Going on vacation is fun, but it isn’t so much fun when you discover that your skin has become two shades darker because of sun exposure! Isn’t it? There are ways to remove the tanned, brown skin.
You no longer have to be afraid of the beach if you use the proper skincare. Learn more by diving in.
What is tanning?
Tannin is an increase in skin pigment (melanin) caused by sunlight. The body uses this natural process to protect the skin against sun damage.
When exposed to strong sunlight, your body releases melanin under the skin’s surface. This allows the UV radiation to be absorbed. The higher the UV exposure, the more pigmentation and the darker the tan.
Causes of skin tan
The sun’s spectrum is composed of UV (ultraviolet rays) at three different wavelengths.
1. UV A
The most dangerous element that causes a tan is said to be these rays. UVA rays can penetrate deeper layers of skin and damage the cells. Melanocytes release melanin, which is responsible for the dark brown color of your skin.
2. UV B
UVB rays can damage the top layers of skin. The exposure to these rats increases in the summer and decreases in the winter. Unlike UVA rays, UVB doesn’t trigger melanocytes. It does, however, cause DNA damage that increases the production of melanin.
3. UV C
UVA rays that penetrate the skin’s layers signal melanocytes to produce excessive melanin. The skin darkens further due to oxidation.
Tan Removal Treatments
A suntan can damage the skin and cause further skin damage. You must therefore fight this with the best tan-removal treatments. “Ingredients such as arbutin and niacinamide can reduce skin tan,” says Harish Koutam Chief Dermatologist of SkinKraft.
- Laser Toning
A dermatologist will use a laser to reduce skin tanning and break down melanin pigment. Lasers are high-intensity monochromatic coherent light sources. [2]
This light energy is converted into heat energy when used on the skin. It targets a specific pigment (skin pigment – melanin) without damaging the surrounding tissue. They penetrate deeper layers of skin to remove excess melanin.
- Peels Chemicals
This tan-removal treatment removes the dead layers on the skin that have accumulated excessive melanin. [3]
Chemical peels can be made with glycolic, trichloroacetic, lactic, or carbolic acids (phenol). Chemical peels can be classified according to their intensity.
- Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that removes tans by exfoliating the skin’s dead cells. This process also helps to reduce melanin pigment. The therapy encourages the regeneration of new skin cells more quickly than would be expected. The result is skin that appears firmer, toned, and younger. There are two ways to do this:
Crystal Microdermabrasion
A wand sprays tiny particles on your face.
Diamond-tip Microdermabrasion
The applicator directly exfoliates your skin.
- Tan Remover Creams
Most tan-removal creams on the market will lighten the top layers of skin. The serum or cream used to remove tan penetrates deeper into the skin layers and inhibits the enzymes responsible for melanin.
- Lightening Actives
These activities can be used to remove tan from the face. [5] Kojic Acid, niacinamide, and Kojic Acid are all lightning agents. What are they exactly?
- Licorice
Licorice root contains glabridin, liquidity, and other substances that help with skin tanning.
- Vitamin C
The enzyme Tyrosinase helps in melanin formation in the skin. Vitamin C inhibits Tyrosinase, which reduces melanin production and tanning.
- Kojic Acid
Kojic acid comes from a fungus that looks like a mushroom and is produced by fermentation. It inhibits melanin production and penetrates the upper layers of the skin to cause a whitening effect. [5]
- Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 or niacinamide can be used to lighten skin and remove tan. It works because it reduces by over half the amount of pigment-producing cells’ (melanocytes’) melanin transferred to the skin surface.
- Face Pack
Face wash, wax: De-tanners help remove tanned cells accumulated on your skin after exposure to UV rays. These products do not make skin lighter but can help even the tone.
They can be made with natural ingredients such as papaya, tomato, and lemon or chemical substances like lactic acid. These treatments help to lighten the upper layers.
- Exfoliation
Gentle exfoliation is an effective way to remove pigmented skin cells. This will result in a more even, more straightforward skin tone and reduce the appearance of tanning.
A chemical exfoliation is a good option for people with sensitive skin. It uses chemicals like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids to dissolve dead skin cells. Those with oily or dry skin can opt for mechanical exfoliation techniques that use brushes or sponges.
- Bleaching
Bleaching is a quick and effective way to remove tans. It removes dead skin cells and hydrates your skin while lightening the tone. The upper layer of the skin is exfoliated when you wash off the bleaching lotion. This makes your skin look brighter and more radiant.
Do not bleach your skin regularly, as the chemicals in them can harm it.
- Home Remedies
People have used the following home remedies for skin lightening since ancient times, but they do not include any scientific evidence.
- Lemon Juice and Honey
Using lemon juice to remove tan is an ancient and effective remedy. Lemon juice is bleaching and helps remove tan. Honey makes the skin supple and soft. Add honey to one tablespoon of lemon. Apply the mixture to your skin for 30 minutes. It is best to wash it off.
- Turmeric and Bengal Gram Face pack
Our Indian grandmothers have a great tip for removing tan on the face and body. Mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder, lemon juice, and Bengal gram with curd to make a thick paste. Apply to the face and neck. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash it off. All ingredients are natural de-tanning agents.
- Papaya with Honey
The papaya is an effective home remedy for removing tan. Honey helps keep skin supple. It also contains papain, an enzyme that is known to lighten skin. Apply honey to a papaya handful and mash it. Let it sit for 20 minutes, and then wash it off.
- Potato Juice
It is an effective bleaching agent. It can be used to lighten your dark circle and sun tan. Peel the potato skin and blend it in a mixer. Apply it to the tanned parts of your face for 15 minutes. It can be washed off with cold running water.
- Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a highly nourishing moisturizer that replenishes moisture. Vitamin C and mild acids in coconut milk help remove tan. Apply coconut milk to a cotton pad and let it soak for a few minutes. Let it completely dry, and then wash it with a mild cleanser.
- Saffron and Milk
Saffron has skin-soothing and skin-lightening properties. It is an effective ingredient for removing tan. It has bioactive compounds which protect the skin from UV rays and reverse the effects of tanning. After two hours, strain the milk/cream and apply a few strands of saffron to the affected area. After 10-15 minutes, wash off with water.
- Oatmeal and Buttermilk
Buttermilk is rich in lactic acids and can remove tan. It also improves the skin’s tone. Soak two teaspoons of oatmeal or oats in a 1/2 cup of warm water for 5 minutes. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of butter. Mix well until paste forms. Rub it gently on the areas that are tanned. It is best to leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off.
The following natural ingredients are also effective for removing tan:
- Tomatoes and yogurt
- Orange juice and yogurt
- Aloe vera
- Ice cubes
- Bitter gourd
- Multani mitti
How Can You Prevent Sun Tanning from Happening? [6]
- When going out during the day, make sure you are fully covered.
- Use hats, sunglasses, stoles, etc.
- Avoid outdoor activities between 10 am and 2 pm.
- Apply sunscreen before going out, and reapply every two hours. [7]
- Keep hydrated. Drink 15-20 glasses of water daily in the summer to avoid dehydration. Consume healthy foods rich in fiber, such as green fruits and vegetables.
- Apply sunscreen every 20 minutes if you spend much time in the sun or the pool.
- Select cosmetics that are sun-friendly. During the day, apply a moisturizer. Choose mineral makeup instead of cream-based products.
- Face wash at least twice a day.
- Eat healthy foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables and fruit, to improve your skin’s immune system and prevent damage from the sun.
These preventive measures have yet to be scientifically proven. People have believed in these measures for centuries.
Why am I so easily tanned?
You tend to get a tan if you have a darker tone. Melanin (brown color) and melanocytes cover the exposed skin, protecting it from further damage.
How long does a tan take to fade?
The proper treatment for skin tanning can take 1-4 weeks to remove the tan, depending on its intensity.