IN THIS ARTICLE
What is Tan? How Does Tanning Occur?
We all know about tanning, but have we ever thought about why we develop tan and how does it happen? Let us get deeper into the issue.
Tan starts with the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. When the skin is exposed too much into the sun, then a cell called melanocytes that forms 5% of the epidermis produces melanin which in turn makes the skin black. This process of melanin production is a way your skin is protecting itself from the excessive damage through UV rays from the sun.
Importance of Addressing Tan
While tan may seem to be a common and very trivial matter in the lives of most of us, it has a long term effect on our skin rather than darkening only. It can cause hyper-pigmentation, sunburn and in some rare cases maximum exposure to sun can cause skin cancer too. In aged women, a disease called solar lentigines is often observed. Here in this disease, few spots appear on the face, temples or sometimes nose and arms. With over exposure to tan, the skin loses all kinds of moisture and looks dull and dim. Sun tan most commonly affects the body parts which get more exposed. Like face, skin, hands So, it is important to address skin tan with importance and what best to remove and relieve yourself from tan with home remedies rather than making a hole in the pocket.
Factors that Affect and Worsen Tanning
While tanning is a very natural process of the skin which when exposed to the sun gets dark and several other issues can occur, but few factors are there, which worsens the tanning process.
- Not using sunscreen- While to some, using sunscreen may seem overrated, but yes going to sun without using a protective shield can damage the skin. We know sunscreen matters a lot, but still plenty of people either miss it or forget to reapply it. Sunscreen should be treated as the daily part of the skin care routine, not as a forced norm.
- Over-exfoliation- Over-exfoliation to the skin can make it more rough and break the skin’s natural barrier and invite sun tan more naturally. So, the key is if you are tanned, it's better to skip exfoliation which leaves behind dead skin and helps disappear tan effectively.
- De-hydrated skin- A skin which is not hydrated properly is more prone to tanning. When we don’t drink enough water, our skin remains dry and often attracts more sun rays and eventually the skin damages.
- Living closer to the equator or in higher altitudes- People who stay closer to the equator, are exposed to more sun rays and UV radiation and so they need more shielding and protection.
- Lifestyle habits- Regular participation in outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking or playing any other sport outside exposes us more towards UV rays and causes maximum sun damage.
Risks and Cons Related to Sun Tanning
While few people can turn themselves up for aesthetic reasons and sometimes to look cool, repeated exposure to tan can cause risk in the long run.
- Premature aging- While tanning can seem to be a very trivial matter, serious issues like premature aging can also be one of the fatal consequences of sun tanning.
- Increased chances of skin cancer- With over exposure to sunrays, apart from skin tanning, in extreme cases, one can develop skin cancer also. Melanoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer which occurs due to over exposure to sun.
- Hyper-pigmentation & uneven skintone- One of the very common issues which is faced due to over exposure to sun rays is hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Dark patches, irregular pigmentation and heat rashes can be some of the worst cons of over sun exposure.
- Dehydration and dryness- Over exposure to the sun can be very damaging to the skin as it can erase hydration from the skin and make it dull, dry and prone to tanning.
Also Read- https://bio-valley.com/blogs/blogs/uses-of-rice-water-for-glowing-skin
How to Remove Tan Naturally at Home
The sun kissed summer vacations at beaches are very good for our memories but our skin does not thank us for that. But don’t worry, we have done the hard work for you. Here are the best kept sun tan removal DIY packs and masks and using this regularly can help you gain confidence of stepping into the sun. Here are a few easiest ways to remove tan naturally.
1. Honey and lemon mask- Lemon being a natural bleach works very well in tan and honey added with it adds moisture to it. This traditional glow mask does not require any added pocket pinch to add to your routine and shows its results within a few weeks of its regular usage.
Usage- Grab a tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add 1 tbsp of honey and stir. Then evenly apply it on the face. Leave it for 15-20 mins. Wash it off with warm water.
2. Aloe vera gel- Rich in enzymes, vitamins and a huge source of amino acids, aloe vera gel provides a soothing and cooling effect on burns and tans. The more the gel is from natural extract of a plant, the more effective it is to the affected area.
Usage- Scoop out freshly plucked aloe vera leaves from the aloe plant. Apply a thick layer on the tanned skin. Use it on a clean face before going to sleep and leave it overnight. Rinse with cold water in the morning.
3. Tomato pulp- One of the most basic and common ingredient which is available in all Indian kitchens is tomato. In addition to being a healthy addition in pasta, tomato works wonders in sun tan and repeated usage removes tan. It also removes dryness and adds glow to the skin.
Usage- Slice a tomato in two halves and apply one of the pulpy parts to the affected skin. Let it dry and then rinse it with cold water.
4. The cooling tan buster cucumber and rose water- The cooling combination of cucumber and rose water is a great combination which works very well in tanned skin.
Usage- Grate a cucumber. Squeeze the juice and add it with rose water. Use a cotton bud and dab it on the face. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash it off. Rosewater acts on the inflammation and acts as a calming effect on the skin and cucumber cools and moisturises the skin.
5. Gram flour and turmeric- Gram flour is one of the basic ingredients which is available in all Indian kitchens. The granny’s secret, as it is commonly said, is not used to make hot pakodas, but can be very effective in removing hard tan.
Usage- Add 2 tbsp of gram flour with a few pinches of turmeric juice or powder. To make a smooth paste, add either milk or rose water. Use it for a few days and the result will be visible.
6. Papaya and honey pack- Called as the delightful tropical tan pack, papaya and honey pack is widely used for removing tan at home. When combined with honey it leaves a radiant, glowing and silky smooth.
Usage- Mash 2-3 pieces of papaya cubes. Add a few drops of honey in it and make a smooth paste. Apply it on the affected area and then after a few minutes rinse it off with cold water. While papaya has good enzymes and honey adding moisturising effect to the skin can help lighten acne scars and hyper pigmentation.
While several detanning packs are available in the market, using home remedies are the best and works well, if you can take out time and be consistent.
Final thoughts
Tanning, an inevitable part of outdoors- be it swimming, any outdoor sport, going to complete your regular chores. But does not mean one has to stay indoors. If one can use any of the 6 remedies regularly can bring noticeable change. But if time is really less, then amongst many companies, Bio Valley is one company which has been slowly making a mark in the Indian market. Its body washes have good reviews and the Rose & sea salt body wash can very well be used to clear tan and make your skin smooth and glowing. Infused with rose extracts and sea salt, the wash detoxifies the skin and makes it look radiant.
FAQ’s
Q1. Can I get rid of my tan overnight?
No, tan cannot be removed overnight and using natural remedies requires time. To remove tan completly, consistency over days or weeks and through several home remedies, like lemon or tomato, will require time.
Q2. Is daily natural tanning safe?
Yes, daily tanning is indeed safe. Using papaya, cucumber, and rose water are all gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Using stronger ones (like lemon) two or three times a week may speed up the matter.
Q3. What is the quickest way to get rid of a tan at home?
Removing tan in the natural way needs time and regularity. For noticeable effects, lemon and honey or tomato pulp work best, but if you have sensitive skin, always do a patch test.
Q4. Does home remedies for tan work better than salon treatments?
There is no such proven evidence on this question.Home remedies are chemical-free, budget-friendly, and safe. Salon treatments may give faster results but often come with harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin.
Q5. Can men also use home remedies?
Yes surely. Skin is skin and these home remedies work equally well for men and women.
