No, tomatoes don't directly cause a tan in the way sun exposure does. However, consuming tomatoes can contribute to a temporary change in skin color.
How Tomatoes Affect Skin Color
Tomatoes, rich in lycopene, a carotenoid, can lead to a slight change in skin tone. This isn't a tan resulting from UV radiation, but rather a temporary coloration from the pigment accumulating in the skin. [This is supported by multiple sources](https://thewell.northwell.edu/skin-health/lycopene-skin-tan, https://cms.oliocarli.us/magazine/styles-and-trends/food-for-tanning, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/natural-tan-foods_n_3644629). This effect is similar to what happens when consuming large amounts of carrots.
Eating tomatoes raw increases Vitamin C intake, while cooked tomatoes make lycopene more bioavailable for potential skin-color alteration (https://cms.oliocarli.us/magazine/styles-and-trends/food-for-tanning). Lycopene also offers some skin protection against UV damage (https://www.italiaregina.it/foods-that-help-you-tan-faster/), but it's crucial to understand that this doesn't replace sunscreen.
While tomatoes might offer some antioxidant benefits for skin health, they don't prevent sunburn. Sunscreen remains essential for sun protection (https://www.quora.com/Do-tomatoes-protect-you-from-the-sun-tan).
Clarification: Tan vs. Skin Color Change
It's important to distinguish between a true tan (melanin production from UV exposure) and a temporary change in skin color due to carotenoids. Tomatoes contribute to the latter, not the former.
