consistent potency
Tips for Choosing & Using
- Look for verified potency Many lycopene supplements fall short; opt for brands that pass independent testing.
- Choose softgels or oils, better absorption since carotenoids are fat‑soluble.
- Take with a meal containing fat, like olive oil or avocado, boosts absorption.