The detection of carotenoid pigments in human skin

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 weeks). These maxima were absent in the extracts of epidermis obtained from the volunteers before beta-carotene ingestion.