The detection of carotenoid pigments in human skin

Abstract

Carotenoid pigments were extracted chemically from both epidermis and dermis obtained from non carotenemic individuals at autopsy. Absorption maxima characteristic of beta carotene were found in the extracts of specimens of epidermis following cantharidin application in volunteers made carotenemic by the ingestion of beta carotene (180 mg/day for 10 wk). These maxima were absent in the extracts of epidermis obtained from the volunteers before beta carotene ingestion.