How To Get Rid of Skin Tan - Expert Tips and Treatments

In the summer, the burning Sun and its rays have the biggest impact on the skin. Heat has a direct influence on the skin, causing the skin to lose its radiance. Suntan refers to the darkening of the skin. The face, neck, arms, and back are more tanned than the rest of the body In such cases, people frequently head to the parlour to get de tan done. But this takes time and money; one only sometimes has time to go to the parlour.

A sun tan can mess up your beauty routine, and it takes ages to get back the original glowing skin. Considering this, we are constantly careful of sun exposure.

The easiest approach to avoid sun damage is to avoid the Sun. Other precautions include using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sunlight during the day's peak UV radiation. Retinoids, lightening agents, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, and fillers are treatments available to heal damaged skin.

In this blog, Dr Rasya Dixit, the best skin doctor in Bangalore, shares the science behind skin tanning, its causes, treatment, and tips to prevent tanning. Keep reading to understand in detail.

What is Skin Tan?

Tanning is the process by which skin pigment (melanin) production increases because of sun exposure, resulting in the darkening of the skin. This is the body's natural defence mechanism when it is exposed to sunlight. It serves as a protective layer to protect the skin from the Sun.

When exposed to the Sun's ultraviolet rays, skin cells go into defence mode. Melanin is transported from melanocytes to keratinocytes, which are surface skin cells. Melanin pigment is a safeguarding mechanism, preventing future cell damage from UV exposure.

Causes of Skin Tan

Melanin is a natural pigment made by cells known as melanocytes. It acts as a shield against the harmful effects of UV radiation by absorbing them. Although UV radiation causes sunburn and other direct and indirect DNA damage to the skin, the body naturally fights and tries to repair the damage. It also protects the skin by producing extra melanin in the skin's cells. Skin colour tends to darken as melanin synthesis increases, causing more uneven skin tone.

Symptoms of Skin Tanning

The symptoms of skin tanning are quite evidently visible. These include:

● Darkening of the skin

● Rashes

● Patchy skin

● Uneven skin tone

● Rough and dry skin

● In severe cases - sunburn and flaky skin

Complications of Tanning

The complications of tanning are not caused due to tanning but mainly because of overexposure to UV rays. These could be:

● Health conditions due to oxidative stress

● Premature skin ageing

● Risk of eye diseases

● Weaken immune system

● In severe cases, skin cancer

When to Consult a Doctor?

It is advised if the tan is getting worse or showing severe symptoms. One can also visit a doctor if the tan is prolonged and has not responded to any home remedies to remove skin tan.

Treatment of Skin Tan

Dr. Rasya Dixit offers the following treatments for effective skin lightening treatment in Bangalore. These may vary according to the severity of the condition, skin type, and patient's expectations. These include:

1. Serums and face gels: These tan removal creams and gels contain retinoids, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants. These also include salicylic, kojic, and ascorbic (a form of Vitamin-C) acid. They help by exfoliating the topmost layer of the skin.

These dermatologically tested tan removal lotions can boost collagen and brighten areas to remove tan. The most effective tan removal lotions penetrate deeper into the skin to control melanin formation.

2. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are used to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This is an effective technique to remove tan. It exfoliates the tanner layer of the skin and helps grow new skin cells. These de-tanning peels contain glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol) in varying concentrations according to the skin type.

3. Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is considered one of the most effective techniques to remove skin tan. It is a simple method of removing tan skin by physically exfoliating the top layer of the skin. This helps develop new and healthy cells, decreases scarring, and smoothes the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and is completely painless.

4. Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can help reduce stubborn tans and pigmentation. It uses laser light to heal and rejuvenate damaged skin cells. Damaged skin is exposed to a low-level red laser, which can penetrate the skin up to three inches. This causes the skin to develop new and healthy skin cells, which improves the skin's appearance. Skin specialists recommend this de-tan technique to treat pigmentation and other skin tan disorders.

Tips to Prevent Tanning

Following the below-mentioned tips can help prevent skin tan to a certain extent.

● During summer, do not go out in the Sun during mid-day

● Wear cotton clothes with loose fitting that cover arms and legs properly

● Use a mineral sunscreen of the broad spectrum with minimum SPF 30 UVA and UVB protection

● Wear polarised sunglasses to protect the eyes.

Tips to Manage Tanning at Home

These home tips can help in managing mild tanning at home. However, they are not treatments and do not guarantee results.

1. Gentle exfoliation can help in removing dead cells and rejuvenate the skin.

2. Apply fresh aloe vera gel before bed and wash off with normal water the next morning.

3. Apply besan and curd ubtan for 20 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water.

4. Apply a thick layer of curd and honey and wash off with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.

5. Apply cucumber juice and raw milk for 15-20 mins and wash off with normal water

Even though spending time in the Sun has many medicinal benefits, people should always apply sunscreen and limit the amount of time spent in the heat to avoid the risk of skin tanning and its complications. If anyone is already suffering from skin and looking for the best skin-lightening treatment in Bangalore, they can visit Dr. Rasya Dixit, the best cosmetic dermatologist in bangalore

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can tanning cause skin cancer?

Some researchers suggest that tanning may increase the risk of skin cancer as it damages healthy skin cells and causes premature skin ageing.

Can sunscreen prevent tanning?

Sunscreen builds up a layer on the skin that helps reduce UV rays' effects on the body but cannot prevent tanning completely

Which is the best sunscreen to prevent tanning?

Investing in broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF shielding against UVA and UVB rays is suggested. It is believed the higher the SPF, the better the protection.