What Are We Made Of? Exploring the Origins of Our Skin Colour (and How Foods Affect It) Part 2

In Part 1, we explored how skin colour is formed by melanin, blood circulation, and even skin thickness. But there’s more to the story—what we eat can also influence our skin tone over time. Certain foods contain natural pigments and compounds that, when consumed regularly, can subtly alter our complexion. From the beta-carotene in carrots to the vibrant hue of beetroot, our diet can enhance or tweak the natural colours of our skin in fascinating ways.

Beetroot and Other Foods That Affect Skin Tone

Several foods can impact skin colour when consumed in large amounts:

- Carrots and Other Carotenoid-Rich Foods: As mentioned, high consumption of beta-carotene from carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes can lead to a subtle orange or golden tint to the skin. This condition is called carotenemia and is most noticeable in the palms, soles, and nasolabial folds (around the nose and mouth).

- Beetroot: Known for its intense red colour, beetroot can also affect skin tone, primarily by boosting blood circulation. Beetroots are high in nitrates, which improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels. This increased circulation can temporarily give your skin a reddish or flushed appearance, similar to what you’d see after a workout. However, consuming large amounts of beetroot can also cause your urine and stools to turn pink or red—a harmless effect known as beeturia.

- Curry and Turmeric: Turmeric, a common ingredient in curry, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can give skin a yellow tint when consumed in excess or applied topically. In South Asia, turmeric has traditionally been used in skincare to brighten the complexion.

- Chilli Peppers: Spicy foods like chilli can cause temporary flushing due to the capsaicin they contain, which dilates blood vessels. Over time, a diet heavy in spicy foods can result in more frequent bouts of skin redness or increased sensitivity.

- Pink Dragonfruit: With its vibrant magenta hue, pink dragonfruit can impart a slight pinkish tone to the skin when consumed in large quantities. Like beetroot, it can also affect the colour of your urine, but its impact on skin tone is less pronounced than foods rich in beta-carotene.

- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, tomatoes can cause a reddish tint to the skin over time. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant, and while it’s beneficial for health, heavy consumption of tomatoes may give you a slightly reddish glow, particularly noticeable in fair skin tones.

While our unique melanin levels lay the foundation for our skin colour, dietary choices can add subtle, temporary shifts in tone, enhancing the natural hues we already have. So next time you enjoy a vibrant meal, remember—it may add more than just flavour to your life. It might add a touch of warmth or glow to your skin, too!