If you can manage to tan your skin evenly, it’s a gift. However, it’s rare. In usual scenarios, sun tans are patchy and irregular. When you want to attend a major occasion and look your best, a sun tan can delay your entire look. Knowing this, especially in a tropical nation like ours, we are always very cautious regarding sun exposure. Suntan damages skin by causing blemishes and dark spots. Prolonged skin damage isn’t easy to heal, hence, it is wise to prevent the overexposure in the first place.
Sun damage doesn’t just affect your skin by tanning, it can also cause premature wrinkles and fine lines. So, limit skin exposure to the sun or make a habit to not skip your sunscreen. However, if you already have sun tan and wish to treat it, here’s a guide that’ll help to understand the tanning process and get rid of it. Keep on scrolling down for more info!
Why Skin Gets Tanned?
Without the Sun, there is no life and light as it’s the biggest source of energy for the Earth. It emits rays and light that helps the vegetation, animals, and humans to grow and survive. However, one of the rays emitted by the sun, Ultraviolet A rays aka UVA, is harmful to our skin.
Skin cells go into defence mode when exposed to UV radiation from the sun. Melanocytes deliver melanin to keratinocytes, the skin's surface cells. Melanin pigment acts as a defence mechanism, preventing additional cell damage from UV exposure.
The skin's melanin pigment increases after sun exposure, creating the "tanning" effect, which darkens the skin. This is how our bodies automatically protect themselves from the sun's rays.Melanin acts as a skin’s shield to fight the harsh sun rays. (1)
Is Sun Tanning Harmful For The Skin?
When you know that your body is protecting your skin from further damage, you also realise that there’s no such thing as “safe” tan. If your skin is tanned, it means UVA has entered the layers of your skin. It is terrible news because skin damage can lead to serious problems like skin cancer. There are two ways in which UV radiation may contribute to skin cancer:
- by causing DNA damage to skin cells, which leads to the development of cancer cells growth.
- by impairing the body's natural defences against aggressive cancer cells and weakening the immune system. (2)
That is why it is best for us to prevent skin damage. If your lifestyle includes being exposed to the sun for long hours, it is wise to take precautionary measures to keep your skin safe.
10 Tips on How to Prevent Tanning
Do you enjoy being outside but detest tanning in the sun? Our relationship with the sun inevitably ends up being a love-hate one. Many people adore getting a beautiful tan but dislike the adverse effects of exposure. For people who detest tanning, let us tell you that tan and sunburns can be healed, but baking in the sun is dangerous.
Don't worry; we've got you covered with our top-secret advice on how to avoid tanning!
- The easiest and safest way of keeping your skin protected from sun damage would be to, yes, you guessed it right, not go in the direct sunlight at all. Sun rays are so troublesome for your skin that prevention is the only 100 per cent effective option. So avoid going into the heat in peak hours - 12 pm to 4 pm.
- If steeping outside during the above-mentioned hours is unavoidable, ensure your skin is not directly exposed to the sun. Wear a hat, carry a parasol, or use a scarf to cover your face.
- After covering yourself as much as possible, apply sunscreen with high SPF and re-apply it after two hours. (3) Sunscreen is formulated to minimise the skin damage caused by UVA. By minimizing scars and discolouration, it aids in protecting the skin from early ageing.
- Drink enough water if you plan to go out in the sun. This will keep your skin well hydrated when the rays try to suck the moisture out.
- If at all feasible, locate a safe, shady spot to minimise skin damage from the sun while you are outside. If you're at the beach, look for a shaded area because the water and sand will reflect the sun's rays, which will cause you to tan more quickly.
- Do not forget to moisturise if you want your skin to receive enough moisture throughout the day. Use vegan cosmetics in place of harsh chemical-based cosmetics. Refrain from using perfumes as they may make your skin more sensitive to heat.
- To keep your skin clean, remember to wash your face two to three times per day.
- Consume wholesome, fibre-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to enhance your skin's immunity and prevent UV damage from the inside out. Your diet's vitamins and antioxidants can also serve as an internal sunscreen for your skin.
- Use a scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and tanned skin after sun exposure. It's a good idea to scrub atleast once in a week for proper exfoliation and removal of dirt and grime from the skin.
- To get rid of the sunburn, you can opt for various home remedies by employing natural cleansers such as rosewater, milk, potatoes, tomatoes, lemon etc. A herbal toner can help you eliminate grime and tan from your skin.
Home Remedies For Indian Skin To Remove Tanning
If you have already tanned your skin, you’re probably wondering how to remove tan? Long-term skin damage caused by consistent overexposure to the sun is potentially irreversible. However, if your skin has been recently affected by the exposure, you can start working on the process of de-tanning to regain your original skin colour and health. It’s likely that the damage won’t be fully repaired but it will soothe your skin and will restore it to the best.
There are two ways to go about the procedure - home remedies and healing skin products. We recommend you to start with the home remedies and ayurvedic cures as you’ll skip any further damage or side effects caused by chemicals to your skin.
We have listed some of the best home remedies and ingredients that will give you the best results. Let’s scroll through them one-by-one!
Cucumber:
Cucumbers' mild astringent properties and cooling sensation calm the skin and aid in fading a sun tan. Cucumbers include vitamin C, which also aids in maintaining healthy skin hydration.
Home Remedy:
Take freshly grated cucumber. Clean your face and then rub the cucumber on your skin. Let it get absorbed for 10-15 minutes. Then wash it off. Do this a couple of times every day. The hydrating properties of cucumber soothe your skin and aids in healing.
Turmeric, gram, and curd:
Curcumin content in turmeric helps lighten the skin and lessens the synthesis of extra melanin. Use turmeric in your skincare routine to brighten your skin tone, and lighten any pigmentation or dark spots.
Due to its ability to lessen pigmentation, black spots, and skin oiliness, the curd is a natural sun tan remover. Additionally, curd has bleaching properties that are said to effectively combat a sun tan.
Your face and body will look better than ever because of the extraordinary cleansing properties of gramme flour.
Home Remedy:
Yes, the Indian classic. Make a paste of turmeric, gram flour, and curd and apply it to your face. Give it 15-20 minutes, and then wash it off. Repeat this process every alternate day for noticeable results.
Honey and lemon:
Lemon juice's citric acid dissolves the tanning-induced dead skin cells on the skin, leaving behind a radiant complexion. As a result, it promotes skin whitening. Lemons have bleaching effects that lessen melanin, a substance that gives skin its colour.
Home Remedy:
Take two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of lemon, make a paste, and apply it to your face. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Now, rinse it off. While lemon will detox the skin, honey will moisturize it with love. Repeat it every day.
Milk:
Milk's lactic acid gently exfoliates skin to eliminate dead skin cells, clearing the surface of tanned and imperfect skin. Its efficiency increases and results are obtained more quickly when combined with other organic products, such as strawberries and almonds.
Home Remedy:
Take a cotton ball and dip it in some raw milk. Apply the milk to your face and let it dry for 10 minutes. Then, rinse it off. You can follow the same process on a daily basis as raw milk gives your skin the required radiance over a period of time with regular usage.
Papaya and Honey:
The skin-lightening capabilities of the papaya enzyme papain aid in fading sun tan and lessening the prominence of scars and blemishes. The other enzymes present in papaya are known to rejuvenate, exfoliate, and repair the skin.
Because it deeply hydrates the skin from the inside out, honey is frequently used as a basic component in almost all home remedies. Honey possesses wound-healing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. (4) Because honey contains enzymes, it can readily penetrate the skin, conditioning and softening it from the inside out.
Home Remedy:
Take the papaya pulp and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Apply the paste to your face and keep it for 30 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this every alternate day for fast results.
Orange and yoghurt:
Oranges are extremely effective at fading body and facial tan. Oranges' vitamin C and antioxidants can assist in removing dead skin cells from the epidermal layer of your skin, which will help you lose your tan. Oranges also contain vitamin E, which cures sunburns and shields your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Yoghurt is known for its nourishing properties.
Home Remedy:
Prepare a mask with these two ingredients in a bowl. Apply it. Keep it for 30 minutes and then, rinse it off. You can try the mask every alternate day until you see the desired results.
Tomato, aloe vera, and masoor dal mask:
Sunburns and tan markings can be effectively treated and removed with tomatoes. It has a lot of vitamin C and vitamin A, which helps calm the skin and get rid of the tan. According to a study, tomato paste contains a lot of lycopene, which protects against sunburn. (5)
Aloe Vera has a reputation for reducing pigmentation and suppressing melanin. Additionally, it possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. Applying aloe vera gel to your skin on a regular basis can aid in fading tans.
Due to its strong nutritional, vitamin, and mineral content, it works wonders as a face cleanser and exfoliant. You may clean out all the dirt and impurities from your skin with a masoor dal face pack.
Home Remedy:
Soak a tablespoon of masoor dal in water for 30 minutes. Grind it and blend it with aloe vera and tomato puree. Apply it to your face. Rinse it off after 30 minutes. This mask will rejuvenate your skin, brighten it, and clean it. You can apply the mask twice a week.
Green tea:
The polyphenols known as catechins are abundant in green tea. The most prevalent catechin in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), has been shown to have potential in preventing skin cancer and UV-induced damage. The good for all, green tea is full of antioxidants that treat skin tan by helping the production of skin cell. It can also be used as an effective undereye scrub for dark circles.
Home Remedy:
To apply, brew some tea and allow it to cool. Let it sit on the face for 10 minutes, and then wash it off. Do it every alternate day to reap the most benefits.
Oatmeal and Buttermilk:
Your skin cells become less able to renew as you get older and are exposed to more UV light. Certain antioxidants found in oat
The lactic acid present in buttermilk assists in the skin naturally shed its dark outer layer and heal damaged skin. This miraculous kitchen ingredient has the ability to naturally treat sunburn. Additionally, oatmeal works wonders as a topical sunburn remedy!
Home Remedy:
Combine two tablespoons of oatmeal and two tablespoons of buttermilk. Mix it well and apply it. Rinse it after 20-30 minutes.
Milk cream and Strawberry:
Strawberries contain salicylic acid, which lowers and removes black spots and hyperpigmentation. The dead skin cells that drag down your skin are removed by strawberries, which also act as a wonderful exfoliant. Additionally, it closes pores and stops new flaws from emerging.
Home Remedy
This combination helps your treat sun tan, blemishes, freckles, and dark spots. Make a smooth paste of two strawberries and two tablespoon milk cream and apply it to your face. Let it work on your skin for 20-30 minutes and then, wash it off. Use the mask twice a week for noticeable results.
Almonds:
Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found in almonds, shield your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation and help you avoid age spots. Vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties also helps lessening the skin damage.
Home Remedy
Vitamin E present in almonds helps your skin fight sun tan and other skin issues. Just take four to five almonds and grind it coarse. Add rose water and lemon juice and use it as a scrub then rinse it off in five minutes.
Sandalwood:
Sandalwood has natural oils that can be used to remove a sun tan. Additionally, it reduces the redness brought on by a sunburn and helps to soothe a sunburn. It contains antiseptic qualities that stop the growth of zits, acne, and blisters.
Home Remedy
This age-old remedy is healing to the skin in many ways. Sandalwood can remove tanning from the face while soothing its way to treating acne and pimples. To create the mask, take two tablespoons of sandalwood powder. Milk it with rose water. If you wish to add raw milk, you can. Apply it to your face and let it dry. Then, wash it off with cold water. Repeat this process twice a week for calming results.
Fresh milk cream and Saffron:
Saffron has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties. It doesn’t just deal with the sun tan but also, cleans the face by treating pimples and acne.
Home Remedy:
Take a few strands of saffron and boil them in water. Once it leaves some colour, allow the water to cool down. Now add it to two tablespoons of milk cream. Apply it and then, wash it off after 15 minutes with lukewarm water. You can use this mask thrice a week for the best results.
If you wish to use de-tanning products instead of home remedies, go ahead and bring in the power of Ayurveda into the picture with Petalsoft Anti-tan Rose Face Pack, Plump Up Antiwrinkle Gel and Nosun Jojoba-Wheatgerm Moisturising Sun Protection Gel
Natural products from Just Herbs to remove and prevent sun tan
Petalsoft Anti-tan Rose Face Pack
Petalsoft Anti-tan Rose Face Pack from Just Herbs helps soothe, heal, and brighten skin that has been damaged by the sun while removing stubborn sun tan. Rich in Multani Mitti, combined with several other therapeutic clays and plant components, as well as the alluring and calming perfume of wild Indian roses it works wonders on tanned skin.
Infused with with skin-brightening herbs, including Indian Rose, Liquorice, and Holy Basil, retain skin elasticity and tone, texturise, and rejuvenate the skin. Holy Basil and Rose, which have radiation-protecting characteristics, shield the skin from the effects of photoaging by preventing the creation of melanin and reducing chronic inflammation and redness.
Tender Touch Body Radiance Oil
This body oil is 100% natural, imparts a glow, is non-sticky, and is incredibly nourishing for vata skin. The Ayurvedic herbs utilised in this oil, including red sandalwood, lodhra, karchura, and kasturi manjal, promotes proper energy flow throughout your body and leave you feeling calm and rejuvenated all day long. By eliminating sun damage, red sandalwood creates a radiant, balanced skin tone and flawless complexion.
Nosun Jojoba-Wheatgerm Moisturising Sun Protection Gel
It is a non-sticky, lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 35+ PA++++ sunscreen that keeps skin breathing while shielding it from the sun. It produces no white cast and is free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, nanno particles and sulphates. It is perfect to use on oily and combination skin types.
Plump Up Anti-wrinkle Gel
The plump up antiwrinkle gel is a transparent gel-based fine-line minimizer for intense skin hydration throughout the day. Its fruit oils' built-in antioxidant properties shield the skin from environmental aggressors like the sun and oxidative skin disorders.
FAQs
1. Is sun tan permanent?
Ans: A tan is a sign of skin damage which points us to a bigger problem. The darkening of your skin is your body’s way to protect your skin, a reaction to the sun damage. Suntan does eventually fade as the new skin cells will generate over time but consistent sun damage for a period of time might lead to permanent skin darkening. Damage done by the sun can be permanent even though the tan fades. It may lower the immunity and causes the skin to sag, can cause wrinkles, and pigmentation. So always protect your skin instead of relying on the antidotes.
2. Why is tan skin attractive?
Ans: When your skin is tanned, it stands out which highlights contours and enhances the glow on your skin. Hence, some studies have observed that some humans find tan skin more compelling than pale skin. However, this doesn’t change the fact that too much tanning will damage your skin and lead it to skin cancer. In all cases, it’s important to protect the skin by adding anti-ageing ingredients to your daily skincare routine
3. Does tan go away naturally?
Ans: Yes, most of the time the tan fades away naturally in a month unless you are continuously exposed under the sun. If you are not able to avoid sun exposure but wish to protect your skin from the UV rays, use a good sun protection, and wear nice sun protective clothing.
4. How do I restore my original skin colour?
Ans: One of the easiest ways to get back your original skin colour is to heal it with the power of vitamin C. Apply lemon juice or tomato juice and leave it for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off. Make sure you’re drinking enough water in a day and not overexposing your skin to the sun, consistently.
5. How to remove tanning quickly?
Ans: Use sour curd in your face mask, it’s highly moisturizing for your skin. It will instantly give your skin the much-needed relief. Other than that, use lemon juice, oatmeal scrub, tomato juice or potato juice, which will act as a bleaching agent, as face cleansers for quick results.
6. What foods to eat for glowing skin?
Ans: Glowing skin is a happy skin which means it’s well hydrated and well-fed. Some superfoods that help the skin to glow naturally are fatty fishes that are rich in omega-3, avocados, walnuts, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
7. How long does it take for a tan to fade on Indian skin?
Generally, the duration of tan is between 7 and 10 days before the skin begins to naturally exfoliate and rejuvenate. Your tan might stay longer than expected if you exfoliate your skin just before stepping out in sun.
8. Why does my skin get tanned so easily?
You tan more readily if your skin is darker in tone i.e., has more melanin. To cover and shield the sun-exposed skin from further harm, melanin, a brown pigment made up of melanocytes, spreads out across it.
Also read:
- How to remove tan from arms
- The most effective ways to remove tan from legs, feet and hands
- Tan removal tips for men
References:
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/07/sun-skin
- https://www.healthline.com/health/papaya-benefits-for-skin
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/prevent-dehydration
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671032/
- https://www.carecreations.basf.com/core-competencies/all-about-sun/sunlight/no-sun-no-life-on-earth
