Summer is here – which means strolls on the beach, exploring exotic locales, and more fun activities. However, the one downside of the warm weather and the blazing sun is tanning. In simplest terms, tanning is the darkening of your skin due to constant exposure to the sun. You see – your body picks on the potential photodamage to the skin and cues more melanin production to absorb the UV rays. Results? Discoloration and an uneven, patchy complexion.
Luckily, tanning is not an untreatable concern. So, if your skin is prone to tanning, scroll ahead for 3 tested ways to remove it effectively.
Method 1: Exfoliation For Removing Tanning
How does it work: The first tried-and-tested method to detan is exfoliation. If you don’t know how it works – exfoliation buffs away the dead cells with excess melanin from the skin. Moreover, this process encourages healthy cellular turnover, unveiling the bright, even surface sitting underneath.
How to do it: Use a store-bought or a DIY scrub (with honey and sugar). With a light hand apply the formula on the affected areas and wash it off after 5 to 7 minutes. Since over-exfoliation zaps your skin’s moisture, leading to dehydration and inflammation – we recommend using the scrub 2 to 3 times weekly.
Expert tips: Avoid exfoliating the sensitive areas which are susceptible to flare-ups. Also, don’t skimp on your moisturizer after exfoliation. This skincare staple offsets any accidental flareups or inflammation on the skin.
Method 2: Home remedies
How does it work: Home remedies have been found extremely effective in removing tans. Infused with natural brightening agents, these DIY recipes minimize the risk of flare-ups.
Here are the most common scrubs you can whip up at home-
1. Tomato and lemon mask
Rich in lycopene, tomatoes help wane pigmentation due to tanning. Furthermore, lemon’s bleaching properties double down on efforts for an even skin tone. One must note that tomatoes also combat discoloration by gently exfoliating the epidermis.
How to use: In a bowl, mix equal parts of tomato and lemon juice. Apply this mixture on tanned areas for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Once through, follow up with a rich and non-comedogenic facial moisturizer.
2. Aloe vera gel
Another effective way to bid farewell to tanning – aloe vera gel. The glycoproteins in the plant fade hyperpigmentation and the bradykinase promotes cellular turnover at night – obliterating facial tanning. The best part? Due to its antioxidant properties, aloe vera also prevents tanning at bay!
How to use: Take fresh aloe vera from a plant and apply it on the tanned areas. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off gently.
3. Yougurt and turmeric
Who knew that 2 kitchen ingredients could make one infallible tan cure? Lactic Acid in yogurt exfoliates the skin’s outermost layer to remove tan – uncloaking a bright, even-tone surface underneath. Turmeric further brightens your complexion by inhibiting melanin synthesis in the skin cells. This pack also has nourishing properties that prevent dryness from sun exposure.
How to use: Take 2 to 3 spoons of yogurt and add a pinch of turmeric to it. Mix it well and apply this concoct on the affected areas. Wash thoroughly after 15 to 20 minutes Although home remedies are safe for most skin types, we still recommend conducting a patch test first.
Method 3: Professional Treatments
If you have stubborn tanning, we recommend opting for a professional treatment. Here are the most popular ones available at your nearest dermatologist.
1. Chemical peels: This method exfoliates your skin’s outermost layer with a high concentration of Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid – fading tan in the process.
2. Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses focused beams to boost Collagen production in the skin cells, dwindling the appearance of tan and pigmentation.
3. Microdermabrasion: This popular technique uses fine crystals or a diamond-tipped device to exfoliate the epidermis. It can be used to fight tanning, pigmentation, and even acne scarring.
Considerations opting for professional procedures: We recommend opting for the above professional treatments only under the guidance of a dermatologist. This intermediate step will minimize the risk of inflammation.
Additional Steps To Prevent Tanning
Moreover, you can employ these precautionary measures to keep tanning at bay.
1. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day: To prevent damage caused by UVA and UVB rays, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. For the Indian skin type, experts suggest opting for SPF 30 or higher. Apply 2 fingers’ worth of the formula roughly 20 minutes before stepping outdoors.
2. Cover exposed skin with clothing: Wear full-length sleeves and pants to avoid tanning on the limbs. Moreover, avoid getting direct sunlight between 10 AM to 4 PM.
3. Use hats and scarves to cover up: Prevent facial tanning with wide-brimmed hats and scarves on top of your sunscreen.
Conclusion
Skin tanning is caused due to incessant exposure to UV rays. Your body’s defense mechanism cues the overproduction of melanin to absorb the UV rays and prevent damage to the epidermis. Luckily, exfoliation, home remedies, and in case of severe episodes, professional treatments can remove tanning for bright and even-tone skin.
